A Custom Sheet Metal Bracket Having Precision CNC Machining areas on several locations

At HY Metals, we are proud of our 14 years of experience and commitment to delivering the highest quality custom manufacturing solutions. Our expertise lies in precision sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining, and we are committed to providing our customers with best-in-class products that meet their exact specifications.

  A recent project demonstrating our capabilities involved the production of custom sheet metal parts made of Al5052 for automotive brackets. The brackets undergo a series of processes including laser cutting, bending and riveting, before requiring precision machining in four specific areas to form stepped circles. This processing is critical to adapt the electronic components to the next stage of assembly.

  The challenge of maintaining machining tolerances after bending is a common problem in the sheet metal industry. Unlike CNC machining, the tolerances of sheet metal parts are not too tight, and after bending, it is difficult to secure the part to the CNC machine for precise positioning. However, at HY Metals, we have the expertise and technology to overcome these challenges and achieve superior results.

Securing sheet metal parts on CNC machines can be challenging, but there are several techniques and considerations that can help ensure tight machining tolerances.

  1. Fasten it properly: Use clamps, vises, or custom fixtures to hold sheet metal parts securely in place. When designing a fixture, consider the material’s thickness, shape, and potential deformation during processing.

  2. Soft Jaws: If using a vise, consider using soft jaws to prevent damage or deformation of the sheet metal. Soft jaws can be machined to match the contours of the part, providing better support and minimizing vibration.

  3. Support structures: For larger or more complex sheet metal parts, consider using support structures or additional fixtures to minimize deflection during machining.

  4. Reference points: Establish clear reference points on sheet metal parts to ensure consistent positioning and alignment during processing. This is critical to maintaining tight tolerances.

  5. Clamping strategy: Develop a clamping strategy that evenly distributes clamping force over the part to minimize deformation. Consider using low-profile clamps or edge clamps to avoid interference with cutting tools.

  6. Tool path optimization: Use CAM software to generate tool paths that minimize vibration and tool deflection, especially when machining thin or delicate sheet metal parts.

  7. Inspection and feedback: Implement a robust inspection process to verify the accuracy of machining characteristics. Use feedback from inspection results to refine fixtures and machining strategies for future production runs.

  By addressing these issues, manufacturers can improve the accuracy and consistency of CNC machining of sheet metal parts, ultimately ensuring tight tolerances are achieved.

  With a team of over 350 well-trained employees and state-of-the-art facilities equipped with over 500 machines, we are capable of handling projects of any size. Whether it’s a single prototype or a series production of thousands, we are committed to providing the highest quality parts to a variety of industries.

  Our commitment to excellence and attention to detail is demonstrated in the successful execution of your car bracket project. Despite the complexity of the post-bending process, we ensure that the finished sheet metal brackets meet the highest standards of precision and quality.

  When you choose HY Metals for your custom manufacturing needs, you can expect:

 1. Precision sheet metal manufacturing and CNC machining expertise

2. Dedicated team committed to providing quality products

3. Ability to handle projects of any size, from prototyping to mass production

4. Attention to detail and dedication to meeting your exact specifications

  Whether you need precision sheet metal parts, sheet metal prototypes, precision machining or custom manufacturing solutions, HY Metals is your trusted partner. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and experience the difference our expertise and dedication make in delivering exceptional results.