Laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, and assembly for enclosures, brackets, panels, and structural components. From single prototypes to production runs of thousands.
Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing process that transforms flat metal sheets into finished parts through cutting, bending, forming, and joining operations. Unlike CNC machining which removes material, sheet metal fabrication reshapes and assembles material — making it highly efficient for enclosures, frames, brackets, and panels used across virtually every industry.
Moldkey connects you with experienced Chinese sheet metal fabricators equipped with fiber laser cutters, CNC press brakes, robotic welders, and full finishing lines. Whether you need a 1-off prototype or 10,000-unit production, our partners deliver to global quality standards.
| Parameter | Standard | High Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Material Thickness | 0.5 – 6.0 mm | Up to 25 mm (heavy plate) |
| Max Sheet Size | 1500 × 3000 mm | 2000 × 6000 mm |
| Bending Accuracy | ±0.5° angle, ±0.2 mm position | ±0.3° angle, ±0.1 mm position |
| Cutting Precision (laser) | ±0.1 mm | ±0.03 mm |
| Laser Power | 3 kW (up to 6 mm mild steel) | 12 kW (up to 25 mm) |
| Tolerance (general) | ±0.2 mm | ±0.1 mm |
| Lead Time (prototype) | 3–7 business days | 1–3 days (expedited) |
| Typical Quantity | 10–10,000 pcs | 1–50 pcs (prototyping) |
High-speed precision cutting of steel, stainless, aluminum, and copper. Minimal heat-affected zone and burr-free edges.
Precision bending with programmable backgauges. Air bending, coining, and bottoming for consistent angles.
For thicker plates (up to 50 mm+) where laser is not economic. Waterjet for heat-sensitive materials.
MIG, TIG, spot welding, and robotic welding for assembled fabrications, frames, and enclosures.
Turret punch presses for high-volume hole patterns, louvers, embossing, and forming operations.
CNC tube bending for handrails, frames, roll cages, and fluid handling components.
| Material | Thickness Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel (SPCC, DC01) | 0.5–6.0 mm | Enclosures, chassis, brackets, panels |
| Galvanized Steel (SGCC, DX51D) | 0.5–3.0 mm | Outdoor enclosures, HVAC, electrical |
| Stainless Steel (304, 316L) | 0.5–6.0 mm | Food equipment, medical, marine, architectural |
| Aluminum (5052, 6061) | 0.8–6.0 mm | Lightweight panels, electronics enclosures |
| Copper / Brass | 0.5–3.0 mm | Decorative panels, electrical components, heat sinks |
Machine enclosures, control panels, conveyor guards, frames.
Server racks, cabinet enclosures, antenna brackets, patch panels.
Battery trays, mounting brackets, heat shields, chassis components.
Structural brackets, handrails, cladding panels, support frames.
Switchgear cabinets, busbar supports, transformer housings, cable trays.
Appliance housings, furniture frames, shelving, light fixtures.
| Finish | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Coating | Smooth, durable color finish | Indoor/outdoor enclosures, frames |
| Zinc Plating | Silver/gold corrosion protection | Brackets, hardware, fasteners |
| Anodizing (Aluminum) | Hard, wear-resistant surface | Aluminum panels, heat sinks |
| Brushing / Polishing | Matte or mirror finish | Decorative trim, visible parts |
| Painting (liquid) | Custom colors, high gloss | Large enclosures, custom colors |
| ✅ Advantages | ⚠️ Limitations |
|---|---|
| Fast turnaround (prototypes in 3–7 days) | Limited to uniform wall thickness (the sheet gauge) |
| Low tooling cost — ideal for small to medium runs | Complex 3D shapes difficult vs CNC or molding |
| Excellent strength-to-weight ratio | Springback in bending requires compensation |
| Wide range of secondary finishes available | Welding may leave visible seams |
| Readily assembled into larger structures | Minimum bend radius constraints |
Cost depends on material, thickness, number of bends, and quantity. Typical ranges: prototype $50–$500 per part, production $5–$50 per part. Use AI Quote for an estimate.
STEP, IGES, DXF, and PDF are preferred. For laser cutting, DXF with flat patterns speeds up the process.
Yes. Our suppliers offer full assembly services including welding, hardware insertion (rivets, PEM nuts), and packaging.
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