What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of turning flat sheets of steel or aluminium into metal structures or products, by cutting, punching, folding and 

assembling. Sheet metal can be cut, bent or stretched into nearly any shape, which is generally done by cutting and burning the metal. Special tools, 

such as band saws and chops saws, can also be used in the sheet metal fabrication process. These ensure even cutting throughout the process. Cutting 

torches are capable of cutting large sections of sheet metal with minimal effort. Sheet metal fabrications use press brakes, which ease the process of 

sheet metal fabrication, by helping to create sharp bends and angles within the metal. There are a variety of different press brakes, which have different 

functions and are used for different purposes. One of the other main factors in sheet metal fabrication is welding. Once all the components are formed, 

they are then assembled and tack welded into position. Many welding techniques can be used in sheet metal fabrication in order to prevent warping or 

any other abnormalities. These techniques include covering the metal with sand during the cooling process, special straightening process, welding in a 

staggered manner and using a stout fixture. Straightening defected metal can be achieved by using with an oxy-acetylene torch. Heat is applied to the 

metal in a slow manner to remove any abnormalities. The metal is usually finished by being sandblasted, primed and painted. This then ensures the 

metal looks fantastic and then is ready to be sent to the client. If you have an upcoming project or want more details about we can do for you, don't 

hesitate to get in touch. 

How the Sheet Metal Fabrication Process Works

Metal fabrication tends to start from processing raw materials, which are often large and thick – for example, steel, aluminium and copper. Sheet 

metal can be cut, bent or stretched into most desired shapes.

Here are the typical steps for how it works:

Design

The design stage is where the groundwork for the project is laid out. Designers will usually create initial sketches or 2D/3D models of the product, 

which may be done using computer-aided design (CAD) software or by hand. Important factors such as the intended use of the product, the 

required dimensions and tolerances, and any specific materials or finishes that will be needed are mapped out before the manufacturing begins. 

Cutting

Laser cutting is typically the first step in the manufacturing process. Laser cutting is one of the most precise ways of cutting sheet metal as the lasers 

are able to follow the programmed design and cut through the material accurately. 

Bending

The bending process is known as CNC folding and is a practice that can be completed using a variety of machines. For example, a manual press 

brake or automated panel bending machine. The machine forms the metal part by clamping the sheet metal and applying pressure to maintain the 

desired curvature.

Forming

The forming process bends or deforms the material into the required shape. Different from cutting, which subtracts the material, forming actually 

reshapes the material without decreasing any of its mass. 

Welding

There are a variety of welding techniques that can be used when working with sheet metal, including MIG welding, TIG welding, robotic MIG welding 

and spot welding. 

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding: A typically fast welding option that is better for thicker materials.

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding: Offers greater control and precision than MIG. Best for thinner materials. You may also see it referred to as gas 

tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

Robotic MIG welding: This is an automated version of more traditional MIG welding.

Spot welding: This follows an electrical resistance welding process.

Finishing

Finishing is the last step when preparing metal products for use and makes products more resistant to corrosion, adding another layer of durability. 

It also helps make the surfaces look appealing. Common finishing touches could include surface preparation, polishing and powder coating in a 

choice of colours, anodising, passivation, and laser marking (such as logos or etching some text).

Assembly 

In a sheet metal fabrication project, assembly refers to the assembling of the required products before they are packaged and delivered to where they 

need to be. 

At Wongsam, we can act as a subcontractor to provide individual parts or carry out full-service electro mechanical assembly to bring you a complete  'end product'.