SHEET METAL FABRICATION

Enclosures and brackets built to fit

Cut, form and assemble sheet components with bend geometry, hardware and coatings considered from the first drawing.

Operator forming a stainless steel enclosure panel on a precision press brake

PROCESS FIT

Where Sheet metal fabrication fits

Sheet metal is well suited to thin-walled enclosures, brackets, covers and frames. The flat pattern and the finished assembly both matter: bends change dimensions, and installed hardware can change access.

Design around the bend

Material thickness, inside radius, flange length and hole distance from bends affect manufacturability. A 3D model shows intent; a drawing should resolve the dimensions and datums that control assembly.

Include the finished state

Call out inserts, welds, surface treatment, masking and cosmetic faces. If a coating changes a mating fit, identify that interface before the quote is finalized.

BEFORE YOU QUOTE

Design and RFQ checkpoints

Bend definition

Specify thickness, material, inside radius and features close to the bend line.

Hardware access

Check where nuts, inserts, fasteners or welds must be installed after forming.

Finish and assembly

Identify visible faces, coating, grounding points and whether parts ship assembled.

Flat versus formed dimensions

State whether a critical dimension controls the flat blank or the finished, formed assembly.

SPECIFICATION NOTES

Material and finish decisions

Aluminum sheet

Review alloy, thickness, bend behavior and surface treatment for lightweight panels or brackets.

Carbon steel sheet

Consider load, weldability, corrosion protection and the finished coating system.

Stainless sheet

Confirm grade, grain direction, cosmetic face and any exposed edge or weld requirements.

Hardware and coatings

List inserts, fasteners, welds, masking and powder-coated surfaces as part of the finished assembly.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

What teams make with Sheet metal fabrication

Electronics enclosures

Panels, access covers and mounting features around packaged components.

Machine brackets

Structural supports and guards with repeated bends or hardware.

Pilot builds

Short-run assemblies used to validate fit before committing to volume tooling.

PROCESS DECISIONS

Choose the route that matches the requirement

The part architecture determines the economical route.

Feature	Sheet metal	CNC machining	Injection molding
Typical form	Folded thin wall	Solid stock geometry	Repeat molded shell
Design focus	Bends and assembly	Tool access	Draft and tooling
Upfront tooling	Depends on forming route	Usually no hard tool	Tool required

SEND A USEFUL BRIEF

What to include in the RFQ

Provide the finished 3D model, drawing, material and thickness, quantity, assembly state and desired finish. A flat pattern can help, but bend allowances must be confirmed for the selected tooling and material.

Identify bend and hardware details

Call out inside radii, flange dimensions, holes near bends, hems, welds and installed fasteners. Mark the faces that must remain cosmetic and the areas that should be masked for grounding or fit.

Quote the assembly you need

Clarify whether the order covers cut blanks, formed parts, coated panels or a finished assembly. Inspection points and packaging can be different for each scope.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Sheet metal fabrication: common questions

01Do I need to provide a flat pattern?

A finished 3D model and controlled drawing are the starting point. Provide a flat pattern if you have one, but bend allowance and tooling must be confirmed for the selected process.

02Can you install hardware and finish the parts?

List inserts, fasteners, welds and coatings in the RFQ. We will confirm the scope and sequence for the project.

03What causes fit issues in formed parts?

Ambiguous bend radii, holes near bend lines, coating thickness and unplanned assembly access are common causes. Mark critical interfaces clearly.

04Should I dimension the flat blank or formed part?

Dimension the state that controls function. Identify any flat-pattern information separately so the finished-part acceptance criteria are clear.

05How do I indicate a cosmetic face?

Mark it on the drawing and describe acceptable grain, finish and handling expectations. This also helps plan forming and coating orientation.

Review your design with us

Send a model or drawing, quantity, material, critical features and intended use. We will respond with a process recommendation and a project-specific quotation.

Discuss your project