Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Sheet metal fabrication often involves assembling separate components into a single part.
We excel in high-quality welding at Approved Sheet Metal. But it’s not the only assembly method we offer at our Hudson, NH shop. Our team also specializes in welding alternatives like rivets and metal fasteners.
Curious which assembly method is right for your part? Here are several use cases to guide you in the right direction.
Table of Contents
- 1 Welding vs. Fastening for Sheet Metal Fabrication
- 1.0.1 Use case #1: Designing a sheet metal fabrication quickly and easily.
- 1.0.2 Use case #2: Adding strength and durability to a sheet metal fabrication.
- 1.0.3 Use case #3: Taking apart and reattaching assemblies.
- 1.0.4 Use case #4: Making a sheet metal fabrication watertight.
- 1.0.5 Use case #5: Achieving a clean, never-there seam.
- 1.0.6 Use case #6: Breaking down a box into different pieces.
- 2 Sheet Metal Part Design for Manufacturing Tip
- 3 Welding Vs Fastening FAQ
- 3.0.1 What are the main assembly methods for sheet metal fabrication?
- 3.0.2 When should I choose welding over fastening for my sheet metal fabrication project?
- 3.0.3 What are the advantages of using fasteners in sheet metal fabrication?
- 3.0.4 How do I decide between welding and fastening for my specific project?
- 3.0.5 Which assembly method is more cost-effective, welding, or fastening?
Welding vs. Fastening for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Use case #1: Designing a sheet metal fabrication quickly and easily.
Welding is easier to incorporate into a design than fastening. When using fasteners, engineers must consider factors such as overlapping flanges and hardware selection. If you need a relatively simple part fabricated quickly and easily, welding is probably your best option.
Use case #2: Adding strength and durability to a sheet metal fabrication.
In addition to holding parts together, fasteners add strength and durability to a part. Rivnuts, for example, add strong load-bearing threads to thin or weak sheet metal parts, making them more resilient to pressure.
Use case #3: Taking apart and reattaching assemblies.
Welding creates a permanent joint, while fasteners can be assembled and disassembled with ease. Applications like chassis, indoor and outdoor furniture, car dashboard attachments, bicycles, and solar panels are better suited for fasteners, which disassemble as needed.
Use case #4: Making a sheet metal fabrication watertight.
When a part needs to be watertight, welding is the obvious choice for preventing leaks. But not all welding methods provide airtight and watertight welds, so be sure to work with a shop that specializes in seam welding.
Use case #5: Achieving a clean, never-there seam.
If you need your sheet metal assembly to look like it was formed from one smooth sheet, welding is the best option. We can add a layer of powder coating or plating for a clean finish.
Use case #6: Breaking down a box into different pieces.
Even special tooling can’t always access deep boxes. In these cases, a deep box must be taken apart, formed, and
then reassembled. Both welding and fasteners work well for reassembling deep formed parts.
When it comes to cost, fasteners are generally less expensive than welding. But factors like design, hardware selection, durability, and functionality are all important considerations as well.
Choose the assembly method that works best for what your part needs—and of course let us know if you have any questions.
Request a quote for your sheet metal fabrication assembly today!
Sheet Metal Part Design for Manufacturing Tip
CORNERS AND WELDING
Proper technique on corners that need to be welded is necessary to reduce cost and increase the overall strength of the corners. Approved Sheet Metal will always reprogram corners that need to be welded to ensure customers receive the best possible welds.
Welding Vs Fastening FAQ
Sheet metal fabrication commonly involves two primary assembly methods: welding and fastening. Welding creates a permanent joint, while fasteners allow for disassembly and reassembly as needed.
Welding is a suitable choice when you need a seamless and watertight joint, or when you want a clean, seamless appearance. It's also ideal for parts that require exceptional strength and durability.
Fasteners provide the flexibility to disassemble and reassemble parts, making them suitable for applications where maintenance, repairs, or modifications may be required. They can also add strength and durability to thin or weak sheet metal components.
Consider the specific use case:
- Welding is preferred for achieving a seamless appearance, watertight joints, and maximum strength.
- Fasteners are recommended for quick and easy fabrication, disassembly needs, and adding strength to weaker components.
In general, fasteners tend to be less expensive than welding. However, cost should be weighed against factors such as design complexity, durability, and the specific functionality your part requires. It's important to choose the method that best suits your project's needs.
