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Articles tagged with "sheet metal"
Results: 25
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Know when to fold 'em: Characteristics and capabilities of folding technologyFolding machines aren't the fastest machines for bending sheet metal, but for low- to medium-volume production, they can provide an efficient bending process. Because the equipment operator does not support the weight of the material during the bending cycle, folding machines are well suited to large, bulky parts. Also, part quality is not dependent on an operator's skill.
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Automating bending, forming operations: Part volume determines processBending and folding of sheet metal components can be approached manually or with automation. The volume—high, medium, or low&—determines the approach.
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Structured sheet metal: ArrayArray
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Improve HSS part quality before die tryout: Calculating springback compensation with simulation softwareThe use of high-strength steels (HSS) and aluminum in automotive and other stamping manufacturing is creating forming challenges for tool and die engineers. Forming simulation software, formerly used to predict conventional failure causes, now also enables the stamping tool and die engineer to simulate secondary operations, including springback to avoid expensive and time-consuming die tryouts.
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Structured sheet metal - Part I: Comparing processesIncreasing sheet metal component rigidity while reducing weight can be achieved by substituting steel with aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloys; advanced high-strength steel (AHSS); or 3-D structured sheet metal.
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Structured sheet metal - Part II: ApplicationsVault-structured sheet metal undergoes very little strain hardening during structuring, so it can be deformed further into shapes such as cans, containers, washing machine drums, thin-walled detector tubes, heat exchangers, and light reflectors.
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Safety with press hydraulic systems: Preparing for and handling hydraulic fluid spillsWhat happens when a hydraulic system—pumps, hoses, and fittings—fails—Knowing how to avoid, cope with and clean up the mess to ensure personnel safety and minimize downtime could come in very handy one day.
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Unfolding truth about flats: Just how much does a CAD jockey need to know about flat layouts anyway?Columnist Gerald Davis reveals the usefulness of unfolding parts on the computer screen.
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3D CAD modeling of sheet metal parts: Determining the design intent behind the part is a good place to startThe main variation in sheet metal modeling technique is when to let the 3D CAD system know that the part is to be treated as sheet metal. Columnist Gerald Davis walks us through three different ways to accomplish this.
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What CNC programmers wish you knew: A crash course in CNCState-of-the-art CNC programming systems speed the first stage of CNC programming by allowing the programmer to import CAD models to define the geometry of the part. That's just the first part, however. To really speed up the design phase, CAD programmers should keep several tips in mind.
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Essential CAD: A starting point: Basic realities of a virtual worldBefore a company purchases a CAD software package, the management team should start with a list of priorities that it expects the software to address. Of course, these priorities should be tailored to the company's mission. It's also important to keep in mind some of the basics of the virtual design world before the actual purchase takes place.
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Unfolding truth about flats: Just how much does a CAD jockey need to know about flat layouts anyway?Columnist Gerald Davis reveals the usefulness of unfolding parts on the computer screen.
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FMA jumps on the certification bandwagonMany industries and careers rely on certification programs to train workers. The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl.®, has identified a need to certify precision sheet metal workers and is launching a certification program. This article explains the program's goals, outlines the development process, and describes how industry professionals can participate.
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Optimizing a single probe, gap-tolerant, double sheet detector system: A guided tour of its working principles, capabilities, limitationsDetecting the presence of two sheets in a press feeding operation uses scientific principles, but the process is not an exact science. A typical press-feeding situation involves an air gap between the detector and the first sheet in the stack or an air gap between the top two sheets, and these air gaps reduce the detector's effectiveness. Understanding the capabilities of the detector and the limitations imposed by imperfect conditions can help stampers set up an effective double-sheet detector system.
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Draw forming: ArrayArray
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Know your bending basics—Part 2When trying to make a good 90 degree bend with sheet metal, there's more than on way home. Just make sure your method can accommodate improvisation.
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Draw forming: ArrayArray
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Sheet Metal Stamping 101: ArrayArray
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Draw forming Part I : Processing functions: Part I : Processing functionsDraw forming is one of the net shape processes, and, as a result, many of the technology advances in the general field of manufacturing have not been as beneficial to draw forming as one would expect. All too often, such advancements as lean manufacturing, statistical process control, just-in-time, and six sigma, have not resulted in benefits for draw forming.
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Sheet Metal Stamping 101 Part II: Material and equipment: Part II: Material and equipmentThinking about adding metal stamping to your capabilities? Read this primer about the materials and equipment, including the different types of stamping presses, and view images of stamped parts, which can be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Sheet Metal Stamping 101 Part III: Dies and cutting: Part III: Dies and cuttingContinuing his series about sheet metal stamping, tool and die expert Art Hedrick focuses on die basics, including die materials and rudimentary maintenance. He also explains the cutting process and what happens to metal when you cut it with a stamping die.
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Press Brakes and (much) More: The feng shui of precision sheet metal manufacturingThe flow of product through you shop is a key issue in determining your prosperity as a business. Drawing a little insight from the Chinese concept of feng shui might help you achieve the kind of flow you're looking for.
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When does a punch/laser make sense?: 3 Questions a fabricator needs to askHawkeye Industries Inc., Tupelo, Miss., was getting more and more orders for parts that required both punching and laser cutting. To meet the growing demand, the company purchased a combination punch/laser machine. Some shops are more suited than others to this technolgy--combination machines can increase profits for some companies, and costs for others. Shop owners should keep five key things in mind when evaluating and purchasing a combination punch/laser machine.
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Laser and waterjet: friends or foes?: Capabilities make these technologies complements, not competitorsKnowing the capabilities and drawbacks of laser and waterjet machines is the key in determining which is best for a particular application.
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Láser y chorro de agua: ¿amigos o enemigos?: Sus capacidades hacen que estas tecnologías se complementen y no que compitan entre sí |
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