What is the process of stainless steel sheet metal processing?

Unravelling the mystery of stainless steel sheet metal working process

In modern industrial manufacturing on top of this stage, stainless steel sheet metal processing is a by no means less than the “strength of the actors”. Life in the common stainless steel kitchenware, stainless steel sheet metal processing is indispensable. Industrial areas of precision equipment shell, also inseparable from the stainless steel sheet metal processing. So what is its processing process in the end? Today we have a piece of in-depth exploration.

Step 1: Design and materialisation

As the saying goes, “everything is difficult at the beginning”, so is stainless steel sheet metal processing, the first step of the design and material is quite critical. Professional designers based on product requirements, with the help of advanced design software to draw accurate processing drawings. This is like building a house first to have a design blueprints, drawings on the detailed labelling of the size of each component, shape and accuracy requirements.

This is followed by the process of cutting, and there are common cutting methods such as shearing and laser cutting. Shearing is as simple and direct as cutting paper with scissors, and is suitable for plates with regular shapes and low precision requirements, while laser cutting is like a highly skilled “micro-engraving master”, which precisely cuts the plates with the help of high-energy laser beams. Laser beam with high energy precision cutting plate, can process all kinds of complex shapes, precision can be controlled in millimetres or even smaller within the scope of the relevant data show that the proportion of laser cutting in sheet metal processing applications year by year, the current has reached more than 60%, which can be fully confirmed out of its advantages.

Step 2: Bending

After the completion of the material, it arrives at the bending process. Bending is like giving the plate for “modelling” action, resulting in its evolution into the shape we need. This step should be achieved with the help of the bending machine, the operator will be based on the design requirements, the plate placed in the bending machine above, by adjusting the mould and pressure, prompting the plate in accordance with the pre-specified angle and shape to achieve the bend.

During the bending process, the control of precision is extremely critical. Even a tiny error, it is very likely that the entire product is not able to complete the normal assembly. In order to ensure that the bending accuracy, many companies are now using CNC bending machine. CNC bending machine is like a smart “robot”, it can be based on pre-set procedures to complete the bending operation, greatly enhancing the production efficiency and product quality. Some experts have shown such a point of view, the use of CNC bending machine can improve the bending accuracy of 30% or more.

Step Three:soldered

Plate in the material and bending, there has been a preliminary shape, but also have to connect the various components to a piece, which will be used in the welding process, welding is like to give the components “red wire”, so that they are closely together, common welding methods include argon arc welding, spot welding and so on.

It is a commonly used welding method, the use of argon as a protective gas, welding in the head can effectively prevent metal oxidation, to ensure the quality of welding, argon arc welding. Spot welding is to rely on the instantaneous current production of high temperature, so that the two parts in contact with the point of fusion together, for some of the strength requirements are not high connection parts. Welding should pay attention to the welding strength and aesthetics, to prevent the emergence of false welding, welding slag and other conditions.

Step Four:surface treatment

After welding, the basic shape of the product has been formed, but surface treatment is still needed to make the product more beautiful and durable, just like applying make-up. Common surface treatments include plating, painting, and so on.

Electrochemical plating is used to deposit a layer of metal plating on the surface of the product, such as chrome plating and nickel plating, which not only improves the corrosion resistance of the product, but also makes the product look brighter and more beautiful. Spraying is the paint evenly sprinkled on the surface of the product, in order to form a layer of protective film, spraying colours and types of extremely rich, in accordance with customer demand to choose. According to statistics, after surface treatment of stainless steel sheet metal products, its service life can be extended by 2 to 3 times.

Step 5: Inspection and Packaging

The next step is inspection and packaging. Inspection is like a “physical examination” of the product to ensure that it meets quality standards. Inspection personnel will use various testing tools, such as calipers, micrometers, for product size, shape, surface quality to be rigorous testing. Only after the inspection of the product can enter the packaging process.

Product packaging is to put a layer of “protective clothing” to avoid damage during transport and storage, common packaging materials including cardboard boxes, foam, etc., fair and reasonable packaging can not only protect the product, but also enhance the image of the product.

In general, the processing of stainless steel sheet metal belongs to a complicated and delicate process, in which each process is closely related to each other, the lack of any link is not. From the design of the material has been to the final inspection and packaging, each link must be strict quality control, so that we can produce high-quality stainless steel sheet metal products. With the help of today's introduction, we hope that you have a more in-depth knowledge of the process of stainless steel sheet metal processing. If you encountered in life and stainless steel sheet metal products related to all kinds of problems, may wish to think more about these interesting processing procedures.