Table of Contents
What Is Sheet Metal?
Before we start explaining the different types of sheet metal operations, first of all, we have to understand what is sheet metal? From the name itself you can get an idea that it talks about sheets that are made of metals.
So, sheet metals can be defined as pieces of metal that have a thickness between 0.15 mm to 6.35 mm. if the sheets which have a thickness of less than 0.15 mm will be considered as the foil and the sheets which have a thickness greater than 6.35mm will be considered as the plate. The thickness of the sheet metal is generally measured with a gauge.
Sheet Metal Operations-
All the sheet metal operations we performed are classified into two categories –
- Cutting Operations
- Forming Operations
1. Cutting Operations
The sheet metal operations in which we remove some parts of the sheets completely while operating are fall undercutting operations. Blanking is an example of a cutting operation.
2. Forming Operations
In these types of operations, we do not remove any parts of the sheet metal completely. Bending and wire forming are good examples of forming operations.
Various Types Of Sheet Metal Operations –
Shearing
In simple words, we can say that shearing is a sheet metal operation in which we cut the sheet in two or more parts in a straight line. The die uses shear force for cutting the sheet metal.
Blanking
The sheet metal operation in which we remove certain parts of the sheet metal from the bigger part is known as blanking. The removed or punched out part takes the shape of the die by which it got punched and it is the useful part. We call it a blank part. The left-out part is the scrap.
Punching
The punching operation is the same as the blanking operation. The only difference is that the removed part or punched-out part in this operation is the scrap while the left-out part is the useful one.
Piercing
From the name itself you can understand that this operation is performed on the sheet metal to pierce a desirable hole or shape into the sheet metal.
Trimming or Shaving
Trimming or Shaving is a sheet metal operation in which we remove the extra material from the final product. It is a finishing operation that helps us in providing dimensional accuracy.
Drawing
Drawing is a sheet metal operation in which the sheet is stretched into the shape of the die cavity. The upper die or punching die pushes the sheet metal into the lower die cavity to take the desired shape.
Embossing
Embossing is a sheet metal operation in which we create a raised surface one-side and a depressed surface on another side. Both sides of the sheet metal have a similar impression, one is in the raised form other is in the depressed form. The thickness of the metal does not change in this operation.
Bending
Bending is a sheet metal operation in which we bend the sheets at a desirable angle so that they can take the shape of the die.
Squeezing
From the name itself, you can get an idea that this kind of operation is done to press and squeeze the metal in a predetermined shaped die to get the desirable impression on the sheet metal. Coining is the best example of the squeezing process.
Coining is similar to embossing, but the only difference is that we can get similar or different kinds of impressions on both sides of the sheet metal.
Notching
Notching is a sheet metal operation where all the operations are performed at the edges of the sheet metal. The edges of the sheet metals are punched into various shapes.
Perforating
Perforating is the sheet metal operation in which we make a large number of holes in a close area. All these holes are made in a single operation.
Nibbling
In nibbling sheet metal operation we create several overlapping holes along a line to make a larger punched hole in the sheet metal.
Lancing
Lancing is a unique kind of sheet metal operation in which we partially cut some portion of the sheet metal but do not remove it completely. The partially cut parts remain attached to the sheet metal in bending to give the sheet metal a desirable shape.