Table of Contents
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal prototyping services offer a fast and cost-effective solution for your projects. Services including bending, punching, cutting standard gauge metal for both prototypes and low volume production runs. Sheet metal fabrication produces durable, end-use metal parts with a wide selection of materials and finishes that meet your specifications, for a variety of industries like: Automotive, Medical device, Aerospace, electronics, energy and robotics.
How Does XTJ Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?
During the sheet metal fabrication process, thin sheet metal stock is placed on a flat bed where a laser cutter (1) draws programmed part patterns. Depending on the part geometry, a sheet metal punch (2) can form additional features. Once the parts are deburred, they move to the press brake (3) where they are formed into the final geometries. Additional secondary operations are often used to finish the sheet metal parts.
Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Process at XTJ
Unlike traditional sheet metal shops, we have infinite capacity and an easy-to-use online quoting system ensuring on-time shipment every time—whether you need a single part or 500 parts. You also have access to our team of knowledgeable engineers to optimize part designs and user-friendly online resources. Trim your production time and launch products faster with one local sheet metal supplier from prototypes to assemblies to finishing options.
Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication
1 Material selection
Aluminum + , copper, stainless steel + , steel and zinc
2 Finishing options
Bead blasting, anodizing, plating, powder coating and custom finishes
3 Thickness options
Variety of gauges available
4 Durability
Sheet metal fabrication produces durable parts for prototyping or end use
5 Scalability
Low setup costs mean low prices for large volumes
6 Turnaround
Parts delivered in just 5-10 days
Common Sheet Metal Applications
Appliances
Body panels
Brackets
Chassis
Doors
Enclosures
Fuselages
Kitchen equipment
Office equipment
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is a set of manufacturing processes used to turn sheet metal stock into functional parts. The sheet metal is usually between 0.006 and 0.25 inches (0.015 and 0.635 centimeters) thick.
There are several processes that fall under the umbrella of ‘sheet metal fabrication’. These include cutting, bending and punching, and can be used either in tandem or individually.
Sheet metal fabrication can be used to create either functional prototypes or end-use parts, but end-use sheet metal parts generally require a finishing process before they are ready for market.
XTJ sheet metal image 2
Sheet Metal FAQ
Do I need laser cutting, water jet cutting or plasma cutting?
The type of cutting machine used depends on the chosen material and the gauge of the sheet, as well as factors like desired lead time and tolerances.
We know which projects need which equipment, so you don’t need to specify a particular cutting machine.
Does it cost more to use multiple sheet metal forming processes?
In general, a part that is cut, bent and punched will cost more than a part that is, for example, just cut using a laser cutter.
However, most sheet metal parts demand a combination of forming processes, and this will not increase the price by a drastic amount.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. You can order a one-off prototype or 1,00+ units.
XTJ is a leading OEM Manufacturer that is dedicated to providing one-stop manufacturing solutions from prototype to production. We are proud to be an ISO 9001 certified system quality management company and we are determined to create value in every customer relationship. We do that through collaboration, innovation, process improvements, and exceptional workmanship.
