Insights into Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Its Applications

Discover the fundamentals of custom sheet metal fabrication, including the techniques used and their applications across different industries. This guide provides an overview of the materials, processes, and advantages of using custom fabrication to meet precise industrial requirements.

What is Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Figure 1 – An image of a metal sheet that has been fabricated

It is a manufacturing process that forms raw stock into specifically designed, measured, and styled forms and shapes using high-quality industrial machines. These machines can either be standard or regular machines, but nowadays, many manufacturers are opting to CNC or computer numerically controlled machines.

What is CNC Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Figure 2 – Fabricated custom sheet metal via CNC

It is simply a custom sheet metal fabrication process that uses CNC or computer numerically controlled machines instead of traditional or standard ones. What this simply means is, everything from the ground up is made, produced, and manufactured by computers.

NOTE: While the terms are different, it is not far, in fact, it isn’t actually different. The only difference they have would be in terms of the machines used.

How is Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Done?

Figure 3 – An image of a process performing sheet metal fabrication

Now that you know what custom sheet metal fabrication is, it’s just right that you become aware of how the entire process is made and done.

In a nutshell, metal fabrication turns a raw metal product or workpiece into a product that is completely shaped, formed, and engineered. And while you might think that it is such a complex and difficult process, it’s not!

To summarize everything, custom sheet metal fabrication can be divided and categorized into two (2) different processes: the removal process and the deformation process.

Both processes are different, and to help you with it, here is how they look like:

Removal Process

From what it’s called, it is a process that aims to remove or subtract material from the given substrate, workpiece, or material. Removal could be a strong word, but it simply means that it will take out materials that aren’t needed for the final product.

Common removal or subtractive manufacturing methods include machining, blanking, cutting, shearing, punching, drilling, etc.

Deformation Process

When the amount of material or workpiece is followed, the next step would be to deform it. Just because it’s called “deformation,” doesn’t mean that the wokrpiece will be warped randomly – it won’t.

Deforming metal can be done in a lot of different ways, but the most common would be bending, folding, drawing, molding, and forming.

Types of Sheet Metal You Can Cut

Figure 4 – Aluminum carbon steel that has been fabricated

The term “sheet metal” is such a vague term. To help you narrow it down a little bit, here’s a list of the different types of metal you can fabricate in order to get a model, unit, or a product easily achieved:

Titanium
Stainless Steel
Hot-Rolled Steel
Galvanized Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Stainless Steel
And Many More!

NOTE: In today’s technology, almost all metal types, alloys, and steel can be formed, bent, and machined! There is literally little-to-no limit on the particular type of metal you can machine and work

Common Products Made From Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Since we’re talking about the industrial sector, your mind could be latched onto the idea that the “products” we are discussing would always be “parts” and “components” of several machines and equipment, when, in reality, they’re not. To help you get a better idea of what these products are, the most common applications and uses of custom sheet metal fabrication would allow you to get the following product categories:

Utensils and Other Kitchen Appliances (Parts and Components)
Architectural and Engineering Structures
Medical, Medicinal, and Pharmaceutical Applications
Automotive, Aerospace, and Aeronautics Sectors
Military and Defense Industries
Infrastructure and Telecommunications Sectors
And Many More!

Look around you, almost everything is made out of fabricated metal! So, you’ll find it sensible that it’s used in a wide array of business sectors and industries!

Pros and Cons of Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Custom sheet metal fabrication has been a blessing to all businesses, conglomerates, and companies all over the world. Because of its highly accurate and precise results, you’ll never be disappointed by its quality. But just like any other type of service or product, it has its own fair share of ups and downs. So, to give you a couple of the examples, we present the pros and cons of custom sheet metal fabrication:

Pros of Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Custom sheet metal fabrication is a versatile and flexible manufacturing procedure
At the finish line, custom fabricated sheet metal can be exactly following the model or the guide you sent
There’s no limit to the type of shape or form you want because CNC machines are highly advanced

Cons of Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Some metals are too viscous that it’ll be difficult – almost impossible for them to be machined
They are typically more expensive and costlier than other manufacturing processes

Where Can You Get Premium Quality Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

No other custom sheet metal fabrication manufacturer or supplier can be trusted more than us here at HDC Manufacturing. Breeding of experts, engineers, and highly seasoned operators in the field, we’re sure that we’ll be able to help you create and produce custom sheet metal products that are dependent on the industry you are in.

Whatever shape, form, or type of product you want need, and no matter how complex you think metal sheet fabrication is, our engineers and professionals here at HDC Manufacturing can accommodate to your needs and requests!

Other than custom sheet metal fabrication, you can also consider and trust us if you need metal stamping services, laser cutting services, 5-axis CNC machining services, and many more!

Guidance for Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Products From Manufacturers

Inquiry Submission: Get a quote by clicking “Get Instant Quote” on our website. Indicate the details such as materials, dimensions, finishes, and send drawings if any, to fully illustrate your needs.
Further Discussion: After receiving your inquiry, our sales team will start the discussion to make your needs sharper, suggest design features, and put forward the best materials and finishes.
Prototype(If Needed): It could be done as well that we would make a prototype of your product. Such a process will provide you with a sample to review, so you can be sure that it meets your requirements before we move to the full size production.
Deposit(If Needed): An advance payment is possible in the case of large-scale tasks or specific materials that safeguard your order and assist in the resources allocation.
Production: Confirmation of the order and the deposit receipt marks the start of production. Our engineers ensure that the product is made consistently to the agreed specification.
Quality Assurance: Our pursuit of perfection is clear as our QA team does deep checks for the products from product dimensions to craftsmanship.
Finishing Touches: As the final stage, products get other finishes like powder coating or painting to strengthen durability and improve aesthetics.
Packaging and Shipping: Orders will be packaged and shipped securely with the provision of safe and timely delivery.
Payment: The final payment is due when you receive the product and perform the quality control. If a deposit was made, the balance is the only thing being settled in this point.
Feedback and Support: Your input is invaluable and we stand by to provide any kind of post delivery support you may require, as we seek to ensure a complete customer satisfaction from beginning to end.

Overview

In the end, custom sheet metal fabrication is a complex process that is very customized and provides precision and flexibility across different industries. HDC Manufacturing is a leader in delivering top-tier sheet metal fabrication services, which we accomplish using CNC technology for your particular needs. From the first inquiry to the final delivery, our complete process which is based on the highest level of professionalism and expertise is applied to every single element of your project. Whether you want a prototype, a specific material or a unique finish, our team will give you solutions that will shock you. Trust us at HDC Manufacturing for all your custom sheet metal fabrication requirements, and see the difference that quality, professional workmanship and customer-focused services can do to your business.