top of page
  • allprecisionsales

The Art and Science of Metal Forming: A Comprehensive Guide


A silver piece of metal being bent in a machine in El Paso.

In its natural, unaltered state, metal is one of the most valuable construction resources on the planet. However, while plain metal has some uses, its main value lies in the fact that you can shape and mold it through metal forming. While metal forming sounds straightforward and simplistic, it's a complicated art and science that takes years to master. 


If you are looking for quality metal forming services in El Paso, look no further than All Precision Sheet Metal Works, Inc. Contact us online or call (915) 781-7074 to learn more about our services.


What is Metal Forming? 


Metal forming is the process of taking a roll or flat piece of sheet metal and forming it to meet your desires. You can use metal forming services to make gutters, siding, air vents, and much more. There are several different types of El Paso metal forming processes, including the following: 


  • Shearing 

  • Bending 

  • Compressive stress forming 

  • Tensile stress forming 

  • Stamping 

  • Forging 


While most types of metal forming happen at a shop with the proper tools and materials, there is also on-site metal forming. As the name indicates, on-site metal forming in El Paso is where a metal forming professional creates custom sheet metal products on-site. Whether that means gutters for a roofing project, ducts for an HVAC system, or anything else, on-site metal forming is a specialty of All Precision. Contact us to learn more or for a complete list of our on-site services. 


What is the Purpose of Metal Forming? 


Simply put, people need metal forming services to create custom sheet metal products and solutions. Sheet metal comes in flat, long sheets in its natural state. In order to make use of these sheets, the individual pieces need to be cut, bent, and stamped into specific shapes and forms. 


Therefore, the overall concept of metal forming is similar to molding clay or melting plastic into a specific shape. While metal forming has been around for thousands of years, the techniques and tools have changed drastically, making metal forming faster, more innovative, and more possible than ever. 


What Tools Are Included in Metal Forming? 


Another reason metal forming is a complicated art and science is because many different tools are involved in the process. Here are some of the most common:


  • Presses 


Hydraulic presses are the bread and butter of the metal-forming industry, as they force and pressure necessary to stamp and shape sheet metal. 


  • Dies 


Dies are attached to presses to ensure your metal is molded into the perfect shape for your needs. 


  • Routers 


When metal forming is performed in a shop setting, a special router is used to trim and cut the metal to specific lengths, shapes, and widths. 


  • Snips 


Some types of metal forming in El Paso require a hands-on approach, specifically for on-site forming. Snips are used when a router isn't available to make custom cuts. 


  • Bevels 


In addition to custom cuts, bevels are necessary for on-site bending and shaping. 


While these tools make up the core of metal forming, there are many others used for both on-site and in-shop metalwork. 


Contact Your El Paso Metal Forming Specialists 


Whether you need on-site metal forming or custom metal fabrication, All Precision can help. We work with the best products and professionals in the industry and are here to serve your every metal forming need. Call (915) 781-7074 to get started today!

32 views
bottom of page