Sheet metal is a comprehensive cold working process for metal sheets (usually below 6mm), including shearing, punching/cutting/composite, folding, riveting, splicing, forming, etc. Sheet metal has the characteristics of lightweight, high strength, conductivity (can be used for electromagnetic shielding), low cost, and good mass production performance. It has been widely used in fields such as electronics, communication, the automotive industry, medical devices, etc..

Design

The design stage is where the groundwork for the project is laid out. Designers will usually create initial sketches or 2D/3D models of the product, which may be done using computer-aided design (CAD) software or by hand.

Cutting

Laser cutting is typically the first step in the manufacturing process. Laser cutting is one of the most precise ways of cutting sheet metal as the lasers are able to follow the programmed design and cut through the material accurately.

Bending

The bending process is known as CNC folding and is a practice that can be completed using a variety of machines. For example, a manual press brake or automated panel bending machine.
The machine forms the metal part by clamping the sheet metal and applying pressure to maintain the desired curvature.

Forming

The forming process bends or deforms the material into the required shape. Different from cutting, which subtracts the material, forming actually reshapes the material without decreasing any of its mass.

Bending

There are a variety of welding techniques that can be used when working with sheet metal, including MIG welding, TIG welding, robotic MIG welding and spot welding.
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding: A typically fast welding option that is better for thicker materials.
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding: Offers greater control and precision than MIG. Best for thinner materials. You may also see it referred to as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
Robotic MIG welding: This is an automated version of more traditional MIG welding.
Spot welding: This follows an electrical resistance welding process.

Finishing

Finishing is the last step when preparing metal products for use and makes products more resistant to corrosion, adding another layer of durability. It also helps make the surfaces look appealing.

Assembly

In a sheet metal fabrication project, assembly refers to the assembling of the required products before they are packaged and delivered to where they need to be.

At YOCO, we can act as a subcontractor to provide individual parts or carry out full-service electro mechanical assembly to bring you a complete ‘end product’.

Assembly

In a sheet metal fabrication project, assembly refers to the assembling of the required products before they are packaged and delivered to where they need to be.

At YOCO, we can act as a subcontractor to provide individual parts or carry out full-service electro mechanical assembly to bring you a complete ‘end product’.