Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
Sheet metal is a great material for manufacturing. It is superior to molded plastic or other forms of metal fabrication for many reasons.
Cost Saving
The primary benefit of using sheet metal is the cost savings in both production costs and long-term maintenance. During production, costs using sheet metal are lower because the blanks used during pressing are the same. They only need to be created once and can then be used repeatedly. The more instances of each item that are made, the lower the cost per unit during the production run.
Durable and Easier to Clean
In the long term, sheet metal is more durable and is easier to clean. Almost any cleaner or solvent can be used when cleaning medical equipment made of sheet metal, as opposed to plastic, where many solvents can damage the surface. Additionally, sheet metal units are formed of large pieces that are welded together. These welds make sanitation easy, as there is no need for a deep clean to scrub out cracks or crevices. This ease of cleaning provides many ways for cost savings over the life of the product.
Easier to Alter
Sheet metal is also easier to redo if a design change is needed. Changes are done to the manufacturing program which adjusts the rollers and cutters in the press. Using a cast for metal or plastic requires a complete revamp of the mold if a design change is warranted. Additionally, folded sheet metal can be unfolded with little loss to the structural integrity of the unit. Changes are much easier to do on the fly as well. If a small design change is needed, such as the inclusion of a hole in the rear of the cabinet for electrical cords, this is easily done. Changing a plastic mold requires that the mold be recast, which delays production. This also increases production costs for a molded unit versus a sheet metal design.
Wider Range of Options to Consider
Sheet metal comes in many types, ranging from galvanized materials that are suitable for use in corrosive saltwater environments to stainless steels used in medical bays. Additionally, sheet metal is easily finished with a powder coat to change its appearance without affecting its durability. Powder coats are extremely resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals. Depending on the use of the medical equipment, one of several types of powder can be used.
With all of these benefits, it is no wonder sheet metal is the ideal material for fabricating. Check out the site for more information on fabrication.
Share8 April 2016
Hi, my name is David Dotson and the purpose of this blog is to educate others about the manufacturing process. For as long as I can remember, I've always been amazed by how different things are made. It fascinates me to think about the process of taking raw materials and turning them into something useful during fabrication. When I have spare time, I can be found reading about various types of manufacturing and industrial plants to learn how they operate. I wanted to write a blog about my findings so that others could also learn how raw goods are transformed every day into useable products.