Sheet metal components can come is a wide range of shapes and sizes. From the simplest flat metal plate to complex intricate welded fabrications. We offer support to our customers’ right across the range with a host of sheet metal manufacturing services. Having control of these manufacturing processes in house enables us to tailor services to suit different designs and production volumes.
Flat laser cut aluminium components
Here is an example of us producing an aluminium bracket. The component could have been CNC punched. We looked at the developed flat blank shape and decided that laser cutting would be better. With its shape and the blending corner radius features on the outer profile laser cutting was the best method to use.
Bent Aluminium components
Once the components were laser cut there was no need to deburr the edges as the cut was so clean. We often find that when laser cutting thin gauges with our fibre laser cutter the edge is acceptable to your customer without further edge finishing operations. We will also include small corner radii to help reduce the chances of people cutting their hands in subsequent assembly processes.
Bending sheet metal components on the Trumpf 7036
Setting up the Trumpf 7036 CNC press brake to fold a component like this is relatively easy. With a simple single top and bottom V tool the whole component can be folded up. Programming the machine allows the operator to control the length or each bend and its angle. The combination of upwards and downwards folds, varying lengths and bend angles enables complex components to be programmed in simple stages. Once a program has been written a single “first off” part is produced. If it’s not exactly to drawing a simple correction can be made on the program to an angle and it will be reflected across all the bends. After the part meets the drawing requirements the process can be repeated again and again until the batch is complete. Depending on the size of the batch of parts, the complexity and drawing tolerances we may stop and check random parts to ensure all is correct.
Fast Tube by Casper
If you are looking for more information on CNC bending take a look at our page, “What is CNC bending?”
Or possibly you would like to see hundreds of examples of CNC folded sheet metal components on our Pinterest Board to give you some ideas for your next new design.
If you have a new sheet metal project and you want us to take a look for you please feel free to give us a call or email sales@vandf.co.uk with your drawings. We will be happy to help with quotes and advice.