A Sheet Metal Prototyping Guide

What this page covers

• Laser cutting and water cutting, each described with a cutting accuracy of plus or minus 0.05 mm on the sheet metal page
• Plasma cutting described at about plus or minus 0.2 mm, for thicker work where its accuracy suits the part
• Bending, stamping and spinning to form the sheet, with welding, riveting and bolting for assembly
• Sandblasting, plating and coating as finishes for prototype sheet parts

What to confirm before ordering

Sheet thickness statements on the source pages are general process descriptions, not measured specifications for a particular part. State the sheet material and thickness your prototype must use. Before ordering, confirm minimum order quantity and lead time for your drawings.

Drawing checklist

Send the drawing with units and scale stated, the material and grade, the critical dimensions and tolerances marked, and the finish required. State the quantity you need checked and the question the part must answer: fit, function or appearance. Uploaded files are used only for the quotation, and non-disclosure agreements are supported.

Quality checks

Parts are inspected with a coordinate measuring machine, a projector and height gauges, with quality control at each production stage, and a dimension report can be provided for a project on request.