Metal fabrication is essential for many industries, particularly in the manufacturing sector. It involves diverse processes and technologies to create the desired metal parts and structures. Metal fabrication typically employs a combination of several techniques including bending, cutting, and assembly. The ultimate objective of the entire process is to create functional metal parts of specific shapes and sizes, with distinct designs and functions. In order to successfully create these parts from metal sheets, there are some strict rules that need to be followed during the metal fabrication process.

To ensure that the end result of metal fabrication conforms to the design, adherence to the following rules must be enforced:

The Bending Rule

Metal sheets are bent into the desired geometry using brakes. In order to prevent part reorientation, bends in a single plane are designed in one direction only. Small bends in thick, bigger parts must be avoided as much as possible as they have the tendency to become imprecise. Furthermore, fabricators must also ensure that the inside bend radius is at least one material thickness away, as this prevents distorted or fractured parts. Overall, the main bending rule in metal fabrication is to make sure that bends are at least 6 times the thickness of the material plus the curl’s radius.

#2. Rules in Creating Holes, Notches, and Tabs

Since holes and slots can be distorted if made near bends, their distance from a bend must be carefully decided upon. The decision is affected by three major factors, including bend radius, diameter of the holes and slots, and material or metal sheet thickness. Fabricators must be aware of these factors to prevent damage to the part. During metal fabrication, the creation of notches and tabs is often required. In terms of dimensions, a notch should have the same thickness as the material or be at least 1mm thick. This applies to tabs as well, though they should have a greater thickness, being at least 3.2mm or twice the thickness of sheet metal.

Metal fabrication is a precise process full of specific rules. For all the best metal fabrication services, make sure to contact us at 4 Way Metal.