If you want to produce an item made of metal you might decide to use CNC prototyping. However, this manufacturing technique is not always the right option. Using sheet metal fabrication services might be the best call for your project. Sheet metal fabrication actually consists of a lot of different techniques, not everyone knows this actually. Some people think sheet metal fabrication is the technique, but in fact it is an umbrella term for a plethora of processes. Below you can find a few common sheet metal fabrication techniques, but there are many more.

Finishing

Finishing is a process in which a completed metal project’s surface is altered in order to achieve a certain property. This usually includes an improved appearance, so the part will look better. On top of that, adhesion or wettability; solderability; corrosion, tarnish chemical, or wear resistance; hardness; electrical conductivity; surface friction control; and blemish removal will improve too.

Cutting

Besides that, cutting is a common technique used in common sheet metal fabrication too. This is a process done by sawing, chiseling, or shearing. It can be achieved with power tools, but it can be done manually too. Torching with handheld plasma torches by using computer numerical control, also known as CNC, cutters including lasers is possible as well.

Hydroforming

Hydroforming is not just a forming process, it is a fabricating technique as well. It uses a specialized type of die molding in order to fabricate the sheet of metal. This specialized type of die molding uses highly pressurized fluid to shape metals. This highly pressurized fluid can be used to shape different types of metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper.

Tucking

Tucking is another technique commonly used for sheet metal fabrication. It is a method of shrinking metal by bunching it together through force. This is often done by using a crevice and spade hammer. A folding technique where the metal is bent at the edges with a homemade tucking fork is another possibility to make tucking happen.

Fastening

Fastening is a process which uses self-clinching tools. Self-clinching tools can include studs, spacers, nuts, cable tie mounts, cable tie hooks, and access hardware. These tools provide torque resistance in applications where the sheet metal is too thin to be secured by other processes. Fastening can also be done without using fasteners, although this often is not favored.