Metals are used to manufacture parts for cars, ships, airplanes, and trains. Without metals, most construction works cannot proceed. Other metals, such as copper, are coated with other elements to make decorations. It takes several procedures to transform metals into their desired forms for use.

A metal forming process involves manipulating metals into different shapes in their solid states. Metals are malleable. It is because of this reason that it is simple to convert them into different shapes. Metal forming doesn’t need high temperatures to melt the metal. The process might involve the use of bulk metals or sheets. Here are some metal forming processes.

Rolling

The process involves passing pieces of metals through rollers. The rollers change the original shape of the metal to the desired one. Rolling produces strong and tight metals that are highly resistant to damage. Metals used to install rails and build industries are processed through this process.

Forging

It entails using hammers and presses to reshape metals into usable shapes. Forging is mainly used to produce metals that are used in airplane and automotive assembly industries. The end products of forging are fine and don’t require other secondary services. They are also strong and hard.

Extrusion

It involves passing the metal through a die to form hollow shapes. The method is ideal for making tubes from metals.

Deep drawing

Deep drawing involves producing plates or sheets into the desired shape in a way that the metal has a larger surface area.

Bending

It involves the use of press brakes to reshape a metal within a linear axis. Unlike in the roll forming process, rolling produces minimal residual stress.

Stamping

In the stamping process, a presser is used to make desired marks on a metal surface. This method can produce many similar-looking patterns within a short time.

Tools Used in the Metal Forming Process

Presses

They are used to create stampings. Presses can be mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic. They form metal by dividing it into the top and bottom parts.

Benders

Benders can be used in bulk or sheet metal forming processes. They create U, and V-shaped bends by pressing metal sheets down. They can also be used to bend tubes and bars.

Roll forming machines

They use rollers to flatten or press metals before curving them into coils. There are several types of roll forming machines; those that can roll multiple metals at once and those that only roll a single metal piece at a time.

Extruders

They strengthen and shape metals by passing them through a die using direct, indirect, or lateral methods.

Conclusion

Metals have various uses. In order to use them perfectly, they need to go through various metal forming processes. Metal forming processes involve manipulating metals to desired shapes using tools such as benders and pressers. Many products such as pipes, tubes, sheets, and wires can be created from metals through this process. Many beautiful metallic products sold in the market are also an impact of metal forming.