Sheet metal is used in a multitude of various applications in the construction and fabrication industries. Sheet metal is used in the making of automobiles, medical devices, house siding, heating and cooling duct work, railway cars, traffic signs household appliances, and farm machinery among other items.

Sheet metal is processed by hand, operator run presses, computer assisted machines or automated assembly lines utilizing robotics. Depending on the type of application, sheet metal is formed and manipulated using various processes.

Rolling

Precision metal fabrication can use many different types of manufacturing procedures. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of three different precision metal fabrication processes.

Electrical-Discharge Machining

Electrical-Discharge machining uses an electric spark to remove metal. The electrical arc is used to precisely erode the substance of the metal. This eliminates the need to exert force on the sheet metal during the intricate manipulations required to produce most precision metal products. Commonly used EDM machines are the plunge and the wire-cut types.

Sheet metal is used to produce a wide variety of items like automobile panels, rain gutters, restaurant equipment, road signs and heating ducts, fabricating. As a result, installing and maintaining these items can be a hazardous job.

Sheet metal workers are subject to frequent cuts, scrapes, burns and falls from scaffoldings or ladders. Many times, the sheet metal production process itself requires repetitive heavy lifting, bending and squatting, putting workers at risk for back, neck and muscle injuries. Knowing the proper safety procedures can help keep sheet metal production workers safe on the job.

Safety Equipment is everyone’s Friend