The starting material in the operation is typically a flat-rolled sheet from which a blank of an appreciable shape is cut using a shear press, in a process called blanking. The blank is then formed into a final product shape in a sheet metal process.
Large deformation occurs during sheet metal forming and large frictional forces exist between die and work piece. Thus design of the die and punch is critical, as is the use of lubricants. Equally important are the characteristics of metal. Skilled personnel at SMI know all the technicalities involved and can work best regarding sheet metal forming.