Did you know that sheet metal fabrication is a fascinating process that uses sheet metal to build many of the things that you see in everyday life? Think of your outdoor benches. Vending machines. Billboards. The list goes on and on!

Products that are made from the sheet metal fabrication process are often involved in complex processes that require the skill of many different professionals. In fact, businesses that offer sheet metal fabrication services are fondly called fabrication shops.

Common Fabricated Metals Used in Product Making

a) The transportation industry

Almost every product in the automotive industry will require fabricated sheet metal products to be incorporated into its design and function. Think trucks, rail cars and even your everyday sedan.

It's not just transportation on land too - today's air planes use parts fabricated from sheet metal as well! This includes the fuselages and wings to name a few. Lastly, galvanized sheet metal products are also used to manufacture fenders, oil pans, roofing, seating, springs and many other components.

b)  The construction industry 

Next, if you're in the construction industry, you'll know that fabricated sheet metal products are some of the most used materials. They're used in building frames, staircases, handrails, fences, ladders, industrial walkways, balconies and support beams.

c) The plumbing industry

From its birth till the early 20th century, the common material used for outdoor piping was made from a mixture of cast iron and lead. Today, they are replaced by galvanized metal piping that has the ability to last much longer than its predecessor. 

d) The manufacture of wires and electronics

Fabricated sheet metal, particularly after they're galvanized, can also be processed into wire rope. They are often used as construction building materials, electric cables and window locks, and electric cables.

e) The use of sheet metal in recreation

The next time you pass by a playground, take a look around. You'll see that plenty of playground equipment are made from fabricated sheet metal such as swing sets, benches and bicycle racks. This is due to their rust-resistant properties.

What are the types metals used in sheet metal fabrication?

i) Steel

There are plenty of types of steel that fits multiple purposes. This includes stainless steel, carbon steel or galvanized steel. Steel, as a metal itself, is popular due to its strength and durability.

Hence, lower-carbon content steel are commonly used to manufacture railings or fences, while medium carbon content steel will be used by the automotive and transportation industry. Lastly, the highest carbon content metal products will frequently be found in steel wires. 

ii) Aluminium

Lightweight yet with a relatively strong tensile strength, aluminium is a great metal to be used for lower and stable temperatures. This is why aluminium is commonly used in refrigeration products as well as automotive parts, cooking vessels and electronical devices.

iii) Magnesium

Magnesium is a structural metal that has a very low density, which is excellent for when sturdiness or stiffness is needed. It has been used as a structural metal in key transportation industries and is used for automotive parts as well.

iv) Brass

Although popularly known to have wonderful acoustic properties, brass is also widely used for home fittings and automotive components. It is lightweight as well as corrosion-resistant while scoring high on the tensile strength scale.

v) Bronze

Bronze sheet metal is known to have a significantly lower melting point, though it is stronger in strength than copper. The common applications are in the manufacturing of coins, cookware, and turbines.

vi) Copper

Last but not least, copper sheet metals are used for their excellent properties of being ductile, malleable, and electrically conductive, as well as corrosion-resistant. Hence, they are often used for conductors, electrical parts, ornaments, and jewellery.

Looking for fabricated metals used in product making? Choose Choong Ngai Engineering

Our expertise in fabricated metal for industries that use metal fabricated products to meet tough requirements is second to none. If you're looking for high-quality and cost-effective bending sheet metal workshop with a fast turnaround time, why not give Choong Ngai Engineering a try?

With our metal bending fabrication tools, equipment and technique, we've been servicing happy customers for over 10 years. Learn more about our services and previous projects on our website or contact us at www.choonngaiengineering.com