How do you shape steel sheet?

Shaping steel sheet is easier by applying different methods. The selection of the technique mostly depends on the expected outcome. Here are a few methods for shaping steel sheet.

Sheet Expanding

In this steel forming method, a sheet is passed through perforating scissors to cut and expanded into a pattern. This forming process is generally used for manufacturing catwalks, platforms, fences, and grating. This shaping technique is used to make various patterns as per requirements.

Hydroforming

Hydroforming is one of the innovative ways of shaping steel sheets into the required shape. In this process, instead of a punch, it uses high-pressure liquid to shape the steel sheet. This time consuming process and relatively cheaper, which needs minimum work. The hydroforming process is also compatible with materials like brass, aluminum, carbon steel, and steel. This method can be suitable to form unique shapes.

Punching

Punching is a comprehensive method for forming holes in sheets. The setup includes a punch and a punching die. The process is comparatively economical in huge quantities and can punch a hole in the layer of sheets. This process enables to make holes of differing sizes. The punching process is perfect for shaping steel sheets in various hole patterns.

Steel sheet Bending

Bending is a shaping process that is used to bend into the desired shape by using bending force. Bended sheets are used in parts such as flanges and corrugations. The most general form of bending is V-bending in which the sheet is pressed in a V shape.

Steel sheet Curling

Curling is the method of creating a circular ring at the corner of the steel sheet to make it more reliable for further treatment. In curling, the primary edge is rolled into the finished circle, and in the tear-shaped, the initial edge is exposed. Curling is classified into two types like off-center and an on-center roll.

Deep Drawing

Deep drawing is a steel sheet shaping process in which the shape of the sheet can be changed to the required shape in various frames using a set of dies. When the depth of the shape increases, the primary diameter of the sheet, which is considered as deep drawing. Punches and dies are utilized to make changes at every step. Using this method, a sheet is transformed into several different shapes like the sink, a fuel tank, and automobile parts.

Press Brake Forming

In this method, a vast steel sheet is bent around a vertical axis passing through the metal. In this process, the sheet can be shaped in ‘U,’ ‘V,’ or channel-shaped depending on the punch and the die. Accurate bending is challenging in press brake forming. This process may also be utilized for tinier parts, which making it proper for smaller parts along with large quantities. This technique is useful for sheets with up to 25 mm thickness and up to 6 m in length.

Wheeling

This forming process utilizes an English wheel to expand and bend flat steel sheets into the needed shapes. The technique needs exceptionally skilled experts, and it is expensive. Wheeling is essentially used in creating low volume customized sheets for remote vehicles. The shape is created in steps in which the user needs to match the finished piece sheet with the reference shape.

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