Sheet metal fabrication is the process of forming parts from a metal sheet. Your 3D CAD files are converted into machine code, which controls a machine that precisely cuts and forms the sheets into the final part. Typical forming tools are brakes, punches, and dies which can form angular bends and features. Installing inserts, such as PEM inserts, is standard practice along with welding and finishing services. Sheet metal parts are known for their durability, which makes them great for end-use applications (e.g. chassis). Parts used for low volume prototypes and high volume production runs are most cost-effective due to large initial setup and material costs.
The metal sheet metal forming process is a widely used metal working technology that plastically deforms a thin metal sheet by an external step force, exceeding the material’s yield strength, bending and drawing into various complicated shapes without reducing the material itself. Metal sheet metal forming processes generally require the use of high quality molds to obtain the desired metal product.
Sheet Metal Part
Sheet Metal Parts
Sheet Metal Service
Aluminum |
Copper |
Steel |
Aluminum 5052 |
Copper 101 |
Stainless Steel 301 |
Aluminum 6061 |
Copper 260 (Brass) |
Stainless Steel 304 |
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Copper C110 |
Stainless Steel 316/316L |
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Steel, Low Carbon |
Description |
Condition |
Tolerance Notes |
Edge to Edge |
Single Plane or Flat Part |
+/- 0.005" |
Edge to Hole |
Single Plane or Flat Part |
+/- 0.005" |
Hole to Hole |
Single Plane or Flat Part |
+/- 0.005" |
Hole to Diameter |
Single Plane or Flat Part |
+/- 0.005" |
Bend to Edge/Hole |
Single Plane or Flat Part |
+/- 0.010" |
Hole to Hole/Edge: Edge to Edge |
Multiple Planes, Bent Part |
+/- 0.030" |
Over Formed Part |
Multiple Planes, Bent Part |
+/- 0.030" |
Bend Angle |
Multiple Planes, Bent Part |
+/- 1 deg. |