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Sheet Metal Cabinets: Materials, Manufacturing, and Customization Options

Release time:2024-10-25 14:24:40

Let me walk you through sheet metal cabinets. Starting from good raw materials to strong manufacturing processes, comprehend the interesting components that complement their strength and elegance. Learn how these cabinets can be customized to suit your requirements, making them an innovative idea for your office branding! What’s more, such cabinets can be customized in various ways to further meet the branding requirements of your company.

1) Understanding Sheet metal cabinets and materials used to make them

Metal Sheet cabinets are strong storage boxes for safeguarding equipment, tools or electronic devices. They are robust, versatile and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them suitable for various industries.

  • Carbon Steel: If you want affordable strong material, do consider carbon steel. It is available in cheaper prices. However, it is usually used for heavy-duty applications as it can be painted or powder coated as a rust preventative.
  • Stainless steel is the first preference if the subject matter pertains to kitchens, or hospitals, or any other application where corrosion and cleanliness are of utmost importance. Steel is available in various grades like 304 and 316, where 316 is recommended where the environment is harsher, such as salty air or exposure to chemicals.
  • Galvanised Steel: In an environment that are moist or otherwise exposed, galvanised steel is the best. Its excellent resistance to corrosion makes it guaranteed that your cabinet will never rust regardless of the environment it is exposed.
  • Aluminium, as its name suggests, is very light as compared to steel or other metals. Its structural properties allow applying it in aircraft or other transportation vehicles. The material has good corrosion resistance and can be anodized for further protection.
  • Copper is also a specialist material that is primarily used in areas where high electrical conductivity or corrosion resistance is needed, for instance in electrical cabinets or sea applications. Though it is more expensive, it is a good option when such attributes are necessary.
  • Brass/Bronze (Alloys): More of aesthetic appeal and touch can be achieved using brass or bronze alloys. They can be used in application that require outstanding wear resistance or a striking appearance.
  Carbon Steel  Stainless Steel Galvanized Steel Aluminum Copper Brass
StrengthHighVery HighHighModerateModerateModerate
Corrosion ResistanceModerateExcellentGoodGoodExcellentGood
WeightHeavyModerateModerateLightweightModerateModerate
CostGenerally LowHigherModerateModerate to HighHighHigher
  ApplicationsIndustrial cabinets, toolboxesFood storage cabinets, medical cabinetsOutdoor storage cabinetsLightweight enclosures, portable cabinetsDecorative cabinets, electrical panel enclosuresDecorative features, premium cabinets

2) Step-by-step manufacturing of Sheet metal cabinets

Manufacturing of sheet metal cabinets is a very interesting process since it includes both designing and building parts of the enclosure. If you are interested in knowing how these durable cabinets are designed and produced, let me tell you about the basic processes! Treat it as a structural part of your business plan if you have ever gotten to implement one. When you start working on the project, make it sure that you are familiar with the following basic processes:

  • Step 1) Design and Prototyping
  • Step 2) Material Selection
  • Step 3) Cutting
  • Step 4) Bending/Forming
  • Step 5) Welding and Assembly
  • Step 6) Surface Treatment

Step 1: Design and Prototyping

Everything starts with ideas ! First of all, you have to figure out the cabinets dimensions and materials, as well as the features needed in order to serve certain purpose. You can fabricate CAD models, view projects on your screen and even create prototypes.

Step 2: Material Selection

Once having a design, the next step is to finalize the sheet metal material. Depending on application, one may opt for carbon steel due to strength, stainless steel in case of corrosion resistance or aluminum in case of lightweight requirement. Each of the material has its advantages!

Step 3: Cutting

Having prepared the materials, cutting takes place in accordance with the given dimensions. There are several methods for cutting which have their advantages too:

  • Laser Cutting: This method is ideal for making precise and very detailed cuts through the use of a high powered laser beam to cut material. Tolerances can be as fine as ±0.1 mm which is suitable for cabinets panels with intricate designs and smooth edges are achieved cutting down further processing.
  • Plasma Cutting: This method utilizes a plasma torch which cuts by melting the metal. For materials up to 200 mm thick, it is very effective making it ideal for solid cabinet bases and frames. It is able to cut up to 6 m per minute.
  • Shearing: In order to cut the metal sheets that will be used for constructing the cabinets, blades are employed for this purpose. Like many other jigs and tools, it is a false tool as it permits the handling of larger sheets, usually 10mm thick, allowing to cut many panels at once, thereby improving efficiency.

Step 4: Bending/Forming

At this point it is possible to further shape your metal sheets and there are various ways to accomplish that.

  • A press brake is well suited for getting 90 degrees sharp and accurate angles so it can be used with many material thicknesses, which is ideal for most cabinet designs.
  • Roll forming, however, is great for making long continuous shapes with uniform curves, making them excellent for cabinet frames.

Step 5: Welding and Assembly

After bending the metal parts, it is critical to weld them to form the cabinet structure. The following methods of welding may be employed:

  • MIG welding is among the top choices for welding thin materials because of its speed and adaptability.
  • TIG welding: Regardless of what tiny materials you are using, you will be using TIG welding if you want strong and clean welds.
  • Laser Welding: In addition to precision, laser welding is known to have speed efficiency, making them suited for thin materials as well as intricate designs.
  • Resistance Welding: Joining the surfaces of metals by the application of pressure and electric current. This method, more often, appreciates the use of spot welding, which allows strong adherences of overlapped sheets at specific points.
  • Seam Welding: Produces continuous welds along a joint which are utilized where the application demands for the joining of materials to produce a water-tight seam.

Then, you are able to fix the components; shelves; doors and hinges for the completion of the assembly.

 

Step 6: Surface Treatment

For aesthetic reasons and for durability aspects, the cabinets will need to undergo surface treatment. Which might entail the following:

Powder Coating: The technique involves the deposition of a dry powder on the metal surface, after which the metal surface is placed in an oven. The powder this dose melts in the oven to give a quite strong, even layer, which gives the metal an ultra scratch-resistant and ultra fade-resistant finish, with the options of varied colors and textures.

Electropolishing: A method that involves taking the stainless steel metal, submerging it in an electrolytic solution, and then applying an electric current. It assists in taking off that particular layer of surface roughness and enhances corrosion protection ability, giving a clean and shiny surface perfect for any easy upkeep.

Anodising: In this operation, a thick oxide layer is built by encapsulating aluminium in an acid bath and running an electric current through the element. This will improve the durability and resistance to corrosion, and the colour of the anodised surface can be changed if more colours are required.

3) Customization Options for Saipwell Sheet Metal Cabinets

  Choose what you need 
Size and DimensionsAdjust the size to fit your space, such as taller or wider cabinets.
Material SelectionChoose materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, or galvanised steel.
Colour and FinishSelect colours and finishes, including powder coating and anodising.
Configuration and LayoutDesign internal layouts with adjustable shelves, drawers, or compartments.
Accessories and FeaturesAdd locks, ventilation, and wheels; customise doors and specify weight capacity.
Labels and MarkingsUse custom labels for better organisation and quick identification.

Saipwell not only provides you with a sheet metal cabinet, but it also guarantees perfect quality and broad range of custom options suited to your needs. Thanks to the large variety of materials, colours, and designs, you will be able to have functional cabinets that also fit beautifully into the designated space.

Apart from protecting the vanity of your cabinetry, it is also important that your cabinets are built to last. And rest assured, our professional team will assist you in every stage of the customization so it is quite easy. You are not just buying cabinets by choosing Saipwell, you are buying peace of mind that you will have a better organized and more efficient working environment. We will do our best to make your idea a reality!

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