Shearing
Shearing is a key process in working with steel and other metals. When steel needs to be cut into a certain size or shape, shearing is often the best method to get the job done. Shearing is a metalworking process which involves cutting sheet and plate metal by applying a great enough force to cause the material to break along a predetermined plane. It can be used to cut metal into a desired shape or size. The most common shearing process is called guillotine shearing, which involves the use of two sharp blades, one fixed and one moving, that come together to cut the metal.
Blanking
Blanking is another important process in working with steel. Blanking, also known as punch and shear blanking, is a metalworking process which involves cutting a piece of metal into a desired shape or size by using a die and punch. Blanking is a relatively simple process and can be used to produce a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Blanking is often used when large quantities of the same part are needed because the process is efficient and cost effective. The process works by feeding the metal into the die and then using the punch to cut it into the shape desired.
Stretching
Stretching is a metalworking process that involves stretching the metal to reduce its thickness, or to increase its width. Cold working or “cold forming” metal is a type of stretching process that does not involve heat. This process is beneficial because it does not introduce any new stresses or weaken the metal in any way. Stretching is often used to increase the strength of metal parts by increasing their overall size. It can also be used to help increase the speed of production by reducing the number of steps needed to complete a project.
Roll Forming
Roll forming is a metalworking process that uses rollers to shape metal sheets and other types of metal products. This process allows for complex shapes and profiles to be produced in a cost effective way. Roll forming is often used for large production runs of the same part because of its precision and repeatability. In addition, the process can be customized to ensure the best possible product. The process works by passing metal strips or sheets through sets of roller dies that press the metal into the desired shape.
Annealing
Annealing is a metalworking process which involves heating a material and then cooling it in order to reduce its hardness and increase its ductility. This process is often used to reduce intergranular stresses and prevent cracking. Annealing is sometimes used as a preparatory process prior to other fabrication methods such as machining, and is also used to bring a fractured or weakened part back to its original form. The process is reversible, so it can be used to restore a part to its original shape and strength.
