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.
How Sheet Metal Fabrication Works
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 milling processes which 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 which can shape the workpiece.
Assembling: The completed product may be assembled from several processed workpieces.
Many performing services as well. Finishing processes are usually necessary before a sheet metal-derived product is ready for market.
Benefits of Sheet Metal Parts
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.