Sheet metal products must meet stringent quality standards to perform their functions effectively. Formed metal components are used in many industries that require high quality, tight tolerances, and high aesthetic value. Chaparral Technologies can introduce you to experienced sheet metal fabricators that will consistently exceed your expectations.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Overview

Sheet metal fabrication refers to a manufacturing method where flat metal sheets are formed into a metal product or structure. The material used for forming is typically steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or brass. The goal is to transform sheet metal into custom metal parts for a specific application.

This refined manufacturing process is responsible for many products you might see every day. Metal sheets can easily be cut, bent, or stretched until a desired shape or form is achieved based on your project requirements.

Different Types of Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes

Sheet metal fabrication processes are based on annual usage for the part, likelihood of changes to the design, and a balance of part price verses initial tooling investment.

Prototypes and low volume parts can often be produced with no tooling investment and frequently be ready to ship within 48 hours of receiving an order. Low volume is usually defined as less than 2000 parts per year.

Annual volumes between 2000 and 50000 pieces are usually produced using singe stage tools. Single stage tooling requires minimal investment relatively quick turnaround to get your parts quickly to market.

High volume parts, over 50,000 per year will typically require progressive die tooling to generate your parts. Progressive dies require higher tooling investment but will result in a lower piece part cost.

Regardless of the process used to manufacture your parts these are the common sheet metal fabrication techniques used:

Cutting

Specialized tools, such as laser cutters and shears, cut the metal into a predetermined shape. To achieve uniform outcomes, shears are the most commonly used.

Bending

The most cost-effective process that produces precise results is bending. It can accurately accomplish different angles and shapes of metal products, even components with complex and multiple bends.

Stamping

During this process, a tool is pressed into the metal sheet creating shape, forming holes, and cutting the material. Stamping may be with single stage tools or progressive dies depending on annual quantities and complexity of the part.

Welding

When a sheet metal part cannot be made from one bent piece of material welding may be utilized. Welding is a strong metal joining process making it ideal for structural components.

Assembly

Often sheet metal part require threaded studs and inserts to be useful in the final product. These components are pressed into the nearly complete sheet metal part in the assembly process. Assembly is usually the final process your parts will go through unless they will be painted, powder coated, or etched.

Applications of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Demanding industries rely on metal products fabricated from sheet metal. Whether it’s a functional component for another product or a simple decorative element, numerous industries rely on fabrication methods, including:

  • Aerospace: Air filtration systems, compartment latching and control, and seat belts all utilize fabricated metal components.
  • Agriculture: Moisture sensors used to enhance crop yield and flow sensors used to measure crop yield and just a couple areas in agriculture equipment utilizing sheet metal fabricated components.
  • Electronics: Electronic components such as computers and stereo components utilize fabricated sheet metal to form their product chassis.
  • Food & Beverage: Makers of heating plates, ice cream scoops, drink dispensers and cooking equipment all utilize sheet metal fabrication to manufacture their products
  • Medical: Many different carts used in the medical field and made using sheet metal fabrication processes. 
  • Military: Sheet metal fabrication is often used to manufacture specialized military equipment requiring certification and compliance to military standards.
  • Recreation: Gear shift assemblies, heel guards, and windshield frames are just a few applications of sheet metal fabrication in recreational vehicles.
  • Automotive & Transportation: Sheet metal fabrication is used to create structural parts of cars, such as frames, body panels, and brackets.
  • Security: Security sectors utilize sheet metal for guard doors, enclosures, and grills.
  • Construction: This rugged industry employs metal products for high-rise buildings, bridges, and structures.

We’ll Find Sheet Metal Fabricators for Your Special Projects

We understand that every project is unique, and fabricators specializing in your prerequisites are necessary to ensure success. Our team at Chaparral Technologies is dedicated to finding the best manufacturing company to fulfill those conditions.

Contact us today if you want to know more about our services. We’ll gladly provide the information you need for your sheet metal fabrication project. You may also request a quote, and we’ll find a suitable solution tailored to your needs!

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