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The Basics of Sheet Metal Fabrication: Tools and Techniques Explained


Layers of sheet metal in El Paso.

Sheet metal fabrication is an important and complicated practice that is used in a wide range of industries. As such, it requires a number of different tools and techniques in order to get the job done. 


If you require professional sheet metal fabrication in El Paso, All Precision is here to help. Call (915) 781-7074 today to get started.


Basic Tools Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication 

Here's a quick look at some of the most common and essential tools used in the El Paso sheet metal fabrication process: 


  • Tin Snips - Tin snips are handheld tools used to cut and shape sheet metal. Tin snips are often used on the job site, as well as in a factory setting when a final custom cut needs to be made. 

  • Hand Bender - A hand bender is another essential handheld tool used to make small bends in sheet metal. These tools can make slight bends and angles, up to 90-degree turns. 

  • Press Break - A press break is a larger version of a hand bender that can be anywhere from several feet long to 10 feet. Press breaks are designed to make bends and angles in whole pieces of sheet metal rather than just small sections. 

  • Angle Grinder - An angle grinder is another industrial-grade sheet metal tool that gets used in factory fabrication settings. Angle grinders have rough or smooth disc edges that grind and polish sheet metal to make it smooth to the touch. 

  • Die Grinder - A die grinder is like a handheld version of an angle grinder, as it's often used for on-site purposes for last-minute finishing touches. 

  • Stretchers - While stretchers don't actually "stretch" or lengthen sheet metal, they have the ability to make bends in metal without shortening the length. 

Basic Techniques of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Now that you know some of the basic tools in sheet metal fabrication, let's look at the techniques they're capable of performing: 


  • Cutting - There are several different types of cutting in the sheet metal industry. These include laser cutting, hand cutting, waterjet cutting, and more. Regardless of what type of cutting tool you use, the goal is to cut sheet metal to length and scope. 

  • Bending - Bending is performed by hand benders and press breaks and is the technique that gives sheet metal its many shapes. 

  • Forming - Forming includes stamping, stretching, and deep drawing and is a technique used when sheet metal needs to have a specific shape or pattern built into it. 

  • Welding - Welding is a skill used in many different industries, including the sheet metal industry. Welding is used when sheet metal needs to get combined with other pieces of sheet metal or other materials altogether. 

  • Punching - Punching sheet metal is similar to making cookies using a cookie cutter pattern. A heavy puncher slams down on the sheet metal and cuts out a specific shape or pattern. 

Sheet Metal Fabrication From All Precision 

If you require sheet metal fabrication services in El Paso, All Precision is the team for you. We use each of the tools and techniques in this article to customize sheet metal to your exact needs. To get started with our services, call (915) 781-7074 today.

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