Sheet Metal Fabrication for Prototypes and Low Volumes
Sheet metal is the fastest way to make strong, light enclosures, brackets, chassis and panels. At SkillsProto, we offer laser cutting, CNC punching, bending (press brake), welding and assembly for aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel and copper parts — from a single prototype to a few thousand units.
Our engineering team checks bend radius, hole-to-bend distance, k-factor and material grain direction before cutting, so the first part fits the second part.
Sheet metal capabilities overview
| Capability | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cutting | Fibre laser cutting, CNC punching |
| Bending | CNC press brake, up to 3 m length |
| Welding | TIG, MIG, spot welding |
| Materials | Aluminium, mild steel, stainless 304/316, copper, brass |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm – 6 mm typical (larger on request) |
| Max part size | 3,000 × 1,500 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.2 mm on cut features, ±0.5 mm on bends |
| Finishing | Deburr, bead blast, powder coat, anodise, zinc plate |
| Lead time | 5–10 working days for prototypes |
Sheet metal finishing options
- Powder coating — durable colour finish; RAL colour matching available.
- Anodising — aluminium corrosion protection and colour.
- Zinc plating / galvanising — steel corrosion protection.
- Brushed / polished stainless — cosmetic panels and covers.
- Silk-screen / laser marking — logos, part numbers and instructions.
Design tips for sheet metal parts
- Minimum hole diameter = material thickness.
- Hole-to-bend distance ≥ 2 × material thickness + bend radius.
- Bend radius should match material spec; too tight causes cracking.
- K-factor depends on tooling — send a sample if fit is critical.
- Relief cuts may be needed for sharp internal corners.
Common sheet metal applications
- Electronics enclosures: chassis, front panels, mounting plates.
- Automotive: brackets, heat shields, battery trays.
- Industrial machinery: guards, covers, frames, supports.
- Medical: carts, instrument housings, mounting hardware.
- Robotics: lightweight frames, motor brackets, sensor mounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (Sheet Metal)
Q1: What file format is best for sheet metal quotes? A: STEP or SolidWorks with the flat pattern included. DXF of each bend view is also accepted.
Q2: Can you handle powder coating in matching RAL colours? A: Yes. Specify RAL code in your enquiry and we will match it through our finishing partners.
Q3: What is the largest sheet metal part you can make? A: Up to 3,000 × 1,500 mm depending on material and geometry. Larger parts are quoted on request.
Q4: Do you offer PEM inserts or weld studs? A: Yes. We can install threaded inserts, standoffs, rivet nuts and weld studs as part of assembly.
Q5: How do you control bend angle accuracy? A: CNC press brakes with angle measurement and first-article inspection. Tolerance is typically ±0.5 mm on overall formed dimensions.
Get a sheet metal quote
Upload your CAD or DXF flat pattern for a quote within 24 hours.
[Request a Quote — Sheet Metal]