The sheet metal fabrication process is pretty complex. However, understanding the fundamentals of this process goes a long way in ensuring an easy time as you fabricate items such as storage boxes, garage doors, or car parts. This article details the fundamentals of sheet metal fabrication. 

Materials 

Various factors determine your material choice during the fabrication process. For instance, you could consider availability, cost, durability, and weight. Nevertheless, you have a wide range of materials to consider. For example, hot-rolled steel guarantees greater flexibility, allowing you to fabricate the material into different shapes and forms. However, the material has looser tolerances and requires surface finishing after fabrication. It is best suited for the manufacture of railway tracks and vehicle frames. Cold-rolled steed offers a smoother finish and a stronger end product than hot-rolled steel. Nevertheless, the material is more expensive. This material is your best choice when making furniture and steel drums.  

Aluminium is viable when you need a non-magnetic, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant material. Moreover, the metal is light and easy to work with. Furthermore, you can galvanise it with other metals, such as copper and magnesium, to make it rust-resistant. It is used in making aircraft panels, kitchen equipment, and electrical fixtures.

Design

How do you intend to design the sheet metal? In most cases, you will have an idea of the end product you need. For example, it could be you need a trailer, oven, or metal grilles for your gate or windows. You should consult an expert to help you with the design process. Typically, the professional sends computer-aided design (CAD) blueprints detailing the item's design. They can also create a prototype to ensure you have a hands-on experience with the product. 

You are then required to assess the product to determine whether it suits your needs. For example, you could ask the designer to add specific features to improve the product's functionality. For instance, when buying a barbeque grill, you might want the designer to increase its size or incorporate designs that allow you to use various fuels.  

Assembly 

Assembly is the process of joining the various components and giving the product a final finish. Typically, the fabricator could assemble the parts using welding, rivets, brackets, couplers, hinges, or covers. The general rule is to ensure the assembly method does not compromise the functionality or compatibility of the end product. Moreover, consider finishes that improve the product's appeal and durability. For instance, it could be painted to prevent rusting.

For more information about sheet metal fabrication, contact a local company.