What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication plays a vital role in many industries, such as HVAC. Fabrication is the process of transforming flat sheets of metal into metal structures. In the HVAC industry, these are necessary for creating the ductwork that HVAC relies on.

Due to the durability and versatility of sheet metal, it is used in almost all fields and industries in Sonoma County and beyond.

Sheet metal is available in a wide range of materials such as aluminum, copper, and steel with varying thickness levels. Many sheet workers specialize in maintenance to ensure that HVAC systems are working efficiently with cost, energy, and comfort in mind.

The aluminum or steel ductwork created ensures that quality air will run throughout the building.

The sheet metal fabrication process contains multiple steps for experienced tradespeople to go through. The materials they work with are highly susceptible to damage, so expert techniques and extra care must be used.

Step 1: Blueprints

A trusted engineer should take the product in mine and create blueprints of the product specifications while calculating the load limitations and stress levels. This will ensure that the product will be designed safely and effectively.

Step 2: Cutting

Sheet metal can be cut in a few different ways that each serves a necessary purpose. It can be cut with shears through shearing, punching, or blanking, or without shears through laser beam cutting, plasma cutting, or with waterjets.

Step 3: Bending & Forming

After being cut to the desired size, the metal must be bent and formed to the required shape. This is where transformation happens. Numerous machines can create a U-bend, V-bend, roll, or other forms of the metal.

Step 4: Joining

These parts will then need to be fused. Highly skilled welders who are properly trained for precision take the pieces of metal and bring it together.

Step 5: Finishing

Once the parts are welded together and polished, a surface finish must be added. This paint, powder, or sealant has to be applied with an experienced hand to avoid warping or defects and adds layers of protection.

Sheet metal fabrication is highly essential in the creation of many projects in Northern California. We are lucky to have a team of skilled workers, including those who work with sheet metal fabrication. Our in-house prefabrication capabilities facilitate the just-in-time delivery of pre-fabricated assemblies. This key advantage allows us to deliver projects under extremely tight schedules.

If you are looking for a team of experienced mechanical contractors, please contact Peterson Mechanical or call (707) 938-8481 today.