Surface-treating and heat-treating processes are a vital part of the metal fabrication industry.

They alter sheet metal for specialized applications. Case hardening, tempering, embrittlement, and annealing are among the various types of treatments that sheet metal may endure before it is suitable for the production process.

Heat-Treating Methods

Case hardening is a heat treatment that heats the surface layer of a sheet of steel. This heating process makes the outer layer of steel considerable harder than the interior. This process alters the composition of the metal by carburizing, cyaniding, or nitriding.

Die components are the parts that make up a complete die set. They consist of items such as pins, bushings, top shoes and bottom shoes. The following terms describe various die components and forces that affect them.

DIE BUTTONS hardened tool steel component that establishes a sheer clearance in piercing

DIE LIFE The vertical section of the lower die cutting edge before the relief starts

DIE RING Type of die block construction that dowel pins are used to locate and position the die ring on the die pad or on the die shoe

ACUTE-ANGLE DIES used for 90 degree bends

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.