Sheet metal is used in a variety of applications. It can be utilized for roofing systems, flashing, and building projects, among others. It’s formed by a process involving extrusion, rolling, or hammering. It’s also available in different types, including steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, and tin.
Given this range of options, it’s important to determine the right material for your project. You should also know how to work on the product to complete your project successfully.
Decide on Thickness
Metal sheet suppliers offer their products in different level of thickness. Gauges is used to measure a metal sheet’s thickness. The higher the number the thinner the sheet is. It’s important to know the right thickness you need for the task at hand. This way, the metal sheet can fit, meeting the needs of the project.
Know How to Bend the Sheet
Bending the metal sheet is necessary to form it the way your project requires. This process can be challenging that businesses in this industry already have their own sheet metal bending brake. On the other hand, if this equipment is quite pricey for you and you only need to do it once, you can build your own bending brake with the help of a workbench, a mallet, and two clamps. Or, you can ask your supplier for bending advice.
Prepare a Cutting Tool
In terms of the cut, you need to prepare the right tool to have the sheet metal you need. For instance, snips are often used in cutting tin, brass, and aluminum. A nibbler, on the other hand, gives you more control over the cut.
However, the width could be compromised because a small part of the metal is punched out with every cut. A jigsaw can make the process easier as long as you have the correct metal-cutting blade depending on the kind of cut you need. With the right tools, you can work on the metal sheet easily and properly.
Going to a supplier of square metal tubing and metal sheet is just the first step to getting the materials you need. You also have to know how to work with the products efficiently. Having a reliable supplier though can be helpful as they can also provide expert advice on the thickness, bending, and cut of the material you need for your project.
Sources:
How to Choose, Cut, and Bend Sheet Metal. makezine.com
What Is Sheet Metal?. www.wisegeek.com
Types of Metal Sheets. www.ehow.com
