Sheet Metal Fabrication

Solutions / Sheet Metal Fabrication

How Sheet Metal Fabrication Works

Sheet metal fabrication is a subtractive manufacturing process that creates parts from thin metal sheets. Our collaborative approach combines manual and automated processes to turn sheet stock materials into cuts, bends, and formed parts or assemblies, directly from your CAD file. Materials include aluminum, stainless steel, cold-rolled steel and beryllium copper. Each metal or alloy is selected based on mechanical properties, aesthetics, and performance characteristics based on part or component specifications.

The fiber laser cutting machine cutting machine cut the metal plate.

operator bending metal sheet by sheet bending machine

Here’s how our sheet metal fabrication solutions can help you:

Choose materials for desired properties: aesthetics, corrosion resistance, higher strength-to-weight ratio, etc.
Remove the need for tooling with more automated prototype-to-production sheet metal fabrication solutions.
Save production costs by eliminating potential design errors that can negatively impact part maneuverability.
Increase accuracy for rapid prototypes in quantities as low as one, or for higher-volume production.

Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities

At UPTIVE, we can match the right sheet metal fabrication process with the most appropriate material in order to reduce your production lead times and reduce overall costs. The below capabilities are just a few examples of how we’re bridging the gap between how sheet metal parts are designed in CAD and how they are actually fabricated on the shop floor. Our consultative approach is designed to get you your parts on time and within specification.

Cutting

Laser, plasma, waterjet, shearing, and sawing…we combine traditional and advanced cutting methods for just about any kind of metal or alloy with a wide variety of sheet stock sizes, tolerances, thickness to ensure your design integrity.

Stamping

Worker at manufacture workshop operating cidan folding machine

From bending and punching to progressive die-stamping, we can ensure every one of your parts meets your performance expectations — even for complex designs for mass production.

Welding

MIG, TIG, robotic… we offer a wide range of welding processes, materials, and finishes based on your specific application, including any post processing required for your technical specifications.

Value-Add Hardware

High accuracy many kind or function of cutting tool and workpiece

We have more hardware options to alleviate your supply chain headaches, including standos, threaded inserts, threaded nuts, captive screws, pins, and more based on your supply chain requirements.

Finishing

Powder coating, buff polishing, sand blasting, brushing plating, and a wide selection of finishing levels available for all processes to produce targets ranging from unfinished to photo-realistic results.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes Comparison

Material	Description	Ideal for	Finishes	Spec Sheet
Aluminum	Lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal	Aircraft parts and building facades	Anodizing, painting, or powder coating for corrosion resistance and decorative purposes	Spec Sheet
Beryllium Copper	High-strength, non-magnetic alloy that contains beryllium and copper	Aerospace components and electronic connectors	Polished or textured to achieve a specific surface finish, or plated with other metals for improved corrosion resistance and aesthetics	Spec Sheet
Cold-Rolled Steel	Steel that has been rolled at room temperature to increase its strength and smoothness	Machinery components and construction materials	Plating or painting, for corrosion resistance and improved aesthetics	Spec Sheet
Pre-Plated Cold-Rolled Steel	Cold-rolled steel that has been pre-coated with a layer of metal, such as zinc or tin, for corrosion resistance	Appliance panels and automotive parts	Paint or powder coat, for additional corrosion resistance and decorative appearance	Spec Sheet
Stainless Steel	Corrosion-resistant steel that contains chromium	Food processing equipment and medical devices	Polishing or bead blasting, for a smooth and attractive appearance, or passivation to increase corrosion resistance	Spec Sheet

This is a sampling of sheet metal materials we work with. See more information on available materials and specs here.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Design Guide

Download this best practice guide to help bridge the gap between design and fabrication with precision parts, weldments, and assemblies, at the quickest lead times possible.

LEARN MORE

Why Customers Choose UPTIVE

"We just inspected some of the INVAR machined parts that recently arrived from our latest project with you and wanted to pass along how nicely they turned out. The dimensions were spot on and fit & finish looked great. The ultem (PEI) parts on this order also turned out great!"
Tom, Advanced Laser And Electro-Optical Solutions Company
"UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech) is one of the most honest and reputable companies we have done business with. We decided to look into options for getting parts made in the USA for the retail market. It was awesome to find a local company with humble staff looking to provide their services meeting our criteria, not to mention meeting the Re3tech crew face to face and checking out their operation. Peter was very honest, knowledgable about design. Peter's creative element made working with him a great pleasure. Jim's flexibility was a breath of fresh air and greatly appreciated. CentralSound is proud to scratch the surface with Made in the USA parts in the retail market now, thanks to UPTIVE (previously Re3dtech). Hope to do more business with them in the future. "
Jonathan Diamond, Central Sound