Sheet Metal Fabrication

At Twenty20 Engineering, we specialise in designing and fabricating sheet metal products for our customers. We provide a 3D CAD Model and 2D Technical Drawings for our customers to approve before proceeding to fabricate their products. We have over 10 years of experience designing and fabricating products for a diverse range of customers on very different projects.

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

At its core sheet metal fabrication is the process of creating parts and assemblies from sheets of metal. Typically sheets of metal less than 6mm thick are formed into the desired product. There are many different materials and thicknesses to choose from, such as:

  • Aluminium
  • Stainless steel
  • Mild / Plain carbon steel
  • Yellow metals such as bronze and brass

 

The sheet material is then formed using a variety of manufacturing techniques to create the desired components, assemblies and final product.

What can sheet metal fabrication be used for?

Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most commonly used types of metal fabrication, and the possibilities are almost endless, with many projects and applications. Some key sectors that use sheet metal fabrication are:

  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Industrial
  • Marine

 

Twenty20 Engineering has worked on a variety of projects that involve sheet metal fabrication, from LED advertising screens to ventilation fans. We feel confident that we can meet our customer’s expectations using our 7-step process.

What is Twenty20 Engineering’s process for sheet metal fabrication?

Step1: Design and Engineering – The start of the process is the design and engineering phase where the product, component and assemblies are created using 3D CAD, Such as Solidworks sheet metal package. This will also include determining the dimensions, tolerances and specifications for the final product – All Twenty20 Engineering design and engineering work is submitted for customer approval before manufacture.

 

Step 2: Material Selection – Based on the requirements of the design and product, the material and material thicknesses will be selected. Factors such as cost, corrosion and strength will influence the materials and finishing selection.

 

Step 3: Cutting – The sheet metal is cut into the desired net shape for the component or product. A variety of processes can be used to cut the metal depending on the complexity, accuracy and material thickness required for the project. They are listed below in order of accuracy:

  • Shearing – using a guillotine
  • CNC Plasma
  • Laser Cutting
  • Water Jet Cutting

 

Step 4: Forming and Bending – To shape the metal sheet from its net form to the required shape, there are a variety of processes that can be used. The most common is sheet metal bending using a specialised machine called a press brake. This applies a force along a predetermined line to bend the metal to a certain angle. Complex geometries can be achieved with the right knowledge. Other metal forming processes include

  • Rolling
  • Spinning
  • Punching
  • Pressing

 

Step 5: Joining and Assembly – Different Components are joined to create the final assembly and product. This can be achieved by a variety of methods such as welding,  using adhesives or mechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts or rivets.

 

Step 6: Finishing – The fabricated metal product will undergo additional processes to enhance its appearance and functionality. This can include surface treats such as painting, powder coating, zinc plating and polishing. Deburring, grinding and sanding can also be performed to remove sharp edges and imperfections.    

Step 7: Quality Control and Delivery – Before final customer delivery all items are inspected against the 3D CAD model, technical drawing and specification to ensure the final product meets customer expectations.

Start Your Sheet Metal Fabrication with Twenty20 Engineering Today!

Whether you require precision-cut sheets, intricate designs, or durable components, our skilled team and advanced machinery are ready to turn your project into reality. From small-scale prototypes to large-scale productions, we have the capacity and experience to handle projects of any size or complexity.

We offer competitive pricing and our clients can be assured of getting the best value for their investment. Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a free quote.