Sheet Metal Parts Exporters Expect Further Consolidation

Sheet Metal Parts industry consists of those companies which are engaged in manufacturing sheet metal works for a diverse range of products from large scale e.g. buildings to smaller ones like stove-pipes etc.

For the outsiders, it is simply a metal, formed into thin and flat pieces. Everyday, countless objects are constructed out of this material. It can be cut and machining manufacturer bent into a variety of different shapes and is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking. Thickness of such products (also known as gauge) can vary significantly as per the requirement.

There are many different metals that can be made into sheet metal, such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel and titanium. Important sheet metals like silver, gold, and platinum are used for decorative purposes.

Common Materials used are

Stainless steel: It is commonly used for pumps, valves, chemical equipment, marine applications as well as in cutlery.

Aluminum: It is commonly used in chemical processing equipment, light reflectors, jewelry, tampings, spun and drawn parts, mail boxes, cabinets, tanks, fan blades, pressure vessels etc.

The Formation Process

The formation process of such metal parts is quite complex and complicated. It includes special techniques like deep drawing, cutting, punching, perforating, spinning, press brake forming, roll forming, rolling, bending sheet metal with rollers, stamping, bending etc.

The late 90s scenario

As per an industry report, throughout the late 1990s, the sheet metal parts exporters experienced steady and uninterrupted growth. The value of shipments (in US) jumped from $15.5 billion in 1997 to $19.3 billion in 2000. In the same period, total industry employment (in US) rose from 127,791 workers to 142,682 workers.

The R Factor

Recession had mixed effect on the steady growth of this industry. When the economy weakened in 2000, the demand from big players started decreasing, however, the falling interest rates gave a boost to the construction of new home and building, which in turn increased demand for many sheet metal work products for roofing and siding.

Research and Technology

In today's fast changing scenario, research and technology (R&D) plays an important role in the growth of any industry and same has been the case with the sheet metal parts industry. Technological advances in 1990s revolutionized the efficiency and precision with which such products were made. The initial focus was on improving tools, dies etc. and gradually included the use of computers and internet for marketing and promotion purposes.