Sheet metal processing

What can you achieve with sheet metal working?

Sheet metal working includes various techniques for shaping and processing sheet metal. It can be used to realise many DIY tasks. Metal parts can be customised or repaired, for example for bodywork on your own car. Garden and house projects can also be realised, be it the construction of sheet metal roofs, cladding or decorative metalwork. If you want to make your own tools or brackets, you can produce them for shelves, lamps or sheet metal furniture constructions. Sheet metal working is also popular in the jewellery and arts and crafts sector for realising creative projects with copper, aluminium or brass sheets. Various techniques such as cutting, bending, punching or welding can be used to shape sheet metal exactly as required.

What do you need for sheet metal working?

Different tools are required depending on the type of project and the sheet metal used. Thinner sheets can be cut with sheet metal shears, while bending and folding machines ensure precise edges or curves. Cutting torches or plasma cutters are required to cut thicker sheets precisely. Drills and punching tools make it possible to create holes or specific patterns. If you want to join metal parts permanently, you can use welding equipment. Files and grinders are suitable for finishing edges. A stable workstation, ideally with a workbench and vice, is also helpful for working safely.

Who uses sheet metal working?

In addition to professional companies, there are many hobby craftsmen who work with sheet metal. Car and motorbike fans use it for bodywork repairs or the construction of individual vehicle parts. Model makers use them for detailed metal replicas. Home and garden owners make roofing sheets, guttering or garden decorations. Artisans also benefit from sheet metal working by creating jewellery, sculptures or artistic metalwork. Do-it-yourself enthusiasts also enjoy making their own furniture, tools or machine parts.

What tools and machines are available for sheet metal working?

Different machines are used depending on the requirements and scope of the project. The folding bench is an important machine for the precise bending of sheet metal. Sheet metal can be cut cleanly and quickly with lever shears. A universal machine combines the functions of bending and rolling, which makes it particularly flexible to use.