Metal forming is an essential fabrication process that produces components for critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, architecture, and other manufacturing sectors. Metal forming creates components without melting the material, so it avoids affecting the internal integrity of the final molded product.
Fabrication Services, Inc. (FSI) is an expert in metal forming, and this page will discuss the basics of this process—including its benefits and applications—to help you decide which metal forming technique is best for your project.
What Is Metal Forming?
Metal forming is a type of fabrication that reshapes metals in their solid state. It depends on the plasticity of the metal to form the desired shape. Fabricators must apply a force stronger than the yield strength of the material to change its physical shape.
Fabricators can permanently bend, stretch, or compress the material to meet particular specifications. The degree of change achieved is proportional to the force applied to it. At Fabrication Services, Inc., we specialize in metal bending, whereby a metal sheet is punch-pressed on a die to bend it into the required shape.
What Are the Benefits and Applications of Metal Forming?
Fabricators prefer metal forming over other fabrication processes due to its ability to make components that meet diverse needs. Here is an overview of the benefits of metal forming.
Efficient and Accurate
Sheet metal forming that uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology achieves greater efficiency and accuracy than traditional methods. With this computerized, automated technology, fabricators can form metal sheets with up to a 0.05 mm tolerance. CNC technology is ideal for large-volume production runs, as it eliminates human error and offers superior repeatability.
Durable
The use of sheet metal guarantees a quality product that can withstand high pressures. Sheet metal finishes add extra durability as well as resistance to corrosion, moisture, and sun exposure.
Easy to Repair
With the sheet metal forming process, it’s relatively easy to inspect and repair any damage in the sheet metal without taking apart the entire structure.
Cost-Effective
Sheet metal forming guarantees an affordable and high-quality way that customers can obtain components for their industrial applications.
Given these benefits, critical industries around the world rely on metal forming to manufacture the parts they need for reliable daily operation. These industries include:
- Appliance
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Defense
- Solar
- HVAC
- Automotive
- Tube & pipe
- Electronics
- Oil & gas
- Medical
- Construction
Metal forming typically produces the following components:
- HVAC components
- Windows
- Construction equipment
- Elevators
- Tubing
- Tracks
- Trains
- Door components
- Frames
- Structural components
- Ladders
- Railing
- Mounts
- Ships
Choosing Fabrication Services, Inc. for Your Metal Needs
Fabrication Services, Inc. is a leading industrial steel fabricator that can meet your particular metal forming demands. With over 50 years of experience, we work with all grades of carbon steel and other alloys. All forming and rolling services are performed in-house because we prioritize high quality. We also provide 24/7 service to guarantee our customers’ satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our metal forming services.
