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Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
Upload your CAD files to get an instant quote on sheet metal prototypes and production parts. Lead times as fast as 1 day and free standard shipping on all US orders.
All uploads are secure and confidential.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is a subtractive manufacturing process that forms parts from thin metal sheets. Engineers often choose sheet metal parts for their high precision and durability, especially for end-use applications like chassis, enclosures, and brackets.
Xometry’s sheet metal fabrication services provide a fast and cost-effective solution for any parts that need to be made from 3D CAD files or engineering drawings. Xometry offers a range of sheet metal materials, including aluminum, copper, steel, and stainless steel, as well as assembly services like installing PEM inserts, welding, and finishing services. With a network of domestic and overseas fabricators, Xometry can supply any quantity of parts from low-volume, high-mix prototypes to high-volume production runs. Xometry offers competitive sheet metal prices for low volume prototypes and cost savings for high volume production runs.
Sheet Metal Operations Available at Xometry
Laser Cutting Service
High-quality Laser Cut Parts in Days Not Weeks | Free Standard Shipping on All US Orders
Waterjet Cutting Service
Instant Quotes and Cost-effective, On-demand Fabrication | Free Standard Shipping on All US Orders
Plasma Cutting Service
Custom Plasma Cutting for Prototyping and Production Part Fabrication | Free Standard Shipping on All US Orders
Xometry Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Blank Size | 10’ x 20’ (3.05 m x 6.10 m). We accommodate larger part volumes upon request. |
Standard Lead Time | 3 business days |
Sheet Thickness | 0.024” - 0.250” typical. We accommodate thicker or thinner gauges upon request. |
General Tolerances | For single planes or flat parts, +/- 0.005” on edge to edge, edge to hole, and hole to hole features; +/- 0.010” on bend to edge/hole features. For multi-planed bent parts, +/- 0.030” for hole to hole/edge, edge to edge, and over-formed parts; +/- 1 degree for bend angles. |
Braking (Hydraulic) | 10’ length, fingers from 3” - 6” |
Braking (Magnetic) | 6 tons of magnetic pull across the entire beam, 5/8″ minimum reverse bend |
Punching | 2″ diameter hole capacity, or larger upon request |
Welding | Welded edges and seams, weldments, and assemblies |
This table depicts the general tolerances for Xometry’s sheet metal services. Learn more about our sheet metal manufacturing standards.
How Xometry Sheet Metal Fabrication Works
Xometry's metal fabrication services utilize the top sheet metal fabricators in the US and globally. Sheet metal fabricators first convert CAD and drawing data into machine code. A laser cutting, waterjet, or plasma cutting machine will then precisely remove sheet metal material. The raw material is formed into angular bends and features using brakes, punches, and dies. If any assembly or post-processing is required, our sheet metal manufacturers will weld, add inserts, or finish the part.
The efficiency and high precision of metal fabrication, coupled with Xometry’s variety of materials, range of sheet metal fabricators, and post-processing options means you can get parts for any application. Sheet metal applications include aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, industrial, medical, dental, and consumer products.
Sheet Metal Materials Available at Xometry
Aluminum
Copper
Bronze
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel 301
Stainless steel 304
Stainless steel 316/316L
Learn more about stainless sheet metal.
Steel
Steel 1018 (Low Carbon)
Learn more about steel sheet metal.
Available Sheet Metal Finishes
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.
Available Sheet Metal Finishes
Standard
Minimal post-processing or treatment on parts is done.
Bead Blast
The part surface is left with a smooth, matte appearance.
Anodize (Type II Or Type III)
Type II (MIL-A-8625, Type II) creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Sheet metal parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and are 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.
Chem Film (Chromate Conversion Coating)
This sheet metal finish provides corrosion resistance and good conductivity properties. Chem film can be used as a base for paint and can leave surfaces yellow or gold. Adds very little thickness, about 0.00001”-0.00004.” Chem film will conform to MIL-DTL-5541, TYPE I/II.
Powder Coat
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.
Electroless Nickel Plating
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” and this finish conforms to MIL-C-26074.
Gold Plating
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 Plating
Silver offers high solderability and electrical conductivity but is susceptible to tarnish on sheet metal parts. Conforms to AMS QQ-S-365D. Thickness is about 0.00002”- 0.0003.”
Sheet Metal Design Guideslines
| Feature | Description (MT = Material Thickness) |
|---|---|
Minimum Bend | 1X MT |
Minimum Hole to Edge Distance | 2X MT |
Minimum Hole to Hole Distance | 6X MT |
Minimum Bend Edge to Hole Distance | 6X MT |
Minimum Feature to Countersink Distance | 8X MT |
Minimum Countersink Depth | 0.6X MT |
Relief Cuts | 1X MT |
Corner Fillets | 0.5X MT |
To see more design-for-manufacturing recommendations, view our Sheet Metal Fabrication Design Guide.
Applications and Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Rapid Tooling
Sheet metal can be quickly cut into 2D profile shapes and formed out of a variety of high-strength materials, making it perfect for rapid tooling.
Rapid Prototyping
With lead times starting at 3 days, no minimum order volumes, and low-per-unit costs, rapid sheet metal is a great option for prototyping.
End-Use Production
Per-unit pricing lowers significantly in production volumes. Combined with end-use materials and high throughput, sheet metal fabrication is a well-known production method.
Ready to Get a Sheet Metal Fabrication Quote?
Why Use Xometry's Sheet Metal Fabrication Services?
Endless Options
Choose from thousands of possible combinations of sheet metal materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Vetted Network
We have ISO 9001:2015 certified and AS9100D compliant sheet metal fabricators. Only the top shops that apply to become Suppliers make it through our qualification process.
Examples of Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Work
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