Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Service
Sheet metal components and assemblies in as fast as 1 day. Get an online quote for your prototype or low-volume production project today.
Certifications ISO 9001:2015
Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities
Our online sheet metal fabrication service enables you get a quote in minutes and have your parts delivered in days. We offer 3D visualized Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to help you manage project costs and receive actionable design insights. With a broad range of fabrication and finishing capabilities, our powerful combination of technology and skilled operators produce precision quality parts whether your project has one component or many.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a precision manufacturing process that uses a high-powered, focused laser beam to accurately cut sheet metal into complex shapes with clean edges, tight tolerances, and minimal material waste.
Forming and Bending
Press brake forming is a precision bending process that uses a matched punch and die to apply force along a straight axis, creating accurate and repeatable bends in sheet metal components.
Punching
Punching is a sheet metal manufacturing process that uses a punch and die to create holes, cut profiles, and form metal sheets into precise shapes and patterns with high accuracy and repeatability.
Fabricated Assemblies
Sheet metal assembly combines multiple fabricated sheet metal components using welding, riveting, fastening, or other joining methods to produce a complete and functional final product.
Sheet Metal Capability to Lead Time Map
Our online sheet metal fabrication service delivers components and assemblies to you in days. We offer a broad range of in-house fabrication and finishing capabilities to produce precision quality functional or end-use parts.
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Material thicknesses: ≤0.125 in. (≤3.175mm) |
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| Fabrication Capabilities | Eligibility | Applications |
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All material thicknesses: 0.024 in. - 0.250 in. (0.61mm-6.35mm) |
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| Fabrication Capabilities | Finishing Options | Applications |
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How Does Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?
Sheet metal fabrication starts with thin metal sheets placed on a flat cutting bed. A laser cutter precisely cuts the programmed part patterns from the sheet. Depending on the design requirements, punching may be used to create holes, slots, louvers, countersinks, or other formed features.
After cutting and punching, the parts are deburred to remove sharp edges and burrs. They are then transferred to a press brake, where the flat sheet metal parts are bent and formed into their final shapes. Secondary operations such as welding, assembly, tapping, hardware insertion, surface finishing, and inspection may be added depending on the final application.
Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication
The sheet metal fabrication process is ideal for metal components and can support both prototyping and production quantities.
- Low Material Waste – Maximize material utilization and reduce manufacturing costs.
- Scalable Production – Cost-effective for both prototypes and high-volume production.
- Extensive Finishing Options – Available with anodizing, powder coating, plating, painting, and other surface treatments.
Sheet Metal Applications
Sheet metal is a versatile manufacturing process for a range of metal components. The process can support high-volume commodity products and low-volume, one-of-a-kind applications. Common sheet metal parts include:
- Electrical enclosure
- Parts for computer electronics
- Chassis
- Brackets
- Cabinets
- Mounts
- Appliances
Our Sheet Metal Material Options
- Aluminum (1)
- Brass (2)
- Copper (3)
- Stainless Steel (4)
- Steel: CR Non-treated (5)
- Steel: CR Galvanneal and CR Galvanized (6)
Why Choose Protolabs for Sheet Metal Parts?
Fast and Simple Online Quoting
Our easy-to-use interface offers an average one-day upload-to-quote lead time (simple design quoting in as fast as one hour). Easily configure part specifications like material selection, and finishing options.
Cost-effective & Reliable
Quality parts are delivered within our five-day standard lead time. Our manufacturing network offers volume discounts for lower unit costs.
Expansive Capacity
With more than 200 machines all under one roof, we’re dedicated to continuously evolving our capabilities.
Domestic Production
All sheet metal parts are made in New Hampshire with secondary operations such as hardware placement, welding, and finishing done in-house or locally by an approved vendor.
Sheet Metal Technical Expertise
Work with our team of engineering experts that offer technical design guidance and can inform you on manufacturability and cost-saving opportunities.
Sheet Metal Finishing Options
Looking for more than a few basic sheet metal parts? We offer welding, hardware insertion, plating, silk screening, and powder coating to provide complete sheet metal components all under one roof.
Sheet Metal Surface Finish Guide
Check out our sheet metal guide for a quick snapshot of our Standard and Cosmetic finishing options available for various sheet metal materials.
Download Guide
