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Sheet Metal Design Guidelines

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Metal plates are a versatile material commonly used in the manufacturing of various products, from simple household items to complex automotive parts. However, designing sheet metal products is not a simple task. To ensure that the final product is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, it is important to follow some key design guidelines.

As a sheet metal designer, you need to master various skills and knowledge. This guide will introduce you to the basics of sheet metal design and provide some sheet metal design techniques and practical suggestions.Let’s get started!

Understanding Sheet Metal

Firstly, what is sheet metal material?

Sheet metal material is a type of metal material that can be molded into various shapes through pressure and bending. Sheet metal is commonly used for various applications, such as automotive manufacturing, electronic equipment manufacturing, and construction engineering. In sheet metal design, it is necessary to consider the strength, hardness, and reliability characteristics of the material.

Understanding Sheet Metal

Secondly, what is sheet metal fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication is a common metalworking technique, usually starting with a flat sheet of metal. This metal plate goes through a series of operations, such as bending, shearing, stamping and welding, and finally becomes a finished product

Sheet metal fabrication requires the use of professional machines and equipment, such as laser cutting machines, bending machines, stamping machines and welding equipment. These devices can help machining personnel complete a variety of machining tasks, including cutting, forming, bending, punching, stamping and welding.

In addition, Longsheng sheet metal fabrication Plant provides sheet metal design and engineering services to help customers design and develop their parts and products.

How sheet metal fabrication works

The definition of sheet metal fabrication is to use metal sheets for fabrication to transform them into components of the required size and shape. The main principle is to change the shape of the metal sheet by applying force to it. Specifically, it includes the following three steps:

1.Pressing: Place a metal sheet into the equipment and use pressure to deform the sheet.

2.Bending: To bend a thin plate into the desired shape through a specific operating method.

3.Assembly: Assemble different components together to form the final product.

Sheet metal fabrication usually requires the use of computer controlled (CNC) equipment to make the fabrication process more precise. These machines have functions such as high-speed cutting, forming, and stamping. And parts made of sheet metal usually do not require post-processing, but may require surface finishing and welding, depending on the application field of the sheet metal parts

6 main sheet metal fabrication technologies

The following describes six major sheet metal fabrication technologies:

Bending

Bending mainly involves bending specific parts of the steel plate to produce the required curvature or angle. This method is generally completed by using a mechanical Press brake or a manual bending tool. Usually, multiple bends are required to obtain the desired shape.

Bending sheet metal fabrication technologies

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a processing technology that uses high-energy laser beams to accurately cut metal sheets. Laser beams can be controlled and focused to cut complex shapes and contours.

Laser Cutting sheet metal fabrication technologies

stretching

Stretching is a method of elongating a steel plate. This method is usually used to make thin sheet parts or equipment. In this process, the material needs to be stretched to make it thinner in the length direction and also longer. Stretching is usually accomplished using a press and specialized stretching equipment.

Welding

Welding is a processing method that connects metal sheets together through a heat source. Common welding methods include Arc welding, Laser beam welding, gas shielded welding, etc., which are used to connect different parts or plates.

Welding sheet metal fabrication technologies

Rolling

Rolling is the process of applying force to a metal sheet through a roller, causing it to pass through the gap between the rollers, thereby changing the shape and size of the sheet. Rolling is often used for thinning, leveling, and shape correction of sheet metal.

stamping

Stamping is a method of making steel plates into the desired shape, usually used to produce high-precision parts. This method uses a special stamping tool to place the steel plate on a fixed base plate, and then uses high-pressure gas or mechanical force to press the steel plate to form the desired shape.

stamping sheet metal fabrication technologies

Sheet Metal Design Guidelines

Sheet metal fabrication mostly depends on the overall design of the product. For example, producing a simple sheet metal part naturally does not have too many requirements, but for complex geometric sheet metal parts, more processes are required to produce parts that meet the requirements. The design criteria for sheet metal include the following 6 categories.

Sheet Metal Design Guidelines

Material Selection

The first step in sheet metal design is selecting the appropriate material for the product. Factors to consider include the type of metal, thickness, and finish. Common types of sheet metal include stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Each type of metal has its own unique properties, such as strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, so it is important to choose the right material for your product. Thicker metals are more durable but also more difficult to form, so the thickness should be chosen based on the product’s intended use. The finish should be chosen based on the product’s intended use and aesthetic preferences.

The following are some common materials in sheet metal fabrication :

MaterialDensity (g/cm ³)Thermal Expansion Coefficient (10 ^ -6/℃)Modulus (GPa)Processing DifficultyPhysical PropertyApplication
Aluminium2.723-2470Easy to processLightweight, good thermal conductivity and conductivityAircraft parts, automotive components, electronic equipment casings
Stainless Steel7.916-18193ModerateCorrosion resistance, high strengthKitchenware, ship components, chemical equipment
Cold-rolled Steel7.811-13200Easy to processHigh strength and wear resistanceAutomotive body parts, home appliance casings
Carbon Steel7.811-13210ModerateHigh strength, moderate priceBuilding structure, pipeline
Copper8.916-18120ModerateGood conductivity and corrosion resistanceElectrical parts, pipelines, decorations
Titanium Alloy4.5-5.68-10110-130Difficult to processLightweight, high-strengthAerospace components, medical devices
Magnesium Alloy1.7-2.026-2845-60Easy to processLightweight, good strengthAutomotive parts, electronic equipment casing
Steel7.812-14200ModerateHigh strength, wear-resistantFrame member, Machine element
Zinc Plate7.130-3470Easy to processCorrosion resistance, good plasticityRoofs, pipes, sinks
Brass8.4-8.719-20100-125ModerateGood conductivity and corrosion resistanceMusic instruments, decorations, pipes
common materials in sheet metal fabrication

Bend Radius

Bend radius refers to the minimum radius that can be achieved when bending a sheet metal product. A smaller bend radius makes the product more prone to cracking, so it’s important to choose a radius that will not compromise the product’s integrity. As a general rule, the bend radius should be at least twice the thickness of the sheet metal.

Hole Placement and Size

When designing sheet metal products, it’s important to consider the placement and size of any holes. Holes that are too close to the edge of the product can compromise its strength. The size of the hole should also be appropriate for the intended use of the product. For example, larger holes may be required for ventilation, while smaller holes may be used for mounting or fastening.

Forming and Fabrication

Sheet metal products are formed using a variety of techniques, including bending, stamping, and cutting. The fabrication process should be carefully planned to ensure that the product’s design is maintained throughout the process. It’s also important to consider the manufacturing equipment that will be used to create the product. For example, some equipment may be better suited for certain types of sheet metal, while others may be better suited for more complex shapes.

Tolerances

Tolerances refer to the allowable variation in dimensions or other characteristics of the product. When designing sheet metal products, it is important to consider the tolerances that are acceptable for the intended use of the product. Tighter tolerances may be required for certain applications, such as those that require precise fit or alignment.

General tolerance table for sheet metal fabrication

Metal Part TypeTolerance Range
bending partsBending angle tolerance: ± 1 ° to ± 3 °, bending dimension tolerance: ± 0.15mm to ± 0.5mm
Stamped partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.5mm, positioning tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm
Shear partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm, edge flatness tolerance: ± 0.2mm to ± 0.5mm
Drawing partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.2mm to ± 0.5mm, tensile length tolerance: ± 0.5mm to ± 1mm
Bending partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.5mm, angular tolerance: ± 1 ° to ± 3 °
Weld partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.5mm, weld width tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm
Threaded partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm, thread tolerance: according to standard requirements
Perforated partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm, hole spacing tolerance: ± 0.2mm to ± 0.5mm
Surface coating partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.3mm, coating thickness tolerance: ± 0.02mm to ± 0.05mm
Assembly partsDimensional tolerance: ± 0.1mm to ± 0.5mm, assembly tolerance: according to assembly requirements

Surface Finishing

Surface finishing is an important consideration when designing sheet metal products. The finish can affect the product’s appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability. Common surface finishes for sheet metal products include painting, powder coating, anodizing, and plating. The finish should be chosen based on the product’s intended use and aesthetic preferences.

Surface finishing methodAppearance effectApplicable materialsdesign requirementUsage environment
galvanizationBright SilversteelCorrosion resistance requirements to prevent rust and corrosion of steelOutdoor environment, high humidity environment, contact with water or damp media
nickelingSilver or goldSteel, copper, alloyWear resistance, corrosion resistance, appearance requirementsHigh humidity environment, decorative parts
chrome-platingSilver or mirror effectSteel, copper, alloyCorrosion resistance, high glossiness, and decorative requirementsIndoor environment, decorative parts, automobile appearance parts
flame platinMultiple colors availableany materialAppearance requirements, color selection, and corrosion resistance requirementsIndoor environment, outdoor environment, various application scenarios
electrophoretic coatingSmooth and uniform coatingAluminum, steel, alloySmooth coating, corrosion resistance, appearance requirementsIndoor environment, automobile appearance parts, electronic equipment shell
Hot Dip GalvanizingsilverysteelExtremely high corrosion resistance and anti-corrosion requirementsOutdoor environment, high humidity environment, parts exposed to harsh conditions
AnodizationSilver or color coatingaluminum alloyImprove hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and decorative requirementsIndoor environment, high humidity environment, electronic equipment parts
burnishingSmooth and shiny surfaceStainless steel, copper, etcImprove appearance and provide a smooth surfaceIndoor environment, decorative parts, highly demanding appearance surface
sand blastRough Surfaceany materialIncrease roughness, prepare surfaces for painting or bondingPreparation before painting, bonding, and surface treatment
Shot peeningRough SurfaceSteel, cast iron, etcImprove coating adhesion, anti slip performance, remove oxide layer and dirtSurface treatment for coating and anti slip requirements

Solutions to common sheet metal design errors

Sheet metal fabrication involves designing, cutting, bending, and assembling sheet metal into the final product. During the design process, even the most skilled designers inevitably make mistakes, leading to rework or scrapping of sheet metal parts. To avoid these errors, it is important to understand sheet metal manufacturing design errors and take measures to avoid them.

We will list several common sheet metal design errors and provide solutions to avoid corresponding problems:

Error 1: Lack of consideration for material bending radius

In sheet metal production, it is common to bend the material into the desired shape, but if the radius is too small, it can lead to material cracking and stretching. Therefore, the design must take into account the bending radius of the material to ensure correct bending without damaging the material.

Solution

Conduct bending radius testing on the material and record it in the design file. This helps to ensure that designers and manufacturers understand the correct bending radius and are able to bend the material correctly.

Error 2: design does not comply with the sheet metal mold

If a design cannot be carried by standard sheet metal molds, then the design cannot be produced. This mistake seems to waste a lot of time and money because you have to redesign and make a new mold.

Solution

Before designing sheet metal, evaluate the capability of the selected mold and confirm that your design is compatible with the mold.

Error 3: Welding error

Welding errors are a dangerous mistake in sheet metal design. Incorrect welding can lead to strength issues, defects left in the welding position, and other issues. As a result, your design cannot meet the requirements, which has an impact on productivity.

Solution

Correct welding techniques must be maintained during the welding process. You can also refer to the advice of welding experts to ensure the accuracy of welding.

Error 4: Plate selection error

When selecting sheet materials, it is easy to make mistakes in selection. It may be due to the selection of thicker materials than actually needed, or the use of non corrosion-resistant materials, etc. This will lead to increased costs and also affect product quality and lifespan.

Solution

When selecting sheets, it is necessary to select materials based on actual needs, determine the thickness and performance of the sheets. It should be noted that selecting different materials can also affect processing costs, so necessary comparisons and analysis are needed.

Error 5: Design error of irregular parts

During sheet metal processing, there will be many bends or bends. If the design of irregular parts is not reasonable, it will lead to problems during processing and production.

For example, the design is asymmetrical, resulting in an imbalance in the overall shape; Inappropriate design angle increases the difficulty of production process; The designed die casting material is too weak, resulting in shape deformation, etc.

Solution

We need to make better planning for the design of irregular parts. Firstly, we need to have a deeper understanding of customer needs and engage in excellent communication; Secondly, we need to make reasonable use of corresponding sheet metal processing techniques in order to meet the design requirements of irregular parts; It is also necessary to pay attention to the selection of materials and reasonable design to ensure the perfect presentation of accuracy and shape.

Error 6: Vertical bending distance too short

If the vertical bending distance is too short during bending, it can cause stretching and deformation of the sheet during bending. Moreover, as sheet metal may require multiple bends, this error may be further exacerbated during the next bending process.

Solution

In order to avoid such errors, we need to avoid excessive bending as much as possible during the design phase. This problem can be solved by increasing the width, thickness, etc. of the sheet metal material. In addition, we can reduce the deformation caused by the stretching of the bent material by bending one side first.

Longsheng Technology: providing sheet metal fabrication services

At Longsheng Technology, our team of experts is equipped with the latest tools and technologies to provide comprehensive manufacturing design (DFM) analysis. We will work closely with you to optimize your manufacturability design and identify potential issues early to minimize the risk of production delays or quality issues.

Whether you want to customize electronic equipment shell, chassis, billboard, booth and other sheet metal products, or need to customize commercial equipment, machine tools, special tools, etc., Longsheng technology can provide you with a satisfactory overall solution.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bring your design to life and speed your time to market. Look forward to cooperating with you!

Conclusion

Designing metal sheet products requires careful consideration of various factors. By following these design guidelines, you can ensure that your sheet metal products are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Please remember that these guidelines are only a starting point, and it is important to work closely with manufacturers to ensure the best results. By using the correct design and manufacturing techniques, you can create sheet metal products that meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations.

I hope this article will be helpful to you in discussing the content of “Sheet Metal Design Guidelines”!

Author: Longsheng Technology

FAQ

What factors need to be considered in sheet metal design?

In sheet metal design, there are many factors that need to be considered, such as strength, stiffness, sealing, protection, aesthetics, etc. In addition, factors such as craftsmanship and cost-effectiveness need to be considered. Before designing, it is important to fully consider and plan comprehensively.

Can sheet metal have complex shapes?

Yes. Sheet metal can come in various complex shapes, including bending, curling, cutting, and forming. When designing, it is necessary to consider the possibility of craftsmanship, but the final product can be highly customized.

How to determine the cost of sheet metal fabrication?

The cost of sheet metal fabrication is determined by various factors, such as the selection of materials, the quantity and degree of components, and the specific process. To obtain accurate cost estimates, it is necessary to communicate with sheet metal manufacturers or processing service providers.

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