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What is a sheet metal enclosure

There is not yet a more complete definition of sheet metal enclosure. According to a definition in a foreign professional journal, it can be defined as: Sheet metal is a comprehensive cold working process for thin metal sheets (usually below 6mm), including shearing, punching/cutting/laminating, folding, riveting, splicing, forming (e.g. auto body), etc.. The distinguishing feature is the consistent thickness of the same part. Common power cabinets, network cabinets, server cabinets, outdoor cabinets, etc. are basically made of sheet metal process and materials.

The materials commonly used in sheet metal include:

  1. ordinary cold-rolled sheet SPCC SPCC refers to the ingot through the cold rolling mill continuously rolled into the required thickness of steel coil or sheet material, SPCC surface without any protection, exposed to the air is very easy to be oxidation, especially in a humid environment oxidation speed up, the appearance of dark red rust, in use when the surface to paint, electroplating or other protection.
  2. Peal Galvanized Steel Sheet SECC The substrate of SECC is a general cold rolled steel coil, which becomes galvanized product after degreasing, pickling, plating and various post-treatment processes in the continuous galvanized production line, SECC not only has the mechanical properties and similar processability of general cold rolled steel sheet, but also has superior corrosion resistance and decorative appearance. It is a competitive and alternative product in the market of electronic products, home appliances and furniture. For example, SECC is commonly used in computer cases.
  3. SGCC is a hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, which is made by cleaning and annealing semi-finished products after hot pickling or cold rolling, and then dipping them into a molten zinc bath at a temperature of about 460°C to coat them with zinc, followed by a leveling and chemical treatment.
  4. Singled stainless steel SUS301 has a lower Cr (chromium) content than SUS304 and is less resistant to corrosion, but it is cold processed to obtain good tensile strength and hardness, and has good elasticity, so it is mostly used for shrapnel springs and anti-EMI.

Be careful with stainless steel SUS304, one of the most widely used stainless steels, because it contains Ni (nickel) it is richer in corrosion resistance and heat resistance than steel containing Cr (chromium), has very good mechanical properties, no heat treatment hardening phenomenon, and no elasticity.

In general, the basic equipment of sheet metal process includes Shear Machine, CNC Punching Machine/Laser, Plasma, Water Jet Cutting Machine, Bending Machine, Drilling Machine and various auxiliary equipment such as Uncoiler, Leveling Machine, Deburring Machine, Spot Welder, etc.

Sheet metal also has the characteristics of light weight, high strength, electrical conductivity (can be used for electromagnetic shielding), low cost, and good mass production performance, etc. It is widely used in electronic appliances, communications, automotive industry, medical equipment, etc. For example, in computer cases, cell phones, MP3, sheet metal is an essential component. 

As the application of sheet metal becomes more and more widespread, the design of sheet metal parts becomes a very important part of the product development process. Mechanical engineers must master the design skills of sheet metal parts, so that the designed sheet metal can meet the requirements of both the function and appearance of the product, and also make the stamping die manufacturing simple and low cost.

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