Sheet metal fabrication processes are placed into two broad categories: cutting and forming. Forming processes are the ones that involve the application of force to cause materials to deform plastically without causing fail. They involve bending, stretching and twisting sheet into a certain shape. Cutting processes are the ones where force is applied with the intention of separating and allowing the material to fail. Nearly all the forming processes are performed through the application of shearing force to tear the materials apart. Some workshops eve refer them to as shearing processes. Modern developments have made it possible to remove the material through abrasion and heat application, rather than shearing forces.

Forming sheet metal fabrication processes seek to modify the geometry rather than remove any material. The applied force stresses the material beyond the yield strength, causing it to plastically deform. This makes it possible to create all sorts of shapes from normal materials. Different types of materials determine the strength of the formed shapes.

When bending a metal piece, the material residual stresses cause the sheet to slightly spring back after the operation. Because of this elastic recovery, it becomes necessary to over bend the metal to a precise amount in order to achieve a certain radius. If you have problems with bending your sheets, you might need a press brake machine to help you achieve more defined angles. It uses an automated operation to force bends to stretch to a certain limit. Press brakes are available in a range of sizes whose efficiency depends on the type of material against their strength. The machine has an upper tool known as the punch, and a lower one referred to as the die. The metal is placed in between the tools, after which mechanical movements allow the formation of the required shape. 4 Way Metal specializes in all sorts of sheet metal fabrication process across Canada.