What is Sheet metal fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is the process of forming parts from sheet metal. The 3D CAD files are converted into machine code that controls the machine to precisely cut and form the sheets into the final part. Typical molding tools are brakes, punches, and dies, which can form angular bends and features. Installing inserts, such as the PEM inserts, is standard practice for welding and finishing services. Sheet metal parts are known for their durability, which makes them ideal for end-use. Because of the large initial setup and material costs, parts for low volume prototypes and high volume production are most cost-effective.
Our custom sheet metal service provides you with a cost-effective on-demand solution for your manufacturing needs. Processing services range from low volume prototyping to mass production, which can save a lot of cost.
How Does Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?
There are 3 common stages in the sheet metal fabrication process, all of which can be completed with various types of fabrication tools.
- Material Removal: During this stage, the raw workpiece is cut to the desired shape. There are many types of tools and machining processes which can remove metal from the workpiece.
- Material Deformation (forming): The raw metal piece is bent or formed into a 3D shape without removing any material. There are many types of processes which can shape the workpiece.
- Assembling: The completed product may be assembled from several processed workpieces.
Many facilities offer finishing services as well. Finishing processes are usually necessary before a sheet metal-derived product is ready for market.
Sheet metal fabrication material and design
Sheet Metal Materials
Sheet metal materials commonly choose from cold rolled steel, hot rolled plate , galvanized sheet metal, copper sheet metal, aluminum plate, stainless steel. According to the product function is different, choose different materials.
Sheet Metal Design Guidelines
Our basic guidelines for sheet metal help reduce the difficulty of machining parts, reduce production costs, improve appearance and , and ensure quality and fastest production cycle.
Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Production capacity
Choose from a variety of strength, conductivity, weight and corrosion resistance sheet metals.
Custom Finishes
Choose from a variety of finishes, including anodizing, plating, powder coating, and painting.
Material Selection
Sheet metal parts can be manufactured on demand, with scalable volumes from 1 to 100,000.
On-time Delivery
Lori combines the latest cutting, bending and stamping with automation technology to provide instant sheet metal quotes and complete sheet metal parts.
Sheet Metal Processes
With the development of science and technology, sheet metal process more and more, including laser cutting, water Jet Cutting, plasma cutting, wire-electrode cutting, sheet metal punch, welding and so on.
VIEWS PROCESSES >
Industries that use Sheet Metal parts
Sheet metal parts are mainly used in aerospace, automotive, construction, railway, shipbuilding, HVAC, industrial automation, machinery, consumer electronics，energy, medical, and other industries.
Aerospace
Projects take flight with drone, aircraft interior and wiring organization components
Automotive
Kick production into overdrive with a range of auto applications
Consumer
The latest home goods and appliances take shape here
Defense
Support for both national and personal defense projects
Industrial
Essential parts for an endless range of applications
Medical
Essential parts for an endless range of applications
Sheet Metal Resources
The Basics Of Bending Sheet Metal
An overview of minimum bend radii and bend orientation
Sheet Metal Mini-Guide
Sheet metal fabrication is a process by which metal parts are cut and bent from a roll of stock material that is typically less than 0.25” thick.
Ways To Reduce Costs On Sheet Metal Fabrication
These tips will help you optimize your next Sheet Metal project to reduce costs and maximize your efficiency.
Designing for Sheet Metal Fabrication
An exploration of materials, manufacturing processes, design considerations, and finishing options for sheet metal prototypes and low-volume production parts
