Sheet Metal Stiffening Techniques

Reduction of steel sheet thickness as a means of reducing vehicle weight may necessitate some method of enhancing flexural stiffness.

Sheet metal stiffening techniques.

The sheetmetal is slid between the two bars and twisted back and forth to create a fold. 5 easy ways to strengthen sheet metal. Cross breaks are most commonly in an x shape forming a slight pyramid shape in the metal without overly distorting it. A common way to add strength to a sheet metal part is to add strengthening ribs.

The k factor in the area of bending is visualized depending on the process adopted for bending. Outer surface of the sheet metal witnesses more strain as compared to the inner surface in the course of bending. Rolling a hemmed wire edge into sheet metal. Wire edging is a process in which the edge of the sheet metal is rolled over on a metal wire giving the sheet strong edges.

Two ways to add strengthening ribs are with mate s rollerball tool and a beaded emboss tool. When stiffening ductwork or other sheet metal products there are two primary techniques fabricators can employ cross braking or beading. Three basic types of sheet stiffening methods have been investigated. In this case the sheet of flat steel will be formed into a wheel disc.

Before we get into the specifics of how and when to perform each technique let s take a step back and ask the question why should i stiffen my sheet anyway. Folding over the edge of a piece of sheet metal will give the metal instant structural integrity. How large of a bend. A cross break in sheet metal is when multiple obtuse bend angles of approximately 170 are made across a flat section thin metal.

Several basic types of bending methods can be incorporated into a stamping operation wipe bending v bending and rotary bending. This process is similar to that of breaking an edge of the. All three are popular and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The crossing ridges stiffen the face of the metal and help prevent is from buckling under a load.

Integrally formed rib stiffeners foam backed sheets and embossed material. As the material is deformed the effective material thickness increases strengthening the material. Stiffening methods for sheet steel. Sheet metal edge bending.