Low- to High-Volume Sheet Metal Parts in as Fast as 1 Day
Xometry's custom sheet metal fabrication services are a cost-effective, on-demand solution to your manufacturing needs. Our fabrication services range from low-volume prototype to high-volume production runs. You can get a quote in seconds through our Instant Quoting Engine, or submit your 2D or 3D drawings to get quotes directly from highly qualified shops in our new Digital RFQ Marketplace. We know speed counts; that's why we offer instant quoting and fast lead times on your sheet metal parts.
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.
Instant Quotes and Cost-effective, On-demand Fabrication
Custom Plasma Cutting for Prototyping and Production Part Fabrication
| Aluminum | Copper | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 5052 | Copper 101 | Stainless Steel 301 |
| Aluminum 6061 | Copper 260 (Brass) | Stainless Steel 304 |
| Copper C110 | Stainless Steel 316/316L | |
| Steel, Low Carbon |
Additional alloys and tempers are available upon request. We can source to your project specifications. Review more information about our materials here.
A variety of material finishes are available for an instant online quote. If you do not see the material finish combination you are looking for, please choose "Custom" under the finish drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review once you have specified features, tolerances, inspection needs, and quantities required.
Minimal post-processing or treatment on parts is done.
The part surface is left with a smooth, matte appearance.
Type II (MIL-A-8625, Type II) creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and is usually associated with aluminum. Type III (MIL-A-8625, Type III, Class 1/2 "hardcoat") is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to the corrosion resistance seen with Type II.
Provides corrosion resistance and good conductivity properties. Can be used as a base for paint. Can leave surface yellow/gold. Adds very little thickness, about 0.00001”-0.00004”. Chem film will conform to MIL-DTL-5541, TYPE I/II.
This is a process where powdered paint is sprayed onto a part that is then baked in an oven. This creates a strong, wear- and corrosion-resistant layer that is more durable than standard painting methods. A wide variety of colors are available to create the desired aesthetic.
Provides uniform nickel coating which offers protection from corrosion, oxidation, and wear on irregular surfaces. The finished part will be brighter. Thickness starts at .0001”. Conforms toMIL-C-26074.
Gold Plating provides good corrosion and tarnish resistance with excellent solderability. Default application specification is MIL-G-45204 & ASTM B488, CLASS 00, 0, OR 1 (THICKNESS 0.00002" - 0.00005").
Silver offers high solderability and electrical conductivity but is susceptible to tarnish. Conforms to AMS QQ-S-365D. Thickness is about.00002”-.0003”.
Similar to CNC machining, sheet metal processes produce highly durable parts well-suited for both functional prototypes and end-use production.
Choose from a variety of sheet metals across a wide range of strength, conductivity, weight, and corrosion-resistance.
Combining the latest cutting, bending and punching with automated technologies, Xometry provides instant sheet quotes and completed parts in as little 12 business days.
All sheet metal parts are built on-demand and with lower setup costs compared to CNC Machining. Depending on your needs, order as little as a single prototype up to 10,000 production parts.
Select from a variety of finishes, including anodizing, plating, powder coating, and painting.
| 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. |
Please check out Xometry's Manufacturing Standards for more information on tolerances per process.
Hydraulic Brakes
Magnetic Brakes
The Basics Of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal is a common form of raw metal stock, usually 0.006 and 0.25 inches thick. Fabrication is a collection of processes used to shape raw metal stock into a usable product. Sheet metal fabrication includes many machining processes meant to assemble, cut, or form a sheet metal workpiece. After fabrication, a product often needs to undergo finishing processes before it’s suitable for commercial use.
Benefits Of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Xometry's custom sheet metal fabrication services offer a cost-effective and on-demand solution for your manufacturing needs. Fabrication services range from low-volume prototype to high-volume production runs in a variety of sheet metal fabrication processes including waterjet, laser and plasma cutting, hydraulic and magnetic brakes, punching, and welding. Xometry’s extensive partner network provides access to the latest sheet metal fabrication services, while our instant quoting tool ensures that you’ll receive fast and accurate quoting feedback.
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 that 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 that 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 the market.
Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Only the top 6% of shops that apply to become Partners make it through our multi-tiered qualification process, so you can be confident your part will be made right.
