The Craft of Sheet Metalwork

Sheet metal workers work with thin metal sheets (up to 3mm thick) which they bend, cut and shape using hammers, small presses, roller machines and guillotines. They work with sheet steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium and copper, and their work includes the cutting of these metals by using patterns or templates as guides, and shaping the metal by forming, bending, beating or rolling by means of manual and computer numeral control (CNC) machinery. Sheet metal workers are usually employed by firms manufacturing such articles as ventilation equipment, catering and food processing equipment, computer and data communications hardware and can also be involved in vehicle manufacture.