sheet
Quick Summary
Sheet metal refers to metal in the form of a sheet. In metallurgy, sheet metal forming is a crucial metalworking process used to create various products, from automobile fenders to components for the electrical industry.12
Sheet metal can be formed using several methods, including stretch forming, bending, and shearing.2
* Stretch forming involves stretching the metal over a die while under tension, allowing it to retain its new shape beyond its yield point.2
* Bending is achieved by pressing the sheet between two dies.2
* Shearing is a cutting operation used to shape the metal.2
Often, a combination of these processes is used to create complex parts, such as an automobile roof, where the sheet is stretched, formed by dies, and then trimmed to final dimensions. The properties of sheet metal, like hardness and surface finish, can be further enhanced through alloying and heat treatment.23
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