In engineering, sheet metal fabrication manufacturing is one of the essential techniques that can turn plates or metal sheets into 3D parts with different functions. We understand, the provided CAD models and engineering drawings from you require strict tolerance and complex geometries. Tuofa’s sheet metal bending solution can make your engineering design into real parts with un compromising functions and tolerance. For good service, we introduce details in this article.
Can We Manufacture Parts From Your CAD Files?
In digital manufacturing, a CAD file is the general language for communication on design and manufacturing. Our engineers can analyse and evaluate your 2D or 3D file based on their over decades of experience to make sure your metal parts can be customized based on parameters.
Supported CAD Formats (STEP, IGES, DXF, DWG, SolidWorks)
Importantly, our CAM system supports diverse main CAD formats. STEP(.stp, .step) and IGES(.igs) are the typical recommended format. If your file format doesn’t match any one that we have provided, welcome to contact us, we can offer quick solution as soon as possible.
Interpreting Complex Designs Accurately
Receiving CAD file is just the first step, understanding the engineering design is the key. Our engineers will make analysis on design for manufacturing, focusing on the bend radius and thickness of sheet metal plates.
For example, as for precision brackets, we will simulate the deformation trend of the metal sheet, and then perform springback compensation in advanced on the unfolded drawing to ensure the final product’s assembly hole position accuracy remains within tolerance limits.
Can We Work With Your Preferred Materials?
Don’t you know how to choose metal materials for bending parts? Actually, material selection decides the final strength, corrosion resistance and cost composition of the parts directly. Tuofa’s bending capability can cover most all of metal materials. As a experience manufacturer, we understand mechanical properties of different grades of materials during metal bending.
Common Metals We Can Bend
As for different application scenarios, we posses rich experience on bending the following metals:
- Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Bending:
Aluminum like 6061-T6 and 5052-H32 are usually used for lightweight parts such as electronica device housing and automotive bracket.
- Stainless Steel Bending:
SUS304 and 316L aluminum have excellent corrosion resistance, which makes them the optimal choice for components of food machinery and medical devices.
- Copper and Copper Alloy Bending:
This metal has unmatched conductivity and is usually used to to make bus bar and some other electrical connectors.
- Titanium Alloy Bending:
Grade 2 and Grade (Ti-6AI-4V) titanium are widely used for parts with demanding tolerance such as aerospace and medical components.
Can We Meet Your Precision Requirements?
Precision is the core requirement for functions of parts. We know even just 0.1mm deviation may cause assembly interference structure loosening. Hence, integrate the principles of geometric dimensions and tolerances throughout the entire production process.
Tolerance Capabilities for Sheet Metal Parts
It depends on the thickness of materials and parts dimension. We can achieve tolerance up to ±0.1mm.
As for ultra-high precision parts, for example, mounting brackets used for precision machinery, we will adopt more strict inspection system for bending ideal sheet metal parts. The quality inspection of parts is implemented throughout the entire process.
Can We Deliver Your Prototype or Production Parts on Time?
In an engineering project, lead time is very vital for production invention. We align production planning with customer needs to ensure timely delivery.
Typical Lead Times for Prototypes and Production Runs
- Prototyping or Small-Volume Production:
We can finish your order within a week after receiving your engineering drawing.
- Medium or Large Volume Project: We can finish the project as soon as possible according to the number of parts.
Can We Help You Optimize Your Part Design for Sheet Metal Bending?
The cost and quality of parts are determined in the stage of design. As a responsible custom parts manufacturer, we can not only provide sheet metal bending service, but also offer analysis on design for manufacturing so that you can optimize the tolerance or shapes of your parts.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Reviews
DFM, it is a feedback for the manufacturability of your parts. Its purpose is to make your parts manufactured with desired functions and geometries. As for bending service, we often provide suggestions include:
- Where there is a risk of rupture due to a small bending radius
- Is the hole too close to the bend edge, which may cause hole deformation
- If there is too tight tolerance and cause unnecessary costs
Reducing Springback and Warping Through Design
Springback is one of the physical properties of metal bending. For detailed definition of springback, you can read previous Tuofa’s guide. We can control bending parameters and adjust process to achieve compensation for materials springback, ensuring that the final parts have the required tolerance.
Can We Provide Surface Finishing for Your Sheet Metal Parts?
The appearance is also important for sheet metal parts. We provide several post surface finishing service for wide applications of parts so that our customers can enjoy a convenient experience. Surface treatment we provide include power coating, anodizing, and liquid spray, etc.
Protective Finishes for Corrosion Resistance
For outdoor applications or parts used in high-humidity environments, basic rust prevention is essential. Common rust prevention surface includes: galvanizing, nickel plating, and passivation treatment.
Can We Provide Cost-Effective Solutions for Your Sheet Metal Parts?
Cost controlling is the vital theme for customers. Tuofa can help you lower cost without compromising the quality of parts from the engineering aspect.
Material Selection to Reduce Waste
First, we can help you choose standard bending plates without affecting the functions of parts, which can significantly improve material utilization efficiency.
Optimizing Bending and Forming Processes
Simplifying the process steps can also lower the manufacturing cost. The reason is that when the steps of bending reduce, the total bending time will reduce as well. It is helpful to reduce the cumulative risk of dimension errors, minimizing the likelihood of rework.
Can We Guarantee Quality for Your Bended and Fabricated Parts?
Quality assurance is not just a slogan. We test the sheet metal parts during bending to ensure that they can meet the requirements of customers.
Dimensional Inspection
Tuofa is equipped with a complete set of testing instruments. For critical dimension, we employ higher-precision inspection methods such as:
- CMM
- Optical Measurement
- Digital Angle Gauge
- Go Gauges
Material Testing and Certification
The original materials we use are from qualified suppliers. If customers need, we can provide test certificates. If customers have testing requirements for special materials, we can help test the material composition and mechanical properties with the third parties.
ISO and Quality Management Compliance
Our production and management processes comply with the requirements of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. The inspection system includes the followings procedures:
- Incoming Material Inspection: check the grade, thickness and surface quality of raw materials.
- First Piece Inspection: For new orders, conduct a full dimensional inspection of the first part using tools such as calipers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) when necessary.
- In-process Inspection: Operators perform self-inspection during each production batch.
- Final Inspection before Shipment: Sample inspection is carried out based on a strict inspection system.
Conclusione
Tuofa is a professional sheet metal bending manufacturer with over decades of experience. Hope this article can help you solve your questions about Tuofa parts bending services.