From buildings to forms of transport, metal is widely used in our society to enhance and create convenience in our everyday lives. The fabrication of metal has an interesting history that has brought us to where we are today. In this week’s blog, we are going to take you through a brief history of metal work and sheet metal to see how it has evolved over time.
1) The initial development of sheet metal
Metal has been used for thousands of years by civilisations around the world in processes such as hammering, embossing gilding, chasing, inlaying and wiredrawing. In 1590, however, the abilities of metal work progressed significantly with Leonardo da Vinci’s invention of the first rolling mill. These rolling mills consisted of two heavy cylinders designed to press various metals into different thicknesses. There were design restraints with these rolling mills, such as their inability to produce thin sheets. Later on, metal sheets were designed, which included hydraulics. These models were a lot more effective in producing thinner metal sheets.
2) The creation of sheet metal machinery
The Industrial Revolution brought an influx of sheet metal work. This lead to inventions such as the assembly line, press brakes and fabricators, which created even more sheet metal production and innovation. Following the creation of the hydraulic press was the friction press and eccentric press. These two developments progressed the sheet metal industry even further.
3) Metal today
Sheet metal has progressed significantly from its humble origins. There is a plethora of advanced sheet metal machinery available today, which performs a range of different functions. From hydraulic cutters to plasma cutters to laser cutters and guillotines, ACRA machinery stocks an extensive range of new and used sheet metal machinery. For more information or to speak to one of your friendly staff members about which piece of machinery is right for you, please give us a call on 03 9794 6675.