In sheet metal processing, the right tool determines precision, efficiency and quality. This article provides an overview of tools used in sheet metal processing. They range from classic hand tools to automated machines. An overview.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- What tools are available for sheet metal processing?
- Differences in requirements for tools: craft vs industrial production
- Tools in trade and industrial production
- Role of the quality of tools for sheet metal processing
- Role of automation and integration of Industry 4.0 in tools
- FACTUREE: No desire to search for the right tool
Introduction
Sheet metal working is an important process in trade and industry. It involves the precise shaping, cutting and forming of sheet metal parts. The choice of the right tools determines quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Whether classic hand tools for flexible one-off production or ultra-modern machines for series production - the range of tools is diverse. This article gives you a good overview of the most important cutting and forming tools in sheet metal processing. It also explains what you should look out for when using them.
What tools are available for sheet metal processing?
There are two types of tools used in sheet metal working. The first type is used for cutting. The second type is used for forming sheet metal.
The material, the sheet thickness and the desired result determine which sheet metal processing tool is used. The right equipment saves time and money and ensures the best results in sheet metal processing. Here you will find a small overview of possible tools:
- Tin snips: Classic tool for thin and medium-thick sheets. Ideal for fitting trapezoidal sheets. Available as hand-operated, electric, battery-operated or pneumatic versions. The special shears include Pelikan, Berliner, round hole, universal and figure shears, PRETEC combi shears, ERDI Ideal sheet metal shears and ERDI perforated sheet metal shears.
- Blechknabber: Ideal for cutting curves, circles or complex contours in sheet metal. Also suitable for rough cutting of flat and round steel. Available in manual or electric/pneumatic versions.
- Lever plate shears: Robust tool for rough, powerful cutting of flat or round steel. Suitable for craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts for thicker materials.
- Slitting shears: Special tool for precise cut-outs in hard-to-reach areas of sheet metal. Particularly practical for internal cut-outs or narrow areas.
- Sheet metal punch: Tool for fast, clean punching of holes, often in car body construction. Examples: Knipex turret punch pliers, carbide hole cutter.
- Metal band saw: Robust, powerful machine for precise cuts and fast cutting to length of metal. Examples: Cowley metal band saw, cut-off saws, metal circular saws.
In industrial sheet metal processing, cutting devices designed for serial production such as laser, water jet or plasma are used.
- Folding bench: For precise forming (bending) of sheet metal into defined angles, e.g. for chimney or roof sheet metal. Ideal for precise bending in trade and industrial sheet metal working. Examples: Cowley folding machine.
- Flanging device: Used to fold over sheet edges to secure edges or joints without welding, soldering or riveting. Practical and safe even for non-professionals. Alternatively, an experienced sheet metal worker can carry out flanging work manually using folding pliers.
- Folding pliers: Indispensable hand tool for precisely bending and fitting sheet metal on site. Available in straight, offset, plain or corner versions.
- Angle bender: Suitable for cold or hot bending of flat, square or round steel. Frequently used in metal construction, enables precise bending of a wide variety of materials.
- Roller stretching machine:Special device for targeted shaping, stretching and smoothing of sheet metal parts. Also known as English wheel machine or roller stretching machine, often used in bodywork or classic car processing.
- Panel bending machine: These are machines that bend sheet metal efficiently and accurately. These include round bending machines and combined devices. One example is the Cowley 3in1 sheet metal working machine. It can cut, round bend and fold.
Scalable alternatives or variants of the tools mentioned above can be found in industrial sheet metal processing. You can read more about this in the next sections.
Difference in requirements for sheet metal working tools: trade vs. industrial production
The requirements placed on tools for sheet metal processing differ significantly between trade and industrial production.
| Craft | Industrial manufacturing | |
| Precision and repeatability | Sufficient precision for one-off production or small series, manual reworking often possible. | Highest precision and consistent quality for large quantities, often automated quality control. |
| Quantity and productivity | Small to medium quantities, flexibility more important than throughput. Tools can often be used mobile or stationary. | High to very high quantities, tools must be designed for continuous operation, fast cycle times and high capacity utilization. |
| Robustness and durability | Solid, durable tools for occasional to regular use. | Extremely resilient, low-maintenance machines for continuous operation under high loads. |
| Ease of use and mobility | Compact, flexible tools, often mobile, easy to transport or can be used on site. | Large stationary systems, complex machinery, infrequent relocation, operation often via digital interfaces. |
| Degree of automation | Mostly manual or semi-mechanical tools, low automation. | A high degree of automation, CNC technology, robotics and digital process connection are standard. |
| Investment volume | Manageable investments, focus on versatility. | High investment costs, but specialized in maximum efficiency and scaling. |
Tools in trade and industrial production
In industrial production, the focus is on series production. The aim is to produce many identical sheets quickly.
This usually requires an industrial environment in order to be efficient and cost-effective. The methods and machines used are therefore often automated or high-performance. These include:
- Automated bending machines
- Shearing benches
- Folding benches and press brakes (manual, hydraulic and CNC-controlled) for bending and forming sheet metal
- Cutting devices such as laser, water jet or plasma for precise and fast cutting.
In the trades and for DIY enthusiasts, on the other hand, it is mostly about processing individual pieces. The tools here are more varied and often designed for flexibility and manual control. These include, among others:
- Muscle-powered tools: e.g. classic sheet metal shears, sheet metal nibblers
- Electric or pneumatic tools: e.g. battery-powered sheet metal shears, jigsaws with suitable saw blades, or unbeatable pneumatic sheet metal shears for thicker sheets. The following are used for forming:
- Manual tools: e.g. hemming pliers, flanging tools, various hammers (hemming hammer, polishing hammer, pinning hammer, etc.), folding iron or flanging iron.
- Smaller, often mobile machines: e.g. folding or edging benches.
Quality and precision are important in both areas. However, the tools required differ. This depends on the production and the degree of automation.
Role of the quality of tools for sheet metal processing
The quality of the tools used plays a central role in sheet metal processing. Precise results and durable tools are only possible with high-quality equipment.
Precision and clean results with the right tools
Specially developed tools are indispensable for exact cuts, clean edges or precise bends. High quality Plate shears, Perforator, Nibble and Folding benches help to make work faster and more accurate. Every detail counts, especially when it comes to intricate work or dimensionally accurate cuts. The use of CNC machines also guarantees maximum precision and accurate results - ideal for the series production of sheet metal parts.
Robust and durable tools for tough use
In the workshop or production hall, tools are exposed to high loads every day. High-quality products made from robust materials provide the necessary stability and durability. Tools such as Punch, Scissors or Bending machines from brand manufacturers impress with their long service life, perfect workmanship and ergonomic design. This not only saves costs, but also reduces downtimes.
Longer service life for sheet metal working tools
Even the best tools need regular care. Proper cleaning, lubrication and the timely replacement of wearing parts ensure that performance is maintained over the long term. This ensures consistently precise results and a long service life for your Tools for sheet metal processing.
The role of automation and the integration of Industry 4.0 in sheet metal processing tools
Sheet metal processing is developing rapidly. A key driver of this development is the increasing Automation in connection with the Industry 4.0.
Modern tools and machines for sheet metal processing are no longer just simple aids. They are part of networked, high-precision manufacturing processes.
Automation for greater efficiency and precision
Automated tools and machines have become indispensable in industrial production in particular. CNC-controlled cutting, bending and forming tools make it possible to process sheet metal quickly, precisely and repeatably. Companies benefit from:
- Highest dimensional accuracy
- Lower error rates
- Faster production times
- Consistently high product quality
Automation significantly reduces manual effort, increases efficiency and enables the economical production of large quantities.
Industry 4.0: The future of sheet metal processing & tools
The integration of Industry 4.0 takes sheet metal processing to a new level. Today, machines, tools and software are digitally networked. Production data is recorded, analyzed and used in real time to optimize processes. For the use of tools in sheet metal processing, this means
- Intelligent tool monitoring and wear control
- Predictive maintenance for maximum machine availability
- Optimum coordination between machines and tools
- Efficient material utilization through precise process control
There are many advantages in the series production of sheet metal parts. Especially in the areas of vehicle construction, building services and mechanical engineering. Digital networking ensures greater transparency. It also increases efficiency and quality.
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