Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is an integral part of various industries, from the military to automakers and energy companies. If your business is working alongside a quality CNC machining company, then it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the sheet metal fabrication industry.
While we can’t teach you everything there is to know about this complex process in a single blog post, we can give you the basic resources you need to work well with a precision sheet metal fabrication company. Here are a few frequently asked questions about understanding precision CNC machining services, sheet metal fabrication, and industrial metal uses.
What type of metal is used most in the industry?
When it comes to the manufacturing industry, industrial sheet metal is the most commonly used type of metal.
How long has sheet metal been in use?
According to most scholars, sheet metal was first implemented for industrial use between 5,000 and 4,000 B.C. As far as CNC machining and other modern precision fabricating machines are concerned, however, they were introduced after the Second World War. With advancements in computer and laser technology, machining tools have gotten more and more precise.
How does the sheet metal industry affect U.S. employment?
Currently, fabricated metals, in terms of employment, are responsible for the third largest manufacturing industry throughout the United States. As of 2015, the most common metal fabrication profession is a machinist.
Has sheet metal improved over the years?
Sheet metal is much more durable today than it was just 10 years ago, let alone 5,000 years ago. Over the last decade, for example, steel parts have become much more dent resistant and are even up to 30% stronger.
How much metal is recycled every year?
Though there are numerous uses for sheet metal across various industries, these metals are easily recycled as well. Approximately 69% of all waste steel is recycled every year across North America, making it one of the most commonly recycled materials on the planet.
What does the future look like for the metal fabrication industry?
The need for sheet metal will likely never go away. By the year 2020, it’s projected that the international metal fabrication equipment market will grow by nearly 7%. Because the military, automobile companies, energy companies, and even medical companies rely on sheet metal, the industry is proving resistant to other negative trends in the manufacturing sector.
These are just a few common questions we’ve heard at our CNC machining company over the years. If you want to learn more about the sheet metal industry, 5 axis machining, or speak with a credible CNC machining company, contact York Haven Fabricators today.