Some terms for sheet metal processing

If you're looking into making parts out of sheet metal, a sheet metal fabricator can tell you some terms that will help you understand.

Below are some common phrases, with quick definitions, that will help you design parts for sheet metal fabrication and find reliable fabrication partners.

CNC: stands for computer numerical control. This means that a computer converts a design created with CAD software into a number. These numbers work as coordinates that tell the CNC machine how to make parts that match the CAD drawings.

CAD: Abbreviation for Computer Aided Design. Software for designing and generating 3D CAD files. A 3D CAD file is all we need to quote and start your project.

CNC Bending: Refers to a bending machine that cleanly bends (without breaking) a sheet of metal to form a specific shape.

Laser Cutting: Your CAD drawings are programmed into a laser cutter, which uses a laser to cut a piece of metal very precisely. Because of the high precision, this is a great way to cut very small, tiny details into a single piece of steel.

CNC punching: is the use of a powerful punch to punch holes, slots or shapes into a piece of metal to match your CAD drawing.

Engraving: refers to the etching of a detailed pattern into metal without punching holes. Widely used in high quality look and feel logo and text designs. The depth of engraving can vary depending on the desired aesthetic.

Sheet Metal Fabrication: is a term that may include rolling, bending, assembling, welding, inserting... any sheet metal work term that contributes to the life of your CAD drawing.

Finishing: Whether surface finishing options are available on sheet metal parts. Common options are powder coating, polishing, painting, sandblasting and sand buffering.

Welding: The process of bringing at least two pieces or two metals together and then fusing/melting them together with heat to form a solid joint. This process can be accomplished with or without fillers, depending on the technique used.

TIG welding: It is tungsten inert gas shielded welding. The process uses non-consumable tungsten electrodes to create welded joints. Ideal for thin welded joints requiring precise control.

MIG welding: is a type of metal inert gas welding that uses consumables such as wire to join metal pieces together. A good choice for long, continuous welded joints.

Spot Welding: Using an electric current to create a spot weld, a small weld, that joins two pieces of metal together to form a small, independent weld.