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Sheet Metal Fabrication

From flat parts to complex welded assemblies, we build high-quality sheet metal components with precision and speed. Your partner for both rapid prototypes and production runs.

A collection of custom industrial sheet metal parts with various bends and forms

A Complete Fabrication Workflow

We manage your entire project in-house, from initial cut to final finish, ensuring quality and consistency at every step.

1. Laser Cutting

We use high-power fiber lasers to cut flat patterns from sheet stock with extreme precision and clean edges, suitable for materials like steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

A stainless steel sign being precisely cut by a laser

2. CNC Bending

After cutting, flat parts are formed into 3D shapes on our CNC press brakes. These machines can create precise bends, flanges, and hems with high repeatability.

Operator using a large CNC press brake to bend a sheet metal part

3. Assembly & Welding

For multi-part assemblies, we offer professional TIG and MIG welding, spot welding, and riveting to create robust structures and complete enclosures.

A detailed close-up of a TIG weld seam on a sheet metal assembly

4. Finishing

Apply the perfect finish to your parts for cosmetic appearance and environmental protection, including powder coating, anodizing, and silk screening.

A welded sheet metal frame finished with a smooth powder coat

Materials and Design Considerations

Common Sheet Metal Materials

  • Aluminum (5052-H32): Excellent formability and corrosion resistance. Lightweight and a popular choice for chassis, brackets, and enclosures.
  • Stainless Steel (304, 316L): High strength and outstanding corrosion resistance. Used for medical, marine, and food-grade applications. 316L offers superior resistance to chlorides.
  • Cold Rolled Steel (CRS 1018): A strong, cost-effective material with a good surface finish. It must be painted or plated to prevent rust.
  • Copper (C110): Valued for its high electrical and thermal conductivity. Used in bus bars and heat exchangers.

Key Design Guidelines

  • K-Factor & Bend Radius: We account for material stretching during bending. A bend radius of at least the material thickness is recommended to prevent cracking.
  • Hole & Slot Placement: Holes should be placed at a distance of at least 2x the material thickness from any bend to avoid distortion.
  • Hardware Insertion: We can install self-clinching hardware like PEM nuts, studs, and standoffs for easy assembly.
  • Finishing Considerations: Consider how finishes will affect final dimensions and tolerances. For example, powder coating adds thickness to a part.

Sheet Metal Fabrication FAQ

What file formats are best for sheet metal?

For individual flat parts, a DXF file is ideal. For 3D assemblies with bends, a native CAD file or a STEP file is preferred. A PDF drawing is also very helpful to specify materials, finishes, and hardware.

What is the minimum bend radius you can achieve?

The minimum bend radius depends heavily on the material type and thickness. A general rule of thumb is to design for a bend radius equal to or greater than the material thickness. Sharper bends risk cracking the material.

Can you add countersinks to my parts?

Yes, we can add countersinks and other formed features like dimples and louvers. Please indicate these features clearly on a 2D drawing to ensure they are quoted and manufactured correctly.