Functional Prototype

Custom metal fabrication can be formed into 2D shaped profiles from various metals, creating functional molds for specific parts.

Rapid Prototyping

AL Aluminum can produce sheet metal prototyping from sheet metal within a short time and at a low cost.

On-Demand Production

Our on-demand production delivers high precision, quality products. Enjoy enhanced rates and just-in-time delivery of production parts.

Our Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

Sheet metal fabrication is the most cost-effective choice for custom sheet metal parts and prototypes with uniform wall thickness. AL Aluminum provides various sheet metal capabilities, from high-quality cutting, punching, and bending, to welding services.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

Custom engineering and manufacturing services from prototypes to on demand production of sheet metal parts. Low-cost sheet metal fabrication solution for you.

Plasma Cutting

CNC plasma cutting is widely used in custom sheet metal services, it is especially suitable for custom cutting of thicker sheet metals.

Bending

Sheet metal bending is used to shape steel, stainless steel, aluminum parts and custom sheet metal prototypes after the cutting process.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Standards

To ensure part manufacturability and precision of fabricated prototypes and parts, our custom sheet metal fabrication services are in compliance with the ISO 2768-m.

Dimension Detail

Metric Units

Imperial Units

Edge to edge, single surface

+/- 0.127 mm

+/- 0.005 in.

Edge to hole, single surface

+/- 0.127 mm

+/- 0.005 in.

Hole to hole, single surface

+/- 0.127 mm

+/- 0.005 in.

Bend to edge / hole, single surface

+/- 0.254 mm

+/- 0.010 in.

Edge to feature, multiple surface

+/- 0.762 mm

+/- 0.030 in.

Over formed part, multiple surface

+/- 0.762 mm

+/- 0.030 in.

Bend angle

+/- 1°

By default, sharp edges will be broken and deburred. For any critical edges that must be left sharp, please note and specify them in your drawing.

Available Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes

Check out the specific advantages of each sheet metal manufacturing process and choose one for your custom part needs.

Processes

Description

Thickness

Cutting Area

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a thermal cutting process that uses high-power laser to cut metals.

Up to 50 mm

Up to 4000 x 6000 mm

Plasma Cutting

CNC plasma cutting is suitable for cutting thicker sheet metals.

Up to 50 mm

Up to 4000 x 6000 mm

Waterjet Cutting

It is especially useful for cutting very thick metals, including steel.

Up to 300 mm

Up to 3000 x 6000 mm

Bending

It’s used to shape custom sheet metal prototypes after the cutting process.

Up to 20 mm

Up to 4000 mm

CNC Machining Overview

What’s CNC Machining?

CNC Machining, or Computer Numerical Control Machining, is a manufacturing technique where computer-controlled devices are used to remove layers from a material, creating detailed parts or components. Through a combination of tooling and precise machine movement, it produces parts to exact specifications.

What’s the CNC Machining Process?

The CNC machining process begins by designing a part in CAD software. This design is then converted into a set of machine commands using CAM software. The CNC machine reads these commands to precisely cut and shape the material, producing a finished part that matches the digital design.

Why Choose CNC Machining?

CNC Machining offers unparalleled precision and repeatability, making it a top choice for industries requiring intricate parts. Its ability to handle a variety of materials, from metals to plastics, combined with fast production times and consistent quality, makes it an essential method in modern manufacturing.

What’s the Difference Between 3D Printing and CNC Machining?

3D printing is an additive manufacturing method, building parts by depositing material layer by layer. In contrast, CNC machining is a subtractive method, starting with a solid block of material and removing sections until the desired part is achieved. While 3D printing is often favored for complex geometries and rapid prototyping, CNC machining excels in durability, precision, and material versatility.

Enterprise Factory Sharing

F.A.Q

Most frequent questions and answers

What services does RapidDirect provide in sheet metal fabrication?

RapidDirect offers a comprehensive range of services including cutting, bending, punching, welding, and assembling. Our state-of-the-art machinery ensures precision and high-quality finishes for all projects.

Sheet metal fabrication tolerances refer to the acceptable deviations for features of sheet metal parts required for accurate and consistent installation and integration.

For sheet metal parts, ISO 2768-mk is usually used to ensure proper control of the elements of geometry and size. The following will show you 7 tolerance standards range of linear and angular dimensions, flatness & straightness, cylindricity, and circularity.

K factor is the sheet metal process is the ratio of neutral axis to material thickness. This value changes with respect to the various physical properties and thickness of materials used.

Every aspect of a sheet metal fabrication project comes with an associated cost — the design, possible prototype, finishing processes, and others. Asides from the process itself, materials also cost money. To learn some tips for reducing custom sheet metal fabrication costs,

AL Aluminum accommodates both small and large production runs, from single prototypes to mass production, with no strict minimum order quantity.