Sheet Metal Fabrication: 3 Essential Tips for Preparing Your Material

Poor preparation of sheet metal can cause unfavourable fabrication results. In simple terms, if the metal is not appropriately primed for the manufacturing, the final product might be unattractive, or the item might fail prematurely. These negative repercussions are particularly common for sheet metal which has been stored for a long period or incorrectly. Here are some simple tips to help you prepare your sheet metal materials for fabrication.

Eliminate Oxide Coatings

You should consider cleaning your sheet metal before fabrication to eliminate the oxide coatings. In general, when metals are exposed to air and moisture, they interact and react with oxygen. Over time, a layer of metal oxide will form on the material. This layer will interfere with the appeal of the metal, and if used for fabrication, the final product will have the same unattractive appearance. Moreover, the oxide can be harmful to the material, leading to accelerated chemical degradation.

For example, sheet metal made from steel and other ferrous alloys will form a reddish coating on the surface. This layer of rust is an oxide of iron which is the primary constituent in ferrous materials. This material is harmful, and it will compromise the fabricated item. Therefore, you should have your materials cleaned to restore the original metallic appeal. You can use a buffing machine or grinder to eliminate the oxide. Chemical solvents can also be used to dissolve the coatings in some metals.

Remove Dirt Deposits

If your sheet metal has been stored in an adverse environment, it will have dirt deposits which can interfere with the fabrication work. In addition to general dirt, some of the materials will have oil and grease stains as well as grime, sticker gunk and markings. If you proceed with the fabrication without cleaning, the deposits will stick in the machines, causing clogging and malfunctions. Also, the built-up material will impair your welding processes. Therefore, you should ensure that the sheet metal is cleaned appropriate solutions and solvents for optimal results.

Cut the Sheet Metal

Finally, you should have the sheet metal cut into appropriate sizes before the fabrication work begins. Cutting metal is a primary manufacturing process, and it can be time-consuming. Therefore, cutting the rolls of material into smaller workable units as part of the preparation procedures can reduce the cumulative fabrication duration or timeline.

Sheet metal preparation can take up a lot of time and resources. Therefore, if you are planning a fabrication project, you should purchase high-quality materials from reliable suppliers and store the sheets correctly.