When it comes to sourcing materials for your next project, it’s important to choose carefully. To help prevent cost and schedule overruns, you need to select a material that is versatile, easy-to-use, and reliable. Though modern fabrication techniques allow a wide variety of materials to be used successfully for a given project, sheet metal still maintains its place as a leader in usefulness and versatility for fabrication purposes. Here are a few benefits of working with sheet metal.
Easy to Use
The make-up of sheet metal allows it to be easily cut and formed using a wide variety of machines. Sheet metal is moldable enough to be easily cut by a CNC machine or pressed using a punch, while it is also rigid enough to maintain its shape, even under high loads. Other metals can be either too flimsy or too thick to be effectively machined using a CNC device. Sheet metal, though, finds the happy medium that makes it beneficial to use for a variety of projects.
Easy to Repair
Even if you do encounter an issue with a project involving sheet metal, another benefit of this material is its easy repairability. If a hole develops in a particular spot within the sheet metal, a reinforcing plate can be easily attached, resulting in a contiguous surface. If, on the other hand, a particular item develops a dent, sheet metal is pliable enough to remove the dent without damaging the item as a whole. This repair can often be done by the consumer, given the minimal forces required to remove dents from the material.
Easy to Install
Sheet metal has multiple characteristics that make it easy to install. One such characteristic is its low weight-to-thickness ratio. Given its composition, sheet metal is not as dense as some other materials, meaning that a particular piece of sheet metal won’t be as heavy as other materials of the same size. This lower weight makes it easier to move in bulk and easier to attach once it arrives at the job site. Additionally, sheet metal can be welded or attached using fasteners, meaning you can achieve a quick installation that is sure to last.
The Right Tools
Despite its versatility, it’s still important to have the correct tools when you are working with sheet metal. For example, when using a CNC machine, you’ll want to ensure you use bits that are specifically made for use with sheet metal. This will help prevent your equipment from overheating and help to provide satisfactory results on the very first try.
Easy to Outsource
If renting or buying these tools is not an option, then hiring custom sheet metal fabrication services is a great choice. This is great is for a few different reasons. It’s the best option if you have a one-time need for metal fabrication, such as a hard-to-find metal part for your home or business. Another great use is if you are in a time crunch and need parts produced quickly. Working with a company already set up to shape sheet metal will be much faster and figuring it out on your own.
Whatever your project may be, the versatility of sheet metal makes it a great option.
Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds
