Low setup
Sheet Metal
Flat stock cut by laser and folded on a press brake. Brackets, panels, and enclosure shells.
Start a designOverview
sheet metal fabrication
A sheet metal part starts as a flat pattern. A laser or a punch cuts the outline, a press brake makes the bends, and hardware such as threaded inserts is pressed in. Most brackets, panels, and enclosure shells are made this way.
| Setup cost | Low for cut and bent parts, high for stamping dies |
|---|---|
| Best at | Enclosures, brackets, panels |
| Input | DXF flat pattern or a STEP model |
| Common materials | Aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, copper |
01
Start from the flat pattern
A pattern that accounts for bend allowance keeps the part buildable and the quote accurate.
02
Quick to a first part
Cutting and bending need no custom tooling for most shapes.
03
Stamping later
Large runs can move to a stamping die once the count pays for it.
Who uses it
Designers who need sheet metal fabrication
Related
More processes
Need sheet metal fabrication?
Publish the design. The platform matches each part to a shop that runs the process.