Sheet metal fabrication is one of the oldest processes of engineering which in contemporary times is done in a completely different way. In the sheet metal fabrication process, different types of metal sheets are given a desired form through certain processes. As for the manufacturing processes to be adopted to achieve the goal, it depends upon so many factors including the exacting needs, the cost involved, and the application of the end product. Most sheet metal manufacturers and suppliers in India while producing high-quality sheet metal yoke for wiper and power window make a comprehensive analysis of all the requirements related to it and then go for the process.
A large number of metals and metal alloys are formed into sheets and utilized to manufacture varied sheet metal parts. The choice of materials depends on the following factors:
-
Formability
-
Weldability
-
Corrosion Resistance
-
Strength
-
Weight, and
-
Cost.
Material selection is one of the most important things when it comes to manufacturing sheet metal parts for wiper assembly or any other crucial components. This blog focuses on some major materials and their features and attributes comprehensively used in the sheet metal manufacturing or fabrication process:
Stainless Steel
Stand and spring-like stainless steel are the 2 major categories broadly utilized in sheet metal fabrication. Standard stainless steel can be non-magnetic, and the variant belonging to the 300 series of stainless steel is the most commonly used one in the field of sheet metal fabrication. The steel variants in this category call for no hot work as well as stress relief during the fabrication process.
-
Grade 316 is well-known to be the most corrosion-resistant variant that can maintain its strength even at higher temperatures
-
Grade 304 is somewhat less corrosion-resistant but it offers unmatched formability and weldability while finding its applications across fabrication works
-
Standard-type magnetic stainless steel for sheet metal fabrication belongs to the 400 series
-
Grade 410 is known for lesser corrosion resistance but this variant is heat treatable
-
Grade 430 is considered to be a great alternative to the other stainless steel options. This variant is heavily utilized in applications that call for not that much corrosion resistance
-
Spring-like steels can harden rapidly and need to be heated to relieve stresses during the fabrication work
-
Spring-like stainless calls for highly specialized tools, equipment, and processes to be shaped into any desired form.
Cold Rolled Steel (CRS)
The process of cold rolling steel is put into use for smoothing the hot rolled steel’s finish and also to hold a tighter tolerance during the formation cycle. CRS is broadly available in alloys such as 1008 and 1018.
Pre-plated steel
This is either hot-dip galvanized steel or galv-annealed steel, which is first galvanized and then annealed.
Aluminum
A decently priced material, aluminium has a scope of qualities across a few grades to meet application prerequisites. Grade 1100 offers somewhat low strength yet is chemical and climate-safe, weldable and malleable, permitting profound drawing. Grade 3003 is more grounded and formable, weldable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. Grade 5052 is altogether more grounded while still formable, weldable, and erosion-safe. Grade 6061 is an underlying composite that is erosion-safe and solid, yet not formable. It is weldable, however, it forfeits some strength when welded.
Brass
Brass is a compound of copper, which is generally utilized as sheet metal. It offers more strength, corrosion resistance properties and formability when compared to copper while holding its conductivity. In sheet hydroforming, variety in approaching sheet swell properties is a typical issue for the shaping cycle, particularly with materials for automotive applications. Even though approaching sheet loop might meet pliable test particulars, a high dismissal rate is many times seen when in production because of the conflicting way of the material’s behavior.
Aluminized steel
Aluminized steel is also one of the most commonly used materials in sheet metal fabrication the world over. This material is made by applying a special coating on carbon steel with an aluminium-silicon alloy. This procedure gives birth to a material that blends the robust strength of carbon steel with aluminium’s ultra-powerful corrosion resistance. The sheets of aluminized steel in a wide range of shapes are used for products that find applications in extreme temperatures or corrosive environments that mainly include cooking implements and kitchen appliances.
Titanium
Titanium has a large number of favourable metallurgical qualities that make it ideal for a variety of modern industrial applications. Even though it is basically utilized for its high strength-to-weight proportion and erosion obstruction, it likewise offers high recyclability, sturdiness, and biocompatibility. Normal purposes incorporate avionics parts, clinical hardware, and development components.
There are a large number of materials apart from the above that are used in sheet metal fabrication. But when it comes to sheet metal works for auto components manufacturing, all the above-said materials are the most commonly used ones. Indian sheet metal fabrication companies like SAN Automotive makes a comprehensive analysis of the exacting requirements of the customers to suggest the best material.
The company follows a stringent quality policy in choosing the raw materials for any components and parts, be it a sheet metal yoke for wiper and power window or sheet metal parts for wiper assembly. The company has installed a special set of tools and equipment that a high-precision sheet metal fabrication calls for. To execute the processes like cutting, forming, and joining, it has CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines programmed to carry out specific tasks. Some top operations in the fabrication shop include Material Procurement, Laser Cutting, Machining, Robotic Welding, Surface Coating, Inspection, and Dispatch.
Concluding Remarks
Right from materials to certain processes in the realm of sheet metal fabrication, SAN Automotive has a towering stature within the sheet metal fabrication industry.The company manufactures and supplies sheet metal yoke for wiper and power window, sheet metal parts for wiper assembly, and a large number of other crucial components to meet the needs of the global automotive industry. Explore the website of the company for more details.