How sheet metal fabrication has developed
Sheet metal fabrication dates back as far as the bronze age, so we’re talking 3000 BC – 1200 BC. With sheet metal fabrication having such a long history, it is considered to be the second oldest profession in the world. Over the centuries, techniques have changed but many of the principles of working with sheet metal haven’t changed as much as you might think.
However, in recent years, developments in modern technology has allowed for new tools to be introduced, the introduction of modern design software and new cutting techniques are allowing sheet metal fabricators to develop a whole new world of designs and products. Sheet metal fabrication is so versatile and provides more and more solutions as technology develops.
Increased Precision
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) not only increases design and production time, but it also increase the accuracy of work. Linked directly with our soft wear and manufacturing equipment it takes the design details and translates these directly into the manufacturing process. CAD is linked directly to laser or punching machinery and calculates not only the basic shapes but also accounts for shrinkage, allowing the manufacturer to get things right first time and speed up the whole process of the process.
Again, this has the benefit of cutting costs for both manufacturer and client, speeding up the manufacture process and ensuring absolute precision finishes.
Faster production times
In a sheet metal fabrication context, laser cutting is another modern tool that makes for smooth operation, literally in this case. As with CAD and CAM, it can speed up the process of sheet metal fabrication, simply by virtue of the fact that it offers real precision and rapid processing. With faster production times, our costs are lower as it doesn’t take as long to produce an item as compared to 20 years ago.
Manufacture time is also reduced as laser-cut metal needs less finishing – to remove burrs and sharp edges – meaning once again that the cost to the client can be kept to the bare essentials.
High Tech Design
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software – ‘Solidworks’ is a good example and a leader in the industry – is a modern tool used by leading firms to assist in the early stages of production of sheet metal products. This type of software creates detailed engineering drawings for the finished product and incorporates detailed dimensions, components and can enable a sheet metal fabrication firm to speed up the design process. This allows them to increase their own productivity but has the advantage for their clients of a rapid turnaround time – from early design to finished build – and can reduce the costs of the whole process.
Whilst there is actually very little that can beat skill and experience when it comes to creating sheet metal products, computing technology does allow modern firms to cut a few corners – in a good way.
If you require any further information, then why not take a look at our other services? Or contact us on 01924 220 236 and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.