Share:

From small storage sheds to full-sized warehouses, contractors rely on metal processing to turn plain sheets into finished products. However, even if you’ve been in the business for a while, it may seem like there are too many metalworking options to keep track of. To make the right choice for your next project, use the following guide to learn the difference between drilling, hole punching, and notching.

3 Common Metal Processing Techniques

1. Drilling

Unlike the other two on this list, drilling doesn’t require shearing, which is cutting with a sharp blade. Instead, it involves a bit, similar to the one on the end of a household drill. Depending on the type of hole being made, the bit may vary in width and shape. Metal processing crews use heavy-duty machinery to spin the drill bit and apply intense pressure, shaving away metal to create a tunnel or channel.

2. Hole Punching

metal processingWhen you hire a professional metalworker for this service, you probably need to create  round openings in metal panels or plates. Unlike paper hole punchers, strong machinery is required to punch holes in metal. In addition, the metalworking crew needs to use strict safety equipment to prevent injuries from the hole punching process. Some companies use pneumatic or hydraulic equipment to punch holes, while others do the work by hand.

3. Notching

This process involves the same equipment used in hole punching. Instead of creating a hole in the center of metal sheets, notching is applied to the edges of a metal panel. This way, the sheet being notched will fit perfectly into another component, like a jigsaw piece. Metal notching is often used to create interlocking parts like gutters and pipe joints.

 

If you could use any of these metal processing techniques for your project, turn to American Metal Supply. They work out of locations in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, and they’re proud to be known as one of the top metal suppliers and processing companies in the region. In addition to the techniques above, they also perform burning, sawing, and rolling of metal pieces to prepare for construction. To learn more about their skills, visit the website or call (502) 634-4321 to take advantage of their 24/7 availability.

tracking