Welding is often one of the final steps in the assembly of a sheet metal structure. Yet the component is not always completely finished once the welding is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within sheet metal working<\/a> It is common for certain surfaces and holes to only reach their final dimensions after welding. This is because of the way the material reacts to heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During welding, the sheet metal is heated intensely in a small area. The material expands and then contracts as it cools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This creates stresses in the structure. Even when robotic welding<\/a> With fixed fixtures, the material moves a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the tension is released, the part may warp slightly. A flat surface may become slightly warped, and holes may shift from their intended position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It isn\u2019t always visible to the naked eye. But when the part is to be fitted to other components, even small deviations can mean that it doesn\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, the part is rarely machined in full before welding. A surface that has been machined to exact dimensions prior to welding may shift as the sheet metal heats up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parts with tight tolerances are instead machined afterwards. In this case, the machining is based on the actual shape of the part following welding.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe heat from the welding affects the material<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dimensions and surface areas are subject to change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tasks that require precision are left until last<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Milling and turning \u2013 when the component takes on its final dimensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n