What is sheet metal processing shell box?

Sheet metal processing shell box refers to a box or shell made of metal sheet through sheet metal processes (such as cutting, stamping, bending, welding, surface treatment, etc.) for accommodating and protecting internal equipment (such as electronic components, mechanical parts, instruments, etc.).

It is commonly referred to as a chassis, electrical cabinet, control box, equipment enclosure, etc., and is an indispensable basic structural component in industrial equipment, communication, power, automation and other fields.

1, Main processing technology flow

A complete sheet metal shell processing typically involves the following key steps:

Design and cutting:

Design: Use CAD software (such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for 3D modeling and 2D engineering drawing design, which is the foundation for all subsequent processes.

Cutting: Cutting large metal sheets into blanks of the desired shape. Common methods include:

Laser cutting: High precision, strong flexibility, suitable for complex shapes.

CNC punch press: High efficiency, suitable for mass production of parts with standard hole patterns.

Scissor machine: used for simple straight cutting.

Forming processing:

Bending: Use a CNC bending machine to fold flat materials into three-dimensional shapes, forming the side and bottom surfaces of the box.

Stamping: Punching various holes (such as heat dissipation holes, installation holes, button holes), threads, protrusions, etc. on the sheet metal.

Connection and assembly:

Welding: Connecting multiple bent parts into a sturdy whole through welding (such as argon arc welding, double shielded welding).

Riveting: using rivets or rivet nuts, etc., for non weldable or detachable connections.

Screw assembly: Fix accessories such as door panels, panels, hinges, locks, etc. with screws.

Surface Treatment

The purpose is to enhance appearance, increase corrosion resistance, wear resistance, etc.

Spray coating: The most common method is to provide multiple colors (such as RAL color cards).

Powder coating: Electrostatic powder coating, resulting in thicker, more wear-resistant, and environmentally friendly coatings.

Electroplating: such as galvanizing and chrome plating, providing metallic luster and rust prevention ability.

Anodizing: mainly used for aluminum alloys, can form wear-resistant and insulating oxide layers.

 

2, Common materials

Cold rolled steel plate (SPCC): The most commonly used, low-cost, and strong, but prone to rusting and requires surface treatment.

Galvanized steel plate (SECC/SGCC): comes with a rust proof layer and is commonly used as an electrical box. It can be directly sprayed or kept in its original state.

Stainless steel plate (SUS304/316): Strong corrosion resistance, beautiful appearance, commonly used in food and medical, outdoor, and highly corrosive environments. The cost is relatively high.

Aluminum plate: lightweight, good electrical and thermal conductivity, easy to process, can achieve good appearance and protection through anodizing. The cost is between steel and stainless steel.

 

3, Main features and advantages

High strength and good protection: It can effectively protect internal equipment from impact, dust, moisture, and electromagnetic interference.

Strong customizability: Flexible design and production can be carried out according to the size, function, installation method, etc. of the equipment.

Mature technology and controllable cost: Sheet metal processing is an extremely mature industrial technology that can effectively control costs for mass production.

Neat and beautiful appearance: Through precise processing and various surface treatments, it can meet the aesthetic needs of different occasions.

Easy to mass produce: Once the mold and program are completed, efficient and consistent mass production can be achieved.

 

4, Typical application areas

The application of sheet metal shell boxes covers almost all industrial fields, such as:

Industrial automation: PLC control cabinet, industrial robot protective cover, sensor housing.

Power and electrical: distribution box, switchgear, frequency converter cabinet.

Communication network: server cabinets, network switch chassis, 5G base station enclosures.

Rail transit: train control equipment box, signal system box.

Medical equipment: medical equipment casing, disinfection box.

New energy: charging pile shell, photovoltaic inverter box.

Office equipment: Large printers, copier housings.