QUICK-TURN RAPID SHEET METAL SERVICES

Laser Cutting and Punching

Laser cutters work by concentrating light energy into a laser beam and augmenting it with gas to cut sheet metal. Unlike punches, the sheet remains fixed as the laser head moves in the X, Y and Z axes. Lasers can also be used to etch part numbers and labelling. Laser cutters are more accurate and produce a smoother edge.

Punching is a machining method for scrap metal removal from a sheet of raw metal. A punch press is used to squeeze a tool through a sheet of raw metal. Punching is often less expensive and faster than laser cutting.

Material Graining

Graining gives sheet metal pieces a consistent surface finish by grinding the metal with a belt grinder.

Drilling, Countersinking and Tapping

Drilling creates higher-quality holes that can be used in thicker materials. Thread-tapping and countersinking are frequently done after that. Thread tapping creates threads inside the drilled hole, allowing for the eventual creation of a bolted link. Countersinking a drilled hole removes the sharp edge and creates a bevel as well as a recess (deep bevel) for a blind bolt head.

Forming and Bending

Cold working activities such as metal bending and shaping allow the sheet metal to be shaped to configurations that allow for creation of the optimal parts.

Hardware Insertion

Sheet metal pieces with hardware insertions provide higher depth for load bearing threads. Hardware insertion uses existing holes generated by high-precision tools such as a laser cutter or a waterjet cutter, which improves fastener placement accuracy.

Mechanical Assembly

Describes the process of assembling sheet metal project components on an assembly line, as well as the end result.

TIG, MIG, Spot Welding and Weld Grinding

Welding is a fabrication method that involves fusing two or more pieces of sheet metal together using heat, pressure, or both to join them as the pieces cool. MIG welding is the fastest option, but the results do not appear as smooth as TIG welding.
Spot welding is a method of joining two or more pieces of sheet metal by applying pressure and heat to the weld region using an electric current. Weld grinding is a crucial step in many sheet metal production processes that entails removing excess weld metal in a clean and effective manner.

Welded Assemblies and Frames

Sheet metal can be used to create complete welded assemblies and frames for large rapid sheet metal fabrication projects.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a dry coating procedure that is mostly used as a metal finish. Not all materials can withstand powder coating, but most sheet metals can. An electrostatic method is used to apply the powder coating as a dry powder, which is subsequently cured using heat. Powder coating is possible on aluminum, bronze, copper, brass, titanium and steel (including stainless, galvanized, anodized and e-coat).

Painting

Painting is a good option for materials that can’t withstand heat and projects that don’t need to be as durable. There is also a wider color selection available with paint. It may also be less expensive and result in a thinner coating.

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating is a type of paint used to defend military vehicles from chemical and biological weapons.

Silk Screening

Silk-screening (also known as serigraphy) involves applying paint to a specially prepared portion of metal using fine polyester mesh and a squeegee or blade.

Laser Engraving

A laser is used to engrave the sheet metal with a design or identifying mark for manufacturing.

Chem Film

Alodine, often known as chem film, is a chemical conversion coating intended to protect aluminum sheet metal from corrosion.

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical technique that involves immersing aluminum in a liquid bath and passing an electric current through it. This causes a chemical reaction, thickening the oxide layer on the aluminum’s surface.

Black Oxide

Black Oxide, often known as blackening, is the process of chemically changing the top layer of a sheet metal made of ferrous substance, turning it black and adding durability.

Bead Blasting

Bead blasting is the process of impacting a round spherical material against a part’s surface to provide a more consistent finish caused by the sphere hitting the surface.

Tumbling

Tumble finishing is a method of smoothing and polishing a rough surface on small parts.