Forming is a mechanical process used in manufacturing industries wherein materials (mostly metals) undergo plastic deformations and acquire required shapes and sizes by application of suitable stresses such as compression, shear and tension. In the forming process, no material is removed; it is completely displaced and deformed into the required shape.
Metal forming processes are an essential part of our society, and without them, our society would come to a grinding halt.
The products and components created by the different metal shaping techniques are used in creating everything from scaffolding and heavy machinery, to designing and creating microprocessors and artificial intelligence.
When it comes to metal forming, there are several processes to choose from, with each offering its own list of benefits and detriments, each suited to certain applications, and each suited for different types of metal.
Some of the commonly used forming processes in the manufacturing industry are:
Forging
Rolling
Extrusion
Thread rolling
Rotary swaging
Explosive forming
Electromagnetic forming
Some general notes about roll forming that you should be aware of:
Allows for advanced inline addition of punched features and embossings
Is best suited for large volumes
Yields complex profiles with intricate bending
Has tight, repeatable tolerances
Has flexible dimensions
Can be cut to any length
Requires little tool maintenance
Is capable of forming high-strength metals
Permits ownership of tooling hardware
Reduces room for error
Creates less scrap
Common Applications & Industries
Industries
Aerospace
Appliance
Automotive
Construction
Energy
Fenestration
HVAC
Metal Building Products
Solar
Tube & Pipe
Common Applications
Construction Equipment
Door Components
Elevators
Framing
HVAC
Ladders
Mounts
Railings
Ships
Structural Components
Tracks
Trains
Tubing
Windows