When people think about using sheet metal fabrication to make functional products like containers, furniture and equipment enclosures, it is normal to imagine the results will be basic, box-like designs with limited finishing options that need to be hidden out of sight. The truth is very different when you work with a high quality sheet metal fabrication provider like Taiwa.
Functional sheet metal products can be attractive to look at
As you can see from the sheet metal bench shown above, made by Taiwa in our advanced manufacturing facility in Taichung, Taiwan, sheet metal products that are functional don’t have to be box-like, sharp edged, dull and lifeless. Modern sheet metal fabrication techniques and superior sheet metal finishing technologies enable a much broader range of shapes and finishes than were previously possible.
What sheet metal fabrication technologies enhance sheet metal products?
At Taiwa we use Japanese AMADA precision laser punch cutting and forming technologies with computer aided engineering, design, cutting and forming controls that add a new dimension to the precision and finish that can be achieved in sheet metal fabrication. With modern sheet metal fabrication techniques, many tasks that used to be extremely time consuming and expensive are not readily achievable on a more modest budget.
- Laser cutting for high precision manufacturing
- Edge chamfering for user safety
- Roll forming to make complex shapes and compound curves
- Powder coating with many color options
- Screen printing, laser etching & engraving to personalise and add brand identity
High precision sheet metal cutting increases efficiency of sheet metal fabrication
High precision laser cutting, etching and engraving combined with punch cutting enables single-pass completion of a larger number of procedures than was possible with older, manual machines. This increases the efficiency of sheet metal fabrication by reducing the number of times the metal sheet has to be handled and repositioned, and also increases accuracy and fit of the finished product, reducing the need for manual adjustments and fettling during assembly.
Edge chamfering protects users & customers from cuts
Edge chamfering is essential for sheet metal products that are going to be handled or used as furniture. This is not the same category of sheet metal fabrication as, for example, electronic or electrical control box manufacturing, where interior plates, mounting points and other components are often straight-cut without chamfering as they are not exposed to casual contact.
The nature of sheet metal cutting is that it creates very sharp edges that can easily cause cuts if handled without edge chamfering. Functional, accessible sheet metal products should always have edge chamfering on all exposed surfaces.
Roll forming to make complex shapes and compound curves in sheet metal
Manual sheet metal forming and folding requires a very high level of training, experience and expertise to achieve complex shapes that match the original design. Using computer assisted forming machines assists an expert fabricator in determining exact spring-back and the limits of bends and folds in both the design stage and during fabrication.
Functional sheet metal products benefit from high quality finishes & color options
Powder coating is the most common method used to enhance functional sheet metal products, by both protecting the surface from corrosion, and also making it more aesthetically pleasing. An additional benefit of powder coating is to provide some insulation against heat transfer, which can be important in colder climates where outdoor sheet metal furniture and fixtures can feel uncomfortably cold.
Laser engraving, etching & screen printing enhance your sheet metal product
Full service, vertically integrated, sheet metal fabrication specialists like Taiwa can offer a very wide range of powder coating color options as well as laser engraving, etching, labelling and screen printing to enable full customization of your functional sheet metal product. We can also add trim materials in wood or plastic to improve the look and feel of furniture, culinary tools and other functional sheet metal products.
Taiwa delivers the best in functional sheet metal fabrication
Whether you want outdoor furniture, a public bus shelter, or a fire extinguisher stand, Taiwa has the experience, expertise and technology to deliver the best in functional sheet metal fabrication. Contact us to discuss your project and discover how Taiwa can help you realize the best possible version of your product by efficient, cost-effective sheet metal manufacturing employing the latest, most advanced technologies.
