Sheet metal levelling: The process of ensuring the flatness of the plate

Importance of sheet metal leveling

Ensure product quality

In the manufacture of stage lighting equipment, the flatness of the plate directly affects the reflection effect and heat dissipation performance of the light. If the plate is not smooth, the light may scatter or focus poorly, affecting the stage effect.

In the production of filtration equipment and parts, the flatness of the plate is crucial to the filtration effect and sealing performance. Uneven plates may lead to uneven distribution of filter media, reduce filtration efficiency, and even cause leakage.

Improve production efficiency

The flat sheet is easier to cut, bend, weld and other operations during processing, reducing the processing error and scrap rate, and improving the production efficiency.

For automated production lines, the flatness of the plate is one of the key factors to ensure the smooth progress of production. Uneven sheets may lead to equipment failure and affect the production schedule.

Sheet metal leveling method and process

1. Mechanical leveling

Mechanical levelling is one of the most commonly used sheet metal levelling methods. It flattens the sheet by mechanical pressure so that it achieves the desired flatness. Mechanical levelling equipment usually includes levelling machine, press and so on.

2. Flame leveling

Flame leveling is a method of heating the plate with a flame, causing it to expand locally, and then eliminating the deformation of the plate by cooling contraction. Flame leveling is usually suitable for thicker plates and more serious deformation.

3. Level by hand

For some small plates or cases with light deformation, manual leveling can be used. Manual leveling usually uses tools such as hammers and wrenches to correct the plate by tapping and squeezing.

4. Mold leveling

Mold leveling is a method of shaping a plate with a mold. Die levelling is usually suitable for plates with complex shapes or high requirements for flatness.

Process parameter control of sheet metal leveling

1. Pressure control

The pressure is one of the key factors affecting the effect of mechanical leveling and mold leveling. Too much pressure may cause excessive deformation or damage to the plate, and too little pressure can not achieve the purpose of leveling.

The size of the pressure should be adjusted according to the material, thickness and deformation of the plate and other factors. In general, for the higher hardness of the plate and the larger degree of deformation, the need to apply greater pressure; For plates with lower hardness and lighter deformation, the pressure can be appropriately reduced.

2. Temperature control

In flame leveling and mold leveling, temperature control is also very important. Too high temperature may cause the material of the plate to change or crack, and too low temperature can not achieve the effect of leveling.

The temperature control should be adjusted according to the material and thickness of the plate and other factors. Generally speaking, for plates with larger thickness and more serious deformation, it is necessary to increase the temperature; For plates with smaller thickness and lighter deformation, the temperature can be appropriately reduced.

3. Time control

In the flame leveling and mold leveling, the control of time will also affect the leveling effect. Too long time may lead to excessive heating or deformation of the plate, too short time can not achieve the purpose of leveling.

The control of time should be adjusted according to the material, thickness and temperature of the plate. In general, for plates with larger thickness and higher temperatures, it is necessary to extend the time appropriately; For plates with smaller thickness and lower temperatures, the time can be appropriately shortened.

Sheet metal leveling, as a precision machining process, plays an important role in ensuring the flatness of sheet metal. The bending and deformation of the sheet can be effectively eliminated and the flatness of the sheet can be improved by means of mechanical levelling, flame levelling and manual levelling. In practical application, the appropriate leveling method and process parameters should be selected according to the material, thickness and deformation degree of the plate, so as to achieve the best leveling effect.