Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing process that converts flat metal sheets into finished structural parts and assemblies. The process covers cutting, bending, joining, and surface treatment, and is used across industrial equipment, semiconductor processing systems, medical devices, and electronic enclosures.
Core Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes
Cutting
Cutting separates material to a defined geometry. Fiber laser cutting is the most common method, offering high precision and repeatability across a range of gauges and materials. Plasma cutting handles heavier plate. Punching is suited to high-volume runs with standard hole patterns.
Bending
A CNC press brake forms sheet metal along a straight axis by pressing it between a punch and die. Bend angle, inside radius, and springback compensation are calculated based on material type, thickness, and grain direction. Standard CNC press brakes hold angle tolerances of ±0.5° and flange tolerances of ±0.1 mm.
Welding
Welding joins sheet metal components into assemblies. MIG welding is used for structural joints requiring speed and penetration. TIG welding produces cleaner welds on visible surfaces and thinner gauges. Spot welding joins overlapping sheets at discrete points and is common in enclosure manufacturing.
Surface Treatment
Surface treatment protects the base metal and meets appearance requirements. Powder coating applies a polymer film cured at elevated temperature, providing corrosion resistance and a uniform finish. Zinc electroplating, anodizing (for aluminum), and brushing are selected based on material type and operating environment.
Materials Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Carbon steel (SPCC, Q235): Structural frames, general enclosures
- Stainless steel (SUS304, SUS316): Corrosion-resistant environments, medical and laboratory equipment
- Aluminum (5052, 6061): Lightweight structures, electronics enclosures
- Galvanized steel: Outdoor equipment, HVAC components
Material selection affects formability, weldability, surface finish options, and total part cost.
Applications
Sheet metal fabrication is used in semiconductor equipment manufacturing for structural enclosures, gas panels, and support frames. Medical device manufacturing relies on it for imaging system housings and diagnostic equipment assemblies. Industrial automation applications include machine guards, electrical enclosures, and structural frames. Server and networking infrastructure use sheet metal for rack systems and chassis.
ACE Sheet Metal Fabrication
ACE operates sheet metal fabrication facilities in Suzhou, China and Penang, Malaysia. Capabilities include fiber laser cutting, CNC press brake bending, MIG and TIG welding, and powder coating, produced under an ISO 9001 quality management system. For project inquiries, visit the Contact page or review ACE capabilities. ACE also produces CNC machined components alongside sheet metal fabricated parts, available within a single order.