How can we help you?
At Rapid Protos, we specialize in a variety of sheet metal fabrication services, including laser cutting cutting, punching, bending and welding. Our team of experts can help you turn your ideas into reality through high-quality and cost-effective sheet metal fabrication.
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal manufacturing is a subtractive manufacturing process, usually from 1-6mm thin metal sheets such as aluminum, copper or stainless steel to form parts. Sheet metal fabrication is the process of shaping a piece of flat stock into its final three-dimensional geometry by bending, stretching, stamping, and cutting to remove material. . Engineers often choose sheet metal parts for their high precision and durability, typical sheet metal parts include housings, brackets, assemblies, weldments, cabinets and other components.
How can we help you?
Types of Sheet Metal Processing
Gallery of Sheet Metal Parts
Why Choose Our Sheet Metal Service
Quote Within One Day, No additional Fees
RPS (Rapid Protos) can help you turn your ideas into reality immediately. If you need custom sheet metal parts or end products on short notice, Rapid protos can help.
We have more than 20 pieces of sheet metal processing equipment, including stamping machines, bending machines, laser cutting machines, welding robots, etc. We offer machining in over 10 different types of metal materials, and we guarantee fast turnaround and quality for one-off prototypes and production parts.
Sheet Metal Instant Quote
Sheet Metal Fabrication Standards
ISO 2768-m is followed by our custom sheet metal fabrication services to make sure that prototypes and parts can be made and that they are accurate.
| Dimension Detail | Metric Units | Imperial Units |
|---|---|---|
| Edge to edge, single surface | +/- 0.127 mm | +/- 0.005 in. |
| Edge to hole, single surface | +/- 0.127 mm | +/- 0.005 in. |
| Hole to hole, single surface | +/- 0.127 mm | |
| Bend to edge / hole, single surface | +/- 0.254 mm | +/- 0.005 in. |
| Edge to feature, multiple surface | +/- 0.762 mm | +/- 0.010 in. |
| Over formed part, multiple surface | +/- 0.762 mm | +/- 0.030 in. |
| Bend angle | +/- 1° | +/- 1° |
By default, sharp edges will be broken and deburred. For any critical edges that must be left sharp, please note and specify them in your drawing.
Available Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes
| Processes | Description | Thickness | Cutting Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Cutting | Laser cutting is a thermal cutting process that uses high-power laser to cut metals. | Up to 50 mm | Up to 1000 x 1000 mm |
| Metal Stamping | It is a workpiece that uses a metal stamping die to form a metal sheet into a three-dimensional shape. | Up to 20 mm | Up to 1000 x 1000 mm |
| Metal Welding | Two separate metal objects are connected by means of pressure or heating to make them produce interatomic bonding force and connect them into one. | Up to 20 mm | Up to 1000 x 1000 mm |
| Bending | It’s used to shape custom sheet metal prototypes after the cutting process. | Up to 20 mm | Up to 1000 mm |
By default, sharp edges will be broken and deburred. For any critical edges that must be left sharp, please note and specify them in your drawing.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Materials
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most popular material for making sheet metal in the business world. It is popular because it is flexible, has a high thermal conductivity, and has low resistance. Aluminum is cheaper and can be made at a faster rate than steel, which is another common sheet metal material. The material also makes the least waste and can be used again and again.
Models:
2024，5052，5083，6061，6063，7075
Copper
Copper is a common material for making sheet metal in many industries because it is easy to shape and bend. Copper is also a good material for making sheet metal because it is a good heat conductor and electrical conductor.
Models:
C101, C103
Steel
Steel has a lot of useful qualities for industrial uses, such as being strong, long-lasting, resistant to heat, and not rusting. Steel sheet metal is perfect for making intricate designs and parts that need to be very accurate. Steel is also easy to work with and inexpensive, and it polishes well.
Models:
1018, 1020, 1025， 1045， 1215， 4130， 4140， 4340
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel: such as 301, 304, and 316/316L. 301 stainless steel has excellent tensile strength, while 304 has more significant performance and corrosion resistance at higher temperatures. 316/316L steel features the best corrosion resistance of the three, though it also costs more.
Finishing Options for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Select from a diverse range of finishing choices that modify the surface of sheet metal parts and products, to enhance their resistance to corrosion, improve their cosmetic appearance, and reduce the time needed for cleaning.
| Image | Name | Description | Materials | Color | Texture | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Anodizing | Anodizing | Anodizing improves corrosion resistance, enhancing wear resistance and hardness, and protecting the metal surface. Widely used in mechanical parts, aircraft, and automobile parts, precision instruments, etc. | Aluminum | Clear, black, grey, red, blue, gold. | Smooth, matte finish. | Learn More >> |
 | Bead Blasting | Bead blasting results in parts with a smooth surface with a matte texture. Used mainly for visual applications and can be followed by other surface treatments. | ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel | n/a | Matte | Learn More >> |
 | Powder Coating | Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike conventional liquid paint which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat or with ultraviolet light. | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel | Black, any RAL code or Pantone number | Gloss or semi-gloss | Learn More >> |
 | Electroplating | Electroplating can be functional, decorative or corrosion-related. Many industries use the process, including the automotive sector, in which chrome-plating of steel automobile parts is common. | Aluminum, steel, stainless steel | n/a | Smooth, glossy finish | Learn More >> |
 | Polishing | Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface, either through physical rubbing of the part or by chemical interference. The process produces a surface with significant specular reflection, but in some materials is able to reduce diffuse reflection. | Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel | n/a | Glossy | Learn More >> |
 | Brushing | Brushing is a surface treatment process in which abrasive belts are used to draw traces on the surface of a material, usually for aesthetic purposes. | ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel | n/a | satin | Learn More >> |
FAQ
Application
The efficiency and high precision of sheet metal fabrication, combined with rapid protos’ choice of over 20 materials, a range of sheet metal fabricators and post-processing options, means you can get the right part for any application. Sheet metal applications include aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, industrial, medical, dental and consumer products.
automotive
automotive
medical
medical
robotics
robotics
industry
industry
