Sheet Metal Fabrication Services For Custom Parts

Sheet metal fabrication often involves the application of finishing techniques to enhance the appearance, durability, and functionality of the fabricated components.

Here are some common finishing options used in sheet metal fabrication:

1. Deburring: Deburring is the process of removing sharp edges, burrs, and rough surfaces from sheet metal. It is typically achieved through mechanical methods such as grinding, filing, or sanding. Deburring improves safety, prevents injuries, and ensures smooth edges.
2. Grinding and Polishing: Grinding and polishing are techniques used to refine the surface of sheet metal. Polishing is performed using abrasive compounds or buffing wheels to achieve a high-gloss, reflective finish.
3. Sanding: Sanding is a process of using abrasive materials or sandpaper to achieve a smooth and consistent surface finish. It is commonly employed to remove surface irregularities, scratches, or paint coatings.
4. Painting: Painting is a popular finishing option that provides both aesthetic appeal and protection for sheet metal components. The sheet metal surface is prepared, primed, and then painted using various procedures such as spraying, dipping, or powder coating. Painting permits the modification of color, texture, and finish.
5. Powder Coating: Powder coating is a durable and environmentally friendly finishing method. It involves applying a dry powder electrostatically to the sheet metal surface. The coated component is then heated, causing the powder to melt, flow, and form a protective and decorative coating.
6. Anodizing Aluminium sheet metal is most commonly anodized. Anodizing is the electrochemical chemical process in which a protective layer of oxide is formed on the surface of aluminum. Anodizing improves corrosion resistance, durability, and the ability to introduce different colors and finishes.
7. Plating: Plating involves depositing a layer of metal onto the sheet metal surface through electroplating or electroless plating methods This finishing option boosts corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and aesthetics. Chrome, nickel, zinc, and gold are common plating materials.
8. Passivation: Passivation is a process that uses chemicals to make stainless steel sheet metal resistant to corrosion. It works by increasing the formation of a protective layer of oxide on the metal’s surface, which helps to get rid of surface contaminants like iron and other impurities.

The choice of finishing option depends on factors such as the desired appearance, functionality, environmental conditions, and budgetary considerations.

Fabrication service providers can provide guidance and expertise in selecting the most suitable finishing technique for specific sheet metal components or products.

Yes, sheet metal can be painted or finished to enhance its appearance, protect it from corrosion, or meet specific requirements.

Common finishing options include powder coating, anodizing, plating, or applying protective coatings.

Sheet metal fabrication can be performed with various materials, including steel (mild steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel), aluminum, copper, brass, and more.

The choice of material depends on factors such as the desired strength, corrosion resistance, appearance, and the application of the final product.

Common sheet metal thicknesses range from 0.5 mm (0.020 inches) to 6 mm (0.250 inches) or more.

Thicker sheets may require specialized equipment and processes for cutting, bending, and forming.

Sheet metal processes can be performed on a variety of materials, whether ferrous (steel, carbon steel, etc.) or non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, etc.).

Find the proper materials from the list to build your custom sheet metal parts.

1. SPCC	SPCC (Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets and Strips in full form) is a material grade that refers to commercial quality cold rolled steel. The surface of SPCC steel is exposed to the air and therefore easily oxidized. The humid environment will speed up the oxidation process and produce red rust. It’s suggested to use paint, electroplating, or other protective materials to protect the surface in use.
2. SECC	SECC is a galvanized stamping material that is electrolytically coated with a zinc layer on the surface of the cold-rolled sheet. SECC features mechanical properties and similar processability as ordinary cold-rolled steel sheets with superior corrosion resistance and decorative appearance. This type of material is very popular on the market since it can make durable metal stamping parts for furniture, home appliances, and electronic products. The computer case is a typical application.
3. SGCC	SGCC refers to hot dip galvanized steel material. It’s semi-finished material after hot pickling or cold rolling. After cleaning, annealing, and immersion in the melted zinc tank (at a temperature of about 460°C), the steel sheet is plated with a zinc layer. Quenching, leveling, and special chemical treatment are applied afterward to produce SGCC materials. SGCC material is harder than SECC material with poor ductility (avoiding deep pumping design), thicker zinc layer, and poor weldability.
4. SUS 304	SUS 304 is one of the most widely used stainless steel. It’s more corrosion and heat-resistant since it contains Ni (nickel) elements. It has good mechanical properties with no hardening phenomenon in heat treatments and no elasticity.
5. SUS 301	SUS 301 is less corrosion resistant due to its lower composition of the Cr (chromium) element. However, this material can obtain good tensile force and hardness in stamping processing with good elasticity after the cold working process. It is usually used for shrapnel springs and anti-EMI.

Modern fabrication techniques, such as laser cutting and CNC bending, can achieve high levels of accuracy.

Laser cutting typically offers precision within a few thousandths of an inch (0.1 mm), while CNC bending can achieve accurate angles and dimensions within tight tolerances.

The specific accuracy depends on the capabilities of the fabrication equipment and the skill of the operators.

Sheet metal fabrication involves a range of processes to shape, cut, join, and finish sheet metal to create components and products. Here are some commonly used sheet metal fabrication processes:

Processes	Description	Image
Laser Cutting	Laser cutting cuts sheet metal with precision and accuracy by employing a high-powered laser beam. It is appropriate for elaborate patterns and complex shapes. Laser cutting enables cutting up to 50 mm thickness material. The cutting area in laser cutting should be Up to 4000 x 6000 mm
Water Jet Cutting	Waterjet cutting cuts sheet metal with a high-pressure stream of water accompanied by abrasive particles. Water Jet cutting enables to cutting of up to 300 mm in thickness material. The cutting area in Water Jet cutting should be Up to 3000 x 6000 mm
Plasma Cutting	Plasma cutting melts and removes metal by using a high-temperature, ionized gas (plasma). It is excellent for fast and accurate cutting of thick sheets of metal, such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Plasma cutting enables cutting up to 50 mm thickness material. The cutting area in plasma cutting should be Up to 4000 x 6000 mm
Bending	Bending is a common method for achieving precise bends in sheet metal. The sheet metal is clamped between a punch and a die, and the press brake machine applies force to create the desired bend angle. This process is widely used to create difficult bends and angles. Bending enables to bend up to 50 mm thickness material. The Bending area should be Up to 4000 x 6000 mm