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Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Online - Fast, Cost-effective, High-Precision Services in China - Brightstar
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication involves the processing of thin metal sheets (typically under 6 mm) through cutting, stamping, bending, stretching, rolling, welding, riveting, and splicing to alter their shape, size, or properties, transforming them into specific parts or components. This process plays a crucial role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Common sheet metal fabrication techniques include laser cutting, perforating, stamping, punching, and waterjet cutting.
Brightstar Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
Brightstar offers comprehensive precision sheet metal fabrication services, providing end-to-end solutions from custom prototyping to full-scale production. Equipped with advanced machinery and a skilled, efficient operational team, Brightstar is capable of delivering quick quotes, DFM feedback, and precision machining services, ensuring high accuracy and quality in every delivery. We work with a variety of materials including aluminum, copper, steel, and stainless steel, catering to a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, and energy. Additionally, Brightstar provides assembly services including PEM insert installation, welding, and finishing to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements of our clients.
The advantages of sheet metal fabrication
High production efficiency: Sheet metal processing can usually quickly cut metal sheets into the required products, which is very suitable for rapid prototyping, shortening the time from product design to finished product, and accelerating the product development cycle.
Minimum order quantity: There is no minimum order quantity, and the unit cost is low, so it is a good option for prototyping and also suitable for mass production.
Material loss: Less material waste and high material utilization
Various surface treatments: Sheet metal parts can be subjected to a variety of surface treatments, such as spraying, electroplating, anodizing, etc., to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Wide application: Sheet metal processing is suitable for many industries such as automobiles, aerospace, electronics, home appliances, medical equipment, etc., and has high industry adaptability.
Sheet metal fabrication technology
Sheet metal fabrication typically involves the following processes: cutting, forming, stamping, and joining. These processes alter the shape, size, or properties of metal sheets to produce specific parts or components that meet design requirements.
Cutting Processes
Cutting is a sheet metal process used to separate metal sheets into specific shapes or sizes. Common cutting techniques include: Laser Cutting，Plasma Cutting，Water Jet Cutting，Mechanical Shearing，Punching and Sawing.
Forming Processes
Forming processes involve altering the shape of metal sheets without significantly changing their material thickness to create desired three-dimensional structures. These include: Bending，Stretching，Deep Drawing，Rolling and Curling
Stamping Processes
Stamping processes involve using a punch press and dies to process metal sheets to achieve complex shapes and functions. These include:Punching,Embossing and Engraving,Flanging
Joining Processes
Joining processes involve combining different metal components to form a complete product. Common joining methods include: Welding,Riveting,Threaded Fastening,Adhesive Bonding
Why Choose Brightstar's Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
Price advantage
Factory direct production price, no middleman price difference.
Fast delivery and manufacturing capabilities
Delivery in as fast as 3 days.
Long-term cooperation and quality assurance capabilities
Brightstar passed the ISO9001:2005 quality assurance system.
Stable cooperation with major international express logistics companies
Once the goods are completed, they will be shipped quickly and delivered smoothly by FEDEX, DHL, UPS,... etc
Common Applications of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is a versatile process used across numerous industries due to its durability, formability, and strength.
Sheet metal prototyping services cases
Product Name: Brackets
Industry: Furniture
Material: Steel
Product Name: Heat sink sheet
Industry: Electronics
Material: Steel SPHC
Product Name: Communication mainframe casing
Industry: Communication
Material: Steel
Product Name: Net Circle
Industry: Wire Cutting Equipment
Material: Stainless Steel
Product Name: Fender
Industry: Automation Equipment
Material: Stainless Steel
Product Name: Enclosure for communication devices
Industry: Communication
Material: Steel
Product Name: Cooling Net
Industry: Welding Equipment
Material: Stainless Steel
Product Name: Gaming Keyboard Case
Industry: Electronics
Material: Stainless Steel
Sheet metal material selection
The common sheet metal materials used by Brightstar include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, hot-rolled sheets, cold-rolled sheets (SPCC), and galvanized sheets (SECC), etc.
The type and thickness of materials directly affect processing methods and product performance:
Such as aluminum 1100-H14 with high purity, excellent conductivity but lower strength, suitable for deep drawing and decoration; aluminum 5052-H32 with high strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance, ideal for ships, vehicles, and aircraft; and aluminum 6061 with good mechanical properties, weldability, and corrosion resistance, used for frames, parts, and decoration. In copper materials, pure copper has excellent conductivity but low strength, while brass offers high strength and is suitable for corrosion-resistant and high-strength applications. Stainless steels like 304 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) and 316 (2-3% molybdenum) provide excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for food processing, medical, and chemical equipment, with 316 being superior in high-temperature and corrosion resistance but more costly. Cold-rolled steel has a smooth surface and good machinability, ideal for precision processing, while hot-rolled steel has a rough surface and high strength, suitable for heavy-duty structural components.
Surface Treatment in Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal parts can undergo a variety of surface treatments, such as spraying, sandblasting, grinding, pickling, phosphating, electroplating (galvanizing, aluminum plating, tin plating, nickel plating, chrome metal plating), spraying, painting, anodizing, etc., which can improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the product, while improving the appearance texture.
Start Your Sheet Metal Fabrication Project With A Free Quote
Following the below steps to get your required sheet metal parts
01
Upload your CAD file
Simply upload your files or project details directly to our quote page.
02
DFM analysis and quote
We will provide manufacturing analysis and real-time quotation within 12 hours
03
Start Production
Upon receipt of your confirmation, we immediately start 24/7 production based on your CAD design
04
Get Your Parts
Your product will be produced and shipped within a few days
Sheet Metal Fabrication Design Guide
The design phase needs to consider the functionality, aesthetics, and manufacturing feasibility of the product.
Material Selection
Choose the appropriate material thickness. The material thickness for sheet metal processing usually ranges from 0.1mm to 12mm. Consider the strength, hardness, ductility, and surface treatment requirements of the material.
Part Size
Make sure the designed part size is suitable for the capabilities of the sheet metal processing equipment. Consider the inner fillet radius and minimum bend radius of the material.
Bending and Folding
The bending radius should be at least twice the material thickness to avoid cracks. The folding angle is usually between 90° and 180°, avoiding sharp bends. Consider the minimum and maximum size limits of the folding.
Precision and tolerance
Determine the appropriate machining precision and tolerance based on application requirements. Avoid overly strict tolerance requirements, which may increase costs.
Hole and Slot:
The distance from the hole to the edge should be at least twice the hole diameter to avoid material tearing. The width of the slot should consider the tool size of the processing equipment.
Connection and Assembly
Design structures that are easy to assemble and disassemble, such as using welding, riveting, or metal fasteners. Consider the fit clearance between parts.
FAQs of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal Fabrication is a process that involves processing thin metal sheets into specific shapes and sizes through cutting, forming, folding, welding and assembly. The following are some common problems and solutions in sheet metal Fabrication
What should I do if the material may rebound due to elastic recovery after bending?
The squareness deviation caused by rebound can be reduced by two-stage bending, tapping, cutting V-grooves or adding reinforcement ribs.
When bending the plate after opening a hole, if the hole is close to the root of the bend, the hole may be deformed when bending the plate. How to solve it?
Ensure that there is enough distance between the hole and the root of the bend, or open the hole after bending the plate to avoid deformation.
When processing threaded holes on thin plates, it may not be possible to ensure the effective depth of the threaded hole. How to deal with it?
For thin plates, inner edge flanging can be used to ensure the effective depth of the thread hole.
Are you looking for a metal fabrication company near me that specializes in sheet metal fabrication services?
We are a metal and plastic manufacturing shop located in Dongguan, a renowned manufacturing city in China. Although we may not be geographically close to you, we can offer quick turnaround, with sheet metal parts in just 3 days, and delivery to you via internaton express in 3-4 days.
Do I need laser cutting, water jet cutting or plasma cutting?
The choice of laser cutting, water jet cutting or plasma cutting depends mainly on your specific needs, including the type of material to be cut, the thickness of the material, the cutting accuracy requirements, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity to heat effects. Laser cutting has high precision and high speed, and is suitable for fine cutting of thin metal and non-metallic materials, but not for cutting thick metal and non-conductive materials. Water jet cutting is a cold cutting process with no heat-affected zone. It is suitable for high-precision cutting of various materials including thick metal, composite materials and brittle materials, but the cutting speed is relatively slow. The high cutting speed of plasma cutting is suitable for cutting medium and thick metals. It is cost-effective, but it may produce heat-affected zones and large cutting gaps. We know which projects require which equipment, so you don't need to specify a specific cutting machine or discuss it with us.
Is it more expensive to use multiple sheet metal forming processes?
Using multiple sheet metal forming processes may increase costs, but these costs can be effectively managed through reasonable process selection and cost control measures. Usually, the cost of parts cut, bent and stamped is higher than that of parts cut only with laser cutting machines. However, most sheet metal parts require a combination of multiple forming processes, which is inevitable.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
We do not have a minimum order quantity. You can order a one-off prototype or over 1,000 units.
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How to Get Started
Ready to start your precision CNC machining project? Contact us today to discuss your requirements and receive a free quote. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the entire process, from design to delivery.