Most Common Mistakes in Sheet Metal Fabrication
26 March 2021Sheet metal fabrication often utilises press brakes and other similar tools to turn metal sheets into useable products and structures. Some of the most notable processes that are conducted during sheet metal fabrication include cutting, punching, folding, and assembling.
Once processed, sheet metals can be used in a wide array of industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, and medical. One great reason why they are often used by these industries is that they can effectively resist weather, corrosion, and other damaging elements. They are likewise strong and durable, making products out of these sheet metals to be long-lasting. Another notable benefit of utilising sheet metals is that they are cost-effective.
All the benefits of sheet metals can be obtained if they are fabricated and processed properly. However, there are professional fabricators of sheet metals who can still commit mistakes and errors. Some of the most common mistakes in sheet metal fabrication are as follows:
Distortion
Distortion or deformation usually occurs whenever the sheet metals are stretched or compressed during their fabrication process. One of the known causes of distortion typically directs to the bending of sheet metals across the grain. Sheet metals that have been fabricated too quickly can likewise be distorted or deformed along the way. Ultimately, sheet metals that are being fabricated can also be distorted if their hardness, thickness, hole positioning, and sizes are different. Both mechanical straightening and thermal correction can resolve the problem of distortion.
Splits
Another common mistake in sheet metal fabrication is the formation of splits. Sheet metals that are extended beyond their ultimate tensile strength can easily generate and form splits. And one possible solution to splits is through utilising software modelling. Stamping simulation software must also be acquired to make sure that faulty sheet metals can be fixed and resolved properly.
Spring Backs
One error in sheet metal fabrication that may occur during the said process is spring backs. Spring backs typically occur whenever the sheet metal has been strained during the process and subsequently relaxes due to its elasticity. Sheet metals that have high strength often face this issue due to the narrow difference between their yield and tensile strength. One way to resolve spring backs is through compensating or overbending. Positive stretching can also be used to fix spring backs.
Wrinkles
One more sheet metal fabrication error that is common in worksites is the occurrence of wrinkles. As sheet metals are pushed through the stamping process, the compressive strains on the materials can generate wrinkles, which can be caused by the wrong manufacturing process or invalid parameters. Fortunately, wrinkled sheet metals can be fixed by stretching or drawing them with pads and binders.
To avoid sheet metal fabrication errors, feel free to contact us at Kinetic Engineering. We are a proudly Australian owned and family-run CNC machining and general engineering services company that was first established in 1984. We have the vision to grow within the industry and produce quality Australian-made products for its customers.
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