What is the Process and Workflow of Sheet Metal Machining？

Most people in their daily lives only look for sheet metal machining factories, but not many know the specific sheet metal processing techniques that are used for manufacturing.

1. The following are the various sheet metal machining techniques

1) Drilling and tapping: Using a tap on the punched holes of the sheet metal parts to create threads for screw installation.

2) Countersinking: Creating conical holes in the sheet metal parts to match the commonly used countersunk screws in the market, making the screw head flush with the surface of the part.

3) Shearing: Cutting rectangular, square or rectangular sheets to the desired size using a shearing machine.

4) Stamping and cutting: Using a die on a regular or CNC punching press to obtain sheet metal components in various shapes.

5) Sheet metal punching: The process of creating holes in sheet metal components is achieved by punching the sheet metal with a punching or CNC punching press.

6) Sheet metal cutting: The process of cutting sheet metal components using laser cutting or CNC punching.

7) Sheet metal forming: The process of using bending dies on general punching machines or CNC bending equipment to make the sheet metal machining workpiece reach the required angle.

8) Sheet metal punching: Also known as "flanging," using the corresponding mold on a regular punching press or pneumatic equipment to turn the concave hole of the sheet metal into a convex bump, making it easier to tap threads.

9) Sheet metal bending: The process of molding the sheet metal components by using upper and lower tool molds on a manual or CNC bending machine.

2. The processing flow of sheet metal machining factories is generally the same

1) Design: Using relevant software to draw a blueprint based on the client's product design requirements.

2) Programming: Importing the product blueprint into CNC programming software to prepare the tooling and laser routing, then sending it to the CNC equipment for cutting, punching, and shearing.

3) Cutting: This is accomplished using various methods, such as laser cutting, shearing, punching, cutting, and so on. Shearing is the most cost-effective method that meets the requirements of the market. Stamping requires a certain quantity as a precondition. Laser cutting is faster and eliminates burrs, but products with more holes tend to have higher costs. Cutting is suitable for heavy industries that require a less refined finish.

4) Bending: Setting the pressure, positioning, and tool path on the CNC bending equipment, measuring the first piece to ensure proper dimensions, and conducting spot checks throughout the process to control errors.

5) Tapping: Using a tapping machine to create threads on the punched or laser-cut holes, making it easier to install screws.

6) Riveting: Threading screws, nuts, pillars, and bolts into the punched or laser-cut holes of the sheet metal components using a common punching press, making it easier to install screws and nuts.

7) Welding: Connecting and welding sheet metal parts after cutting, stamping, tapping, riveting, and bending using welding equipment coupled with argon or carbon dioxide spot welding, seam welding, or touch welding, making them strong and visually appealing.

8) Polishing: After welding, polishing the welds to create a smooth and tidy surface, with sharp edges and corners.

9) High-temperature spray painting: After cleaning sheet metal components using environmentally-friendly, acid-free oil-removing equipment, followed by the baking and powder spraying processes at 200 degrees Celsius. This creates a durable and abrasive-resistant, environmentally-friendly, and visually-appealing coating, which is then wrapped in shrink film, bubble wrap, or foam for protection.