What are the possible applications for sheet metal and metalworking?
Numerous professions have formed in the metal and sheet metal working industry. The 1660 Crafts Code lists blacksmiths, cutlers, foremen, long and short-time workers, hollow grinders, locksmiths, spur makers, watchmakers, gunsmiths, winch makers, needler makers, needle smiths, coppersmiths, plowsmiths, pipe smiths, and file makers.
Today, numerous industries rely on metal and sheet metal working, such as:
- Tool and mold making,
- Vehicle, ship and aircraft construction,
- Mechanical engineering,
- Bridge construction, and
- Jewelry making.
The spectrum of sheet metal and metal goods ranges from the smallest stamped parts (screws) to meter-high silos and pressure vessels. Matching products such as fittings, clamps, rails and welding elements (welding studs) are used in a wide variety of assembly work in trade and industry. In addition, many mechanical parts of machinery and equipment fall under the category of metal products.
Tools, fittings for doors and windows, heating boilers, and radiators are all made of metal, to name but a few.
Sheet metal is processed, for example, into cladding, vehicle bodies, control cabinets, welded tubes, signs and tin cans. Particularly thick sheets are used, for example, to make wind turbine masts, while very thin ones are used, for example, in model making and jewelry.
