Cutting
Shear has long been the main method for cutting steel plates, but it has now been replaced by faster methods.
Punching machines can be used for stamping and molding to cut metal. Compared to laser or water jet cutting, this is particularly effective for cutting relatively simple parts. Because it can run at a speed of hundreds of times per minute, the punch can quickly produce suitable parts. Punching can also be used to punch holes or other cuts in parts. Combining punching machines and laser cutting can create complex planar patterns with size limited stamping features.
CNC laser cutting uses a jet of oxygen, nitrogen, helium, or carbon dioxide to burn off metal and produce clean finished edges. The speed of this process varies depending on the thickness of the metal, but cutting can be very complex, with very precise tolerances of+/-0.005 inches or more. Due to lack of contact, the tool will not wear out like a mechanical tool. Two types of lasers are used for sheet metal processing: fiber lasers are used for thinner and more reflective materials to achieve cutting; Multi gas or CO2 lasers are more powerful and suitable for thicker plates.
Photochemical processing is a controlled etching process using CAD generated templates to leave a chemically patterned surface and remove unwanted metals.
bend
Most metals can be bent along a straight axis using various presses. The curved shape can range from a gentle curve (such as a curve along the vertical axis of a steel can) to a sharp corner at 90 degrees above, below, or to the right. The bending machine is used to produce these relatively sharp bends. Rolling and forming methods generate open or closed uniaxial curves in continuous bending operations.
Most metals can be bent along a straight axis using various presses. The curved shape can range from a gentle curve (such as a curve along the vertical axis of a steel can) to a sharp corner at 90 degrees above, below, or to the right. The bending machine is used to produce these relatively sharp bends. Rolling and forming methods generate open or closed uniaxial curves in continuous bending operations.
Curling edge
This includes rolling metal shaped edges to provide smoother and more sturdy edges. The hem can be open, leaving an air space at the bend, or it can be closed, where the folded metal is tightly pressed against oneself. Curling creates a circular edge on the metal sheet, also known as a barrel shaped hem. This can be used for simple sharp edges, or for specific operational functions such as door hinges, which fix the pins around which the hinge rotates.
