How is sheet metal made?

Sheet metal is a widely used material in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. It is strong, flexible and has the ability to be shaped into many different forms. The process of making sheet metal involves several stages, starting with raw metal and ending with flat sheets.

Table of Contents

Raw Material

The process begins with raw metal, most commonly steel, aluminium, or copper. These metals are extracted from natural resources and refined to remove impurities. Once purified, the metal is melted down in large furnaces and prepared for shaping. At this stage, the material is still in a molten or semi-molten state and ready for forming.

Rolling The Metal into Sheets

The molten metal is poured into slabs and allowed to cool slightly. These slabs are then passed through heavy rollers that gradually flatten the metal into thin sheets. This rolling stage is a key part of the sheet metal fabrication manufacturing process, providing raw materials for firms such as //dkmsheetmetal.co.uk/. Rolling can be done at high temperatures or at lower temperatures, depending on the desired finish, thickness and strength.

Cutting And Forming

Once rolled, the metal sheets are cut to size and prepared for shaping. In sheet metal fabrication, processes such as bending, stamping, and punching are used to create specific parts.

Finishing and Quality Checks

Before distribution, sheet metal may be coated or treated to improve its durability and resistance to corrosion. In sheet metal fabrication, quality checks make sure that the sheets meet thickness, strength, and surface standards. Finished sheets are then shipped for use in a wide range of industries.