Metal refers to components made of metal materials and forming part of a machine, device, or product.
These components typically have specific shapes, sizes, and functions to meet the operational requirements of the entire device or product. Naturally, these metal components are manufactured through processes such as sheet metal processing, machining, casting, and forging, and are then assembled into larger components or equipment.
The Difference Between Metal Parts and Sheet Metal
Definition and Material Properties
1. Metal Parts: Broadly refers to all parts made of metal materials, including castings, forgings, and machined parts. Materials include steel, aluminum, and copper, with no strict thickness restrictions (for example, castings can reach several meters).
2. Sheet Metal Parts: Specifically refers to thin sheet metal parts processed through sheet metal processing. Thicknesses typically range from 0.5 to 6 mm (according to the recommended standards in the Sheet Metal Design Manual). Materials are primarily cold-rolled steel and stainless steel, emphasizing lightweight and malleable properties.
3. Extended Comparison: The tensile strength of sheet metal parts is typically 300-500 MPa (using Q235 steel plate as an example). Metal castings can have higher tensile strengths due to process differences (for example, HT250 cast iron has a tensile strength of 250 MPa), but their ductility is lower.
Processing Technology and Design Differences
1. Metal Processing:
Casting: Molten metal is poured into a mold. Suitable for complex three-dimensional structures, but the surface roughness is relatively high (Ra 12.5-25μm).
Machining: Material is removed through turning and milling. It has high precision (up to IT7 level), but is costly and time-consuming.
2. Sheet Metal Processing:
Stamping: Rapid prototyping using molds is suitable for high-volume production, capable of completing dozens of punches per minute (see “Stamping Technology”).
Bending: CNC press brakes achieve precise angles (±0.5° tolerance) and are suitable for flat structures such as boxes and brackets.
Key difference: Sheet metal parts rely more heavily on the sheet’s plastic deformation capacity (elongation ≥ 20%), while metal parts may involve melting or cutting.
Application Scenarios and Cost Analysis
1. Metal Parts:
Heavy machinery (such as engine blocks) must withstand high pressure and high temperature and is therefore manufactured through casting or forging.
High-precision parts (such as aircraft bearings) rely on machining.
2. Sheet Metal Parts:
Electronic device casings (such as mobile phone midframes) require lightweight, thinness, and electrical conductivity. Sheet metal costs are 30%-50% lower than die-casting.
Architectural curtain walls utilize sheet metal bending to achieve curved shapes, shortening construction cycles by 40%.
The above is the difference between the two. Sheet metal is primarily manufactured through bending and stamping various metal sheets, while metal parts are manufactured through processes such as casting, forging, and machining. These are the current mainstream manufacturing processes for metal parts. Furthermore, the choice between metal parts and sheet metal parts requires a comprehensive consideration of strength, cost, volume, and design complexity. Sheet metal parts offer advantages in lightweight and flexible small-batch production, while metal parts are more suitable for high-load or extra-thick structures. If you also have large-scale sheet metal manufacturing needs, you can partner with Mulan Group. With 12 years of sheet metal manufacturing experience, Mulan Group has helped clients in over 30 countries complete sheet metal manufacturing and processing services, earning widespread recognition. We look forward to your consultation and cooperation.
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