Precision Zinc Plated SPCC Printer Sheet Metal Parts

Precision Sheet Metal Processing is a group of processing processes used to process parts from flat metal. Precision Sheet Metal processing has a variety of materials and thicknesses, which can be used to process chassis, Label Printer Sheet Metal Parts accessories, electrical support panels, and other components.

For those who are new to precision Sheet Metal Processes, this process seems daunting. Unlike general precision machining such as CNC 5-axis precision machining and 3D printing, precision machining of sheet metal is determined by quite strict design practices. Precision sheet metal processing cuts and bends in a specific way, which is only applicable to certain parts and product structures.

So it is important to understand some basic principles of precision sheet metal processing before starting the project. Provided by professional precision machining expert Prosuccess-Metal, this guide provides five simple techniques to improve precision sheet metal processing parts and turn an ordinary design into precision sheet metal products of professional quality.

What is Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Precision sheet metal processing is a precision processing process with common characteristics: they all use sheet metal - not powder lumps or molten metal - as raw materials. Different machines and equipment form metal plates with different technologies: some cut holes in the metal plates; Others bend, press, or rotate metal to change it into various shapes. Using precision sheet metal processing, engineers can use various metals to process durable and low-cost parts. These parts can be used in a range of industries, from medical treatment to electrical appliances, and robots to aerospace technology.

The thickness of the metal plate used in the process is usually 0.006 to 0.25 inches (0.15 to 6.35 cm). The size selected depends on the given material and process usage of the part.

Improve precision sheet metal processing parts  

Precision sheet metal processing is the most unique among various processing processes because raw materials are different from any other process. So when a person is used to designing parts for CNC, stamping, and another common precision machining, it may be difficult to design Sheet Metal Parts.

Although the best way to ensure high-quality precision sheet metal parts is to consult with Prosuccess-Metal precision experts, it is also beneficial to follow some structural design principles from the beginning. By observing the following five elements, engineers can create precision Sheet Metal Parts that are easy to manufacture, strong, and not easy to break.

Hems   

Precision sheet metal processing may have sharp or rough edges, so ‘polishing and edging’ these edges - folding them up - is a good way to make precision sheet metal parts safe and practical. Folding can strengthen precision sheet metal parts or achieve functional functions, such as pins to accommodate hinges. The hem can be open, closed, or teardrop-shaped.

When adding a hem to a precision sheet metal part, follow some guidelines to ensure optimal performance. For beginners, unless it is necessary, it is almost always best to avoid closed hems - hems with materials completely folded on themselves. Because of the extreme angle of the hem, the closed hem has the risk of damaging the material, so the open and teardrop hem with gaps between the two sides of the hem is the most desirable.

When making the opening hem, the diameter of the gap should match or exceed the thickness of the metal plate. The return length - the "return to itself" distance of the hem - should not be less than four times the thickness of the metal sheet. The same criteria apply to teardrop-shaped hem. The additional requirement is that the opening at the end of the fold is not less than 1/4 of the metal plate.

Bends

Bending is one of the most professional forming processes in the field of precision sheet metal processing. Using equipment such as presses and brakes, the mechanical workshop can process metal sheets into new shapes - although some materials are more suitable for bending than others. Follow some rules of bending to ensure accurate and uniform bending and reduce the possibility of material damage. A rule to be followed is that when designing precision sheet metal parts with bends, the internal bending radius should match or exceed the thickness of the plate to avoid deformation. In addition, keeping the bending direction and radius consistent helps to reduce costs, so the parts do not need to be reoriented, and the bending equipment can repeat the same process.

Holes  

Because precision sheet metal processing is often used for chassis shells, printer accessories, and similar products, bolts, screws, or interlocking parts usually need slots and holes. The punch and die installed on the press are usually used to punch holes, so that accurate round holes can be cut from the metal plate. If the punching is not accurate, the holes can be deformed and offset, and even lead to the fracture of the part itself.

When punching holes in precision sheet metal parts, important rules must be followed. The distance between the hole and any edge or wall is 1/8’’ (1/16’’ if the thickness of the metal plate is less than 1/30’’), and the hole distance is at least six times the thickness of the metal plate. The diameter of all holes and grooves should match or exceed the thickness of the metal plate.

Notches

Tabs and notches are the features of precision sheet metal parts, which are used to add screws or firm or slot multiple parts together. The notch is a small dent on the edge of the part, while the tongue is a prominent feature. The lug in one precision sheet metal part usually matches the notch of another part. Like other precision sheet metal features, creating suitable lugs and notches requires specific rules. The distance between the notches is about 1/8 inch and at least as thick as the metal plate. The fins should be separated from each other - the distance is equal to or greater than the thickness of the metal plate. In addition, the length of the tab should be equal to or less than five times its width.

Precision machining  

Although the application of precision sheet metal processing parts is often relatively inconspicuous, sometimes it still needs to go through multiple precision processing procedures to use. According to the application and metal materials used, precision sheet metal parts can be completed by powder coating, electroplating, sandblasting, anodizing, and various other surface treatment processes, whether for functional purposes or to improve the appearance of parts.

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