Look around at the towering skyscrapers and bold designs; would it be possible to construct these if steel wasn’t readily available? Humans started working with metal more than 3000 years ago.
The discovery of metal has profoundly affected various sectors, especially the construction industry. Like our typical roti and kaya, construction and metal fabrication are inseparable industries.
Both industries develop in parallel, and the introduction of metal composite has also revolutionized the construction sector. Steel, consisting of iron and carbon, is a famous example of a metal composite.
On a global scale, construction sheet metal is one of the materials with the most widespread use. Construction infrastructures originating from sheet metal fabrication include roofing, trusses, construction framework, enclosures, ladders, and other structures.
Sheet metal is also a dependable source for building interior elements such as pipe systems and wall fasteners.
Understanding sheet metal fabrication
Simply put, sheet metal fabrication is the standard way to process sheet metal and other flat metals. This procedure starts with sheet metal with a thickness ranging between 0.5 – 6 millimetres. Typically, sheet metals come in various elements or metal composites, such as steel, aluminium, galvanized iron, copper, and many others.
The magic lies in the metal’s malleability to take on multiple shapes, so fabricators mould this sheet metal to obtain specific forms. Various processes such as cutting, stamping, folding, and welding can help accomplish this.
So, what are the sheet metal options, and how are they useful?
Here are some examples of common types of sheet metals for the modern construction setting:
Iron: Iron and its composite variants (galvanized iron and steel sheet metals) are the material of choice as the primary structural component for most buildings. It is because the best properties of iron are high strength, durability, and flexibility. Iron is also easy to fabricate and widely available, making it a practical and cost-effective choice.
Galvanized steel: Galvanization is a manufacturing technique that results in a zinc-iron coating on the surface of the steel to prevent rusting. Galvanized steel, whether for commercial or residential use, has been popular for over a century due to its excellent strength and durability. Galvanized steel is suitable for substantial structural parts and smaller structures such as fencing, gutters, rails, and many others.
The surface of galvanized steel has a distinct sheen that gives it a contemporary feel. It makes it a favourite among designers and architects looking to achieve a modern industrial look. In a nutshell, galvanized steel sheet metal is a versatile, high-quality construction material.
Stainless steel: In addition to the conventional mechanical benefits of steel, stainless steel is renowned for its superior surface qualities. Stainless steel is a low-maintenance and long-lasting investment due to its corrosion resistance against harsh weather and continuous use.
Hot-rolled & cold-rolled steel: Hot and cold-rolled steel are the two primary types of rolled steel. Both varieties of rolled steel have different qualities that make them suitable for diverse uses.
Hot-rolled steel is sheet metal that has undergone the roll-press technique at high temperatures (more than 900 degrees Celsius), making it easier to deal with. It is a popular choice among manufacturers since it requires less energy and force, resulting in lower costs for hot-rolled steel processing.
Hot-rolled steel is ideal for large-format constructions because of its strength and ability. Usually, it is the material of choice to fabricate structures such as grid decking and expansion joints for bridges and buildings. Poles, fences, and railing are examples of smaller construction components. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for applications that require solid and low-cost materials.
Cold-rolled steel
On the other hand, cold-rolled steel goes through an additional process known as “hardening” at room temperature to produce a more robust end product. With that, it can withstand high-stress conditions.
After the forming process, cold-rolled steel stays in shape. It enables it to produce exact components that require little to no secondary processing. As a result, cold-rolled steel is the metal of choice for making construction parts that demand greater precision and aesthetics.
Due to these properties, most modern construction beams and columns are cold-rolled steel.
Aluminium: Aluminium is a common building material because it is lightweight and versatile. Aside from that, aluminium has excellent surface attributes that make it corrosion-proof in humid and extreme conditions.
Copper: Copper’s distinctive reddish hue is visually pleasing. Buildings with perforated or embossed copper metal panels will always appear timeless and elegant. In addition to its appealing appearance, copper has a naturally antibacterial surface and is corrosion-resistant.
On top of that, copper is also a high-quality heat and electrical conductor. Except for the more fantastic price, these benefits make it a compelling option for roofing, plumbing fittings, and decorations.
Bronze and brass: Bronze and brass are typical copper alloys that provide additional physical properties to copper, such as better strength, corrosion resistance, and deformability. Adding tin to copper creates bronze, while copper and zinc form brass. Brass is more workable than bronze. But bronze is your best bet if you care most about strength and wear resistance.
Bronze and brass come in various shapes, sizes, and compositions. Always consult the fabrication team to learn about the characteristics of the materials. Then, select the ideal kind for your needs.
What methods are available for creating sheet metal designs for construction?
When it comes to processing sheet metal, there are numerous options. The following steps make up the typical production cycle for a sheet metal part:
Deformation: Deformation, as the name implies, transforms and manipulates the flat appearance into diverse shapes without cutting. Techniques in this category include bending and spinning.
Cutting: Most sheet metals undergo a trimming process known as “reduction” to remove the selected metal parts to get suitable shapes and sizes. Laser cutting and plasma cutting are two methods of cutting sheet metal.
Assembly: After going through the forming and cutting process, sheet metal undergoes assembly procedures through several different techniques. Welding, brazing, and fastening are typical ways to combine sheet metal parts.
The metal fabrication sector is constantly evolving. Technological innovation makes the metal fabrication business more flexible and customizable. In addition, the development and application of computer-aided design (CAD) enable the quick construction of 3D prototypes.
Machines with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities are also becoming more common. These technologies can make exact items more quickly and at a lower price, which has considerably revolutionized the metal fabrication business. Understanding the many types, characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of each material and sheet metal will help you ensure the success of your building project.
Where does sheet metal fabrication stand in the construction industry?
The construction and architectural engineering sectors are challenging industries. Most buildings are expected to withstand time and harsh physical conditions. Hence, they need to be resilient and have high integrity.
Construction projects, be they industrial, commercial, or residential, all involve sheet metal. Among them, sheet metal has applications in making up internal and external building structures. Here are some examples of metal components applications in the construction industry:
- Metal reinforcement parts: Reinforcement bars are the critical component for erecting and strengthening the architectural framework for high-rise buildings, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and railways.
- Construction assemblies: The use of construction assemblies is most evident in roofing, framing, and truss system. Some examples of components in this category are beams and columns, structural framing, awning, canopies, roofing & trusses (maintains shape and structure of roof), steel decks, and air ducts.
- Smaller manufactured metal parts: These components may appear minor, but they play essential functions in the construction sector. Perforated metal sheets, screws, nuts, bolts, anchors, windows, doors, metal tubes, and other items fall into this group.
Advantages of using sheet metal in construction:
High strength and durability – Iron is a naturally strong metal. It has a long history of supporting and enduring high-stress conditions. Metal items can indeed survive if rust is not present. Metal alloys and composites have different qualities, such as superior strength and anti-rust. Sheet metal, unlike wood, does not promote mould growth and moisture production, making it perfect for humid environments.
Lightweight –Compared to other building materials like wood and concrete, sheet metal is easy to transport and move about. This quality is a huge plus because it facilitates transit and installation.
Flexible – Sheet metal is naturally malleable, which means it can adapt to virtually any shape. This flexibility allows for a tremendous deal of customization in your project. In addition, most metals are more receptive to repairs because they do not break but rather deform.
Cost-effective – The initial investment in sheet metal is sometimes higher than in other materials. However, because it is repairable and has a long lifecycle, this may result in a lower overall cost.
Sustainable – Sheet metal has the advantage of being recyclable. Most modern-day sheet metal fabrication starts with recycled metals. Using sheet metal in buildings is thus a green and sustainable option.
Conclusion:
Metal will always be a cornerstone of the construction business due to its positive attributes. Metal fabrication specialists can create better designs and products that perform better thanks to advancements in metal manufacturing technologies. Sheet metal comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and compositions.
Hence the possibilities are unlimited when combined with the wide range of metal manufacturing processes.
With over 30 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication, the NS Metal team can help you make the correct decisions for your construction project. Contact us immediately to discuss your project ideas, and we will work with you to make your vision a reality.
References:
- https://www.wasteel.com.au/top-benefits-of-using-sheet-metal-in-construction/#.Y8KvXPpBw2x
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-steel-fabrication-construction-simon-jones/
- https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/sheet-metal-fabrication-in-the-construction-industry/
- https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/copper/copper-sheet.html