Laser beam cutting
Laser cutting of tubes and sections
Robotic welding
Sheet metal bending
Metal forming is a process that changes the shape of a material by applying appropriate pressure, leading to permanent deformations. Unlike machining, where material is removed, in metal forming, the volume of the material remains the same, and only its form changes. This technique is widely used in various industries, especially in manufacturing structural components, machine parts, tools, and many other sectors where strength and precision are essential.
Metal forming encompasses several primary methods, each with unique techniques and applications. The most popular ones include:
Forging is a process that involves shaping metal by hammering or pressing it. This process can be performed either hot or cold, depending on the type of material and the requirements of the final product. Hot forging increases the plasticity of the material, allowing for more complex shapes and improving its mechanical properties. Forging is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries, where high strength components are required.
Rolling involves passing metal through a system of rollers that shape it to a specific thickness and shape. Depending on the needs, rolling can be done either cold or hot. Cold rolling allows for precise dimensions and a smooth surface, while hot rolling enables greater material deformation. This process is used in the production of sheets, tubes, profiles, and other metal elements.
Stamping forms metal by pressing it into molds. It is primarily used for producing thin-walled elements, such as sheets or automotive body parts. Different stamping techniques exist, including cold stamping and deep drawing, which allow for complex, precise shapes.
Bending is a process of shaping metal by bending it into the desired form. Bending is used to produce tubes, profiles, sheets, and other elements requiring precise angles and bending radii. Bending can be done manually or using CNC machines, allowing for high precision and repeatability.
Extrusion, also known as pressing, is a forming method where metal is shaped by being pushed through a die. This results in a profile with a constant cross-section, such as tubes, rods, or profiles. Extrusion is mainly used in the production of non-ferrous metal products, like aluminum and copper.
Metal forming is an integral part of many production processes. It is used in the automotive, aerospace, construction, electrical, and many other industries requiring precise, durable, and aesthetically pleasing components. The ability to achieve complex shapes while enhancing the strength and structure of the metal makes metal forming an essential technology in producing modern and innovative components.
Choosing metal forming provides numerous benefits that enhance production efficiency and the quality of final products:
Metal forming is a key industrial process that enables the shaping of metals without material loss. With various methods such as forging, rolling, stamping, bending, and extrusion, forming processes can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of a project. This technology offers tremendous benefits in terms of precision, strength, and cost-effectiveness, making it widely applicable across many industrial sectors.