Every day, professionals in a massive variety of industries rely on custom-formed metal objects. Known as sheet metal punching or stamping, this process is used in the production of household goods, medical components, electrical parts and so much more.
The brackets that keep your home’s shelves up. The lockers at your local school or community center. The metal lip of a loading dock. The vast majority of metal objects you deal with on a day-to-day basis have spent some time in a heavy press.
What are the specifics of sheet metal punching in Phoenix, AZ, and how do professionals contour strips of metal into the bits and bobs we use every day? Read on to find out about the process.
Getting squashed
The basic process of sheet metal punching is simple enough. A professional inserts the piece of metal to be shaped into a heavy press. The metal is placed in between two objects: the die and the punch. The die is a kind of baseplate that sits under the metal piece. The punch is a moving object that pushes down on the metal like the needle in an electric sewing machine.
A professional can use the punching machine to create a vast array of different holes and impressions depending on the die and punch that are used.
Punching and shaping
When you’re discussing sheet metal punching in Phoenix, AZ, it’s important to distinguish between the two major types of metalwork. When a piece of metal goes into a heavy press and holes are punched into the metal, then that piece is being punched. If the punch and die are being used to shape the metal, rather than put a series of holes into it, then the metal is being shaped, not punched.
Both processes can be accomplished using the same machine. Still, each provides different strengths and weaknesses, depending on the piece’s intended use.
Not just sheet metal
The term “sheet metal punching” can be a little misleading. After all, more metals than just sheet metal can be punched. Nearly any kind of metal—iron, brass, copper, stainless steel and so many more—can be shaped and bent using a sheet metal press.
Mix and match
Take a moment to think about all the bent and perforated metal pieces that you come across on a daily basis. That’s just a smattering of the nearly endless array of customization options available when you’re working with a sheet metal press. Not only are there a massive selection of punches and dies to choose from, but talented metal workers can combine any number of dies and punches to create new shapes for your metal.
More than sheet metal punching
When it comes to sheet metal punching in Phoenix, AZ, you can’t go wrong enlisting the services of Metal Pro Inc. Of course, that’s just the beginning of our expertise. Our highly-trained team of technicians can also provide other services, including plasma cutting, tee rolling, tube piping and so much more. When it needs to be done right, you need Metal Pro Inc. Visit us online or give us a call today.