The complete sheet metal fabricating shop includes equipment to shear, cut, duplicate, contour, form, roll, weld, machine assemble, finish, package and ship metal products. These products can range from small components (with value of $1 each) to machines that are 30 ft. high (valued at $400,000) or a stainless steel cleanroom. Basically, the leaders in this field can meet requests for component parts, weld-fabricate subassemblies and assemblies or serve as a turnkey contract manufacturer. Examples of sheet metal fabricated products include:

Assemblies Bases Metal Boxes Brackets-Mounts Custom Cabinets Card Cages Carts Cases Chassis Consoles Shipping Containers

Electronic Enclosures Metal Frames Heatsinks Housings ISOPOD™ Containers Panels Plates Racks Tie-Down Shelving Weldments

The materials used are sheet metal and plate stocks of carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steel, aluminum or titanium in thicknesses from 22 gauge to 1" or more. Current quality control methods and computer-based operating systems are essential to integrate the wide array of equipment, materials and processes.

Laser-beam cutting is an integral part of sheet metal fabrication because it lends precision to heavy sheet and light-plate applications. The 4-kW LaserCat laser-cutting center handles Type 4130 hardened steel at a rate of 20 to 25 ipm, leaving a clean edge and thus eliminating subsequent machining. It has also been noted that in certain jobs, laser-cutting replaces nibbling, thereby increasing production.

Other specific tools used include a CNC hydraulic squaring shear that can yield tolerances to +/- 0.004".

The complete metal fabricating shop provides quality design and engineering services. In some instances, operators serve in the dual capacity of inspection. This type of operation is not for the "cheap and easy" or the few pieces market.

When selecting a sheet metal fabricator and manufacturer, the buyer should evaluate the quality level of the vendor, delivery performance and work tolerances. Capabilities regarding edge quality and welding quality are critical in assessing a company.

Look for the very best in a sheet metal fabrications service supplier: meeting your capabilities and requirements whether it be for stainless steel, steel, aluminum or most any type of metal, as well as being able to handle your volumes from prototypes through short runs, up to high volume production. Typical industries served include medical, aerospace, telecommunications, electronics, industrial, military, and food service. Primary and secondary services should include:

Milling Drilling Sheet Metal Fabrications CNC Punching CNC Shearing CNC Braking Brazing MIG, TIG, Heliarc, and Arc Welding Spot Welding Aluminum and Steel

Line Graining Deburring Hardware Installation Cold Cut-Off Saw Silkscreening Assembly Contract Manufacturing JIT (Just-In-Time) Delivery Design Engineering