Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication: Your Design, Our Expertise
On-demand custom sheet metal fabrication from 1 part to high volume. Laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, stamping, finishing, and assembly. No minimum order, 24-hour quotes, free DFM feedback, and 3–7 day lead times. Steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, and brass at FIRMFG.
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication: Your Design, Our Expertise
Custom sheet metal fabrication transforms flat sheet stock into finished, functional parts through laser cutting, bending, welding, stamping, and surface finishing. At FIRMFG, we provide on-demand manufacturing that scales from a single prototype to high-volume production — all with the same engineering rigor and quality standards. Whether you need one bracket for a test fit, a hundred enclosures for a pilot launch, or thousands of production parts, our process is built to serve your actual need, not force you into a quantity you do not want.
What sets FIRMFG apart from large platforms like Protolabs and Xometry is our commitment to personal engineering support. Every quote is reviewed by an experienced manufacturing engineer — not an automated pricing algorithm. We provide free DFM (design for manufacturing) feedback on every project, catching issues that automated systems miss: impractical bend sequences, tolerance stack-ups, material incompatibilities, and cost-saving design simplifications. There is no minimum order quantity, no setup fee for small batches, and no hidden charges. You get transparent, itemized pricing and a real engineer to talk to.
Our capabilities span the full sheet metal fabrication process: fiber laser cutting at ±0.1mm tolerance, CNC press brake bending for multi-bend parts, TIG/MIG/spot welding for assembly, progressive diestamping for higher volumes, and complete surface finishing including powder coating, anodizing, and electroplating. Standard lead time is 3–7 days, with 24-hour quote turnaround. Upload your CAD files and request a quote today — no account required, no obligation to order.
Custom Sheet Metal Quick Specifications
Key specifications and capabilities of our custom sheet metal fabrication service. No MOQ, all materials, all processes, with precision tolerance available on request.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Order Quantity | No MOQ — 1 part welcome |
| Standard Lead Time | 3 – 7 business days |
| Materials | Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Galvanized |
| Processes | Laser cutting, Bending, Welding, Stamping, Finishing |
| Standard Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Precision Tolerance | ±0.05 mm |
| Sheet Thickness Range | 0.3 mm – 6.0 mm |
| Max Sheet Size (Laser) | 1500 × 3000 mm |
| Max Bending Length | 2500 mm (press brake) |
| Quote Turnaround | Within 24 hours |
No MOQ means 1 part is welcome. Precision tolerance (±0.05mm) available on critical dimensions — specify on your drawing. All materials and processes available in-house.
Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities
Six core processes covering the entire sheet metal fabrication workflow — from raw sheet stock to finished, assembled, and inspected parts.
Laser Cutting
High-precision fiber laser cutting for flat sheet components. Clean edges, minimal heat-affected zone, and tight tolerances across steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, and brass. Ideal for complex geometries, cutouts, and fine features that would be costly with traditional tooling.
Capability: Fiber laser, ±0.1mm tolerance, 0.3–6mm thickness, 1500×3000mm bed
CNC Bending
Multi-axis CNC press brake bending for accurate, repeatable angles across single and multi-bend parts. Our press brakes handle complex bend sequences with back-gauge precision, ensuring consistent results from prototype to production volumes without dedicated tooling investment.
Capability: CNC press brake, multi-bend, ±0.2mm angle tolerance, 2500mm max length
Welding
TIG, MIG, and spot welding for assembling sheet metal components into finished enclosures, frames, and structures. Our certified welders produce clean, structurally sound welds with minimal distortion, suitable for both cosmetic and structural applications.
Capability: TIG/MIG/spot welding, steel/stainless/aluminum, cosmetic & structural joints
Stamping
Progressive die stamping for medium to high volume production runs. Stamping offers the lowest per-part cost at scale, with consistent quality and fast cycle times. We also support short-run stamping with soft tooling for bridge production and market testing.
Capability: Progressive die, 0.3–4mm thickness, 30–120 strokes/min
Surface Finishing
Complete in-house surface finishing including powder coating, anodizing, electroplating, brushing, and passivation. Finishing is applied after fabrication to provide corrosion resistance, cosmetic appearance, and functional surface properties tailored to your application.
Capability: Powder coat, anodize, electroplate, brush, passivate — all materials
Assembly
Hardware insertion, PEM fastener installation, riveting, and mechanical assembly to deliver ready-to-use components. We install threaded inserts, standoffs, and blind fasteners, reducing your downstream assembly workload and consolidating your supply chain.
Capability: PEM fasteners, threaded inserts, riveting, sub-assembly
How to Order Custom Sheet Metal Parts
Six steps from CAD upload to delivered parts. No account required, no commitment to order. Get a free quote and DFM review within 24 hours.
Step 1: Upload CAD Files
Submit your 3D CAD models (STEP, IGES) or 2D drawings (DXF, DWG) through our online quote portal. Include material specifications, finish requirements, and quantity. Our system accepts files up to 100MB and supports all major CAD formats including SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, and CATIA.
Output: Project file received and assigned to a quoting engineer
Step 2: Receive Quote
Within 24 hours, you receive a detailed quote itemizing material cost, fabrication cost, finishing cost, and lead time. No account required, no commitment to order. Our pricing is transparent — every cost line is visible so you understand exactly what you are paying for, with no hidden fees or setup charges.
Output: Itemized quote with material, fabrication, finishing, and lead time
Step 3: DFM Review (Free)
Our engineers review your design for manufacturability at no cost. We identify potential issues such as impractical bend radii, hole placement near bend lines, material grade mismatches, and tolerance stack-up concerns. You receive written DFM feedback with specific recommendations to improve manufacturability and reduce cost.
Output: DFM feedback report with actionable design recommendations
Step 4: Production
Upon quote approval, your parts enter production. Laser cutting, bending, welding, and stamping are scheduled based on your lead time selection. We provide real-time production status updates so you can track progress. Standard lead time is 3–7 days; expedited service is available for urgent orders.
Output: Fabricated parts per your approved design and specifications
Step 5: Quality Inspection
Every part is inspected against your drawing dimensions and tolerances before shipment. We use CMM measurement, calipers, height gauges, and surface finish testers. Critical dimensions are verified and documented in an inspection report. ISO 9001 certified quality management ensures consistent, repeatable results.
Output: Inspection report with verified critical dimensions
Step 6: Shipping
Parts are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit — foam, bubble wrap, and custom crates for fragile geometries. We ship domestically and internationally via DHL, FedEx, and freight carriers. Tracking information is provided immediately upon dispatch so you can plan your downstream assembly.
Output: Tracked shipment delivered to your specified address
Sheet Metal Materials Available
Six standard material families covering virtually all sheet metal applications. All materials are stocked or readily available with properties, cost level, and lead time.
| Material | Grades | Thickness | Properties | Cost | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (SPCC / Cold Rolled) | SPCC, SPCE, Q235 | 0.5 – 6.0 mm | High strength, good weldability, low cost. Requires surface treatment for corrosion resistance. Most economical choice for structural and general-purpose parts. | Low | 3 – 5 days |
| Stainless Steel | 304, 316L, 430 | 0.5 – 6.0 mm | Excellent corrosion resistance, hygienic, high-temperature tolerant. 316L offers superior pitting resistance for marine and chemical applications. Higher cost but no plating required. | High | 5 – 7 days |
| Aluminum | 5052, 6061, 3003 | 0.3 – 6.0 mm | Lightweight (1/3 density of steel), excellent corrosion resistance, good formability. 5052 is best for bending; 6061 for structural strength. Anodizable for enhanced surface properties. | Medium | 3 – 5 days |
| Copper | C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) | 0.3 – 4.0 mm | Exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. Soft and highly malleable, ideal for electrical contacts, bus bars, and heat transfer components. Prone to oxidation; often tin-plated. | High | 5 – 7 days |
| Brass | C26000 (Cartridge Brass 70/30) | 0.3 – 3.0 mm | Good corrosion resistance, excellent machinability, decorative gold-like appearance. Used for decorative hardware, electrical contacts, and low-friction applications. Moderate formability. | High | 5 – 7 days |
| Galvanized Steel | GI, GA (hot-dip galvanized) | 0.5 – 4.0 mm | Zinc-coated for superior corrosion resistance without additional plating. Cost-effective for outdoor and humid environments. Welding requires zinc fume management. Scratch resistance is moderate. | Medium | 4 – 6 days |
Exotic materials (titanium, Inconel) available on request with quoted pricing. Not sure which material is right for your application? Our engineers provide free material selection assistance with every quote.
Free Design Support & DFM Feedback
Every project includes free engineering support. Unlike automated platforms, our engineers review your design personally and provide actionable feedback to improve manufacturability and reduce cost.
Free DFM Feedback
Every quote includes a free design-for-manufacturability review. Our engineers check bend radius feasibility, hole-to-edge distances, bend relief requirements, flange lengths, and material selection suitability. You receive specific, written feedback before committing to production — catch issues early, avoid costly rework.
Design Optimization
We suggest design simplifications that reduce cost without compromising function. Common optimizations include nesting parts for material efficiency, standardizing bend angles to reduce setup time, eliminating unnecessary tight tolerances, and consolidating multiple parts into a single bend-formed component.
Material Selection Assistance
Not sure whether 5052 or 6061 aluminum is right for your application? Our engineers recommend the optimal material grade based on your functional requirements — strength, corrosion resistance, formability, weight, conductivity, and cost. We help you avoid over-specifying expensive materials when a more economical grade will perform equally well.
Tolerance Analysis
We identify which features truly need tight tolerances and which can be loosened to reduce cost. Critical mating surfaces, alignment holes, and functional dimensions are flagged for precision tolerance (±0.05mm), while non-critical features are relaxed to standard (±0.1mm). This targeted approach keeps costs down without sacrificing function.
DFM Tips for Sheet Metal
- Maintain a consistent bend radius — ideally 1× material thickness for most metals, 1.5× for harder alloys.
- Keep holes at least 3× material thickness from the bend line to prevent distortion during forming.
- Design flange lengths at least 4× material thickness to avoid bottoming out the punch during bending.
- Add bend relief cuts at the ends of bend lines to prevent tearing and material buildup at corners.
- Specify tight tolerances only on critical mating features — relax non-critical dimensions to ±0.1mm to reduce cost.
- Choose 5052 aluminum for complex bends and 6061 for structural strength — the right grade prevents cracking.
Why Choose FIRMFG for Custom Sheet Metal?
We are not a big automated platform. We are a team of engineers who treat every project — from 1 part to 10,000 — with the same personal attention and quality standards.
No Minimum Order
Unlike Protolabs or Xometry, we welcome single-part orders. Whether you need 1 prototype or 10,000 production parts, you get the same quality and attention. No MOQ means you only pay for what you need — no forced overproduction, no excess inventory.
24-Hour Quote Turnaround
Submit your CAD files today and have a detailed, itemized quote within 24 hours. Our engineers review every project personally — no automated pricing algorithms that miss design nuances. You get a real human review with real manufacturability feedback, fast.
Free DFM Feedback
Every project includes free design-for-manufacturability review from experienced engineers. We catch issues that automated platforms miss — impractical bend sequences, tolerance stack-ups, material incompatibilities. This personal engineering support is included at no extra cost, on every order.
Small-Batch Friendly
No tooling investment required for small batches. Laser cutting and CNC bending eliminate the need for progressive dies, making 1–500 part runs economically viable. Big platforms optimize for volume — we optimize for your actual need, whether that is 1 part or 1,000.
Transparent Pricing
Every quote itemizes material, fabrication, finishing, and assembly costs separately. No hidden fees, no surprise setup charges, no minimum order surcharges. You see exactly where your money goes and can make informed decisions about material, finish, and quantity trade-offs.
ISO 9001 Certified Quality
Our quality management system is ISO 9001 certified, ensuring consistent, repeatable results on every order. Every part is inspected against your drawing dimensions before shipment. Critical dimensions are documented in an inspection report — not just a pass/fail stamp, but actual measurement data.
What Drives Custom Sheet Metal Cost?
No setup fees for small batches, transparent material pricing, and volume discounts at every quantity tier. You see every cost line — no hidden fees.
No Setup Fee for Small Batch
Laser cutting and CNC bending require no dedicated tooling or setup fees. You pay only for machine time and material, making small-batch and prototype runs cost-effective without amortized tooling costs.
Volume Discount Tiers
Per-part cost decreases as quantity increases. Material nesting efficiency improves, machine setup is amortized, and batch processing reduces per-part handling time. Discounts apply at 10, 50, 100, and 500+ pieces.
Material Cost Transparency
Material cost is calculated from actual sheet usage plus a standard kerf/nesting factor. You see the raw material cost separately from fabrication labor. Exotic materials (titanium, Inconel) available on request with quoted pricing.
Surface Finishing Add-Ons
Finishing is quoted separately so you control the cost. Powder coating adds $2–8/part depending on size; anodizing $1–5/part; plating $3–10/part. Skip finishing on internal components to save cost, or apply selectively to cosmetic surfaces only.
Cost by Quantity Tier
| Quantity | Material Cost | Fabrication Cost | Finishing Cost | Estimated Per-Part Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 9 parts | Standard (no discount) | Standard rate | Standard rate | $50 – $500 / part |
| 10 – 49 parts | 5% volume discount | 10% batch discount | Standard rate | $30 – $300 / part |
| 50 – 99 parts | 10% volume discount | 20% batch discount | 5% batch discount | $20 – $200 / part |
| 100 – 499 parts | 15% volume discount | 30% batch discount | 10% batch discount | $15 – $150 / part |
| 500+ parts | 20% volume discount | 40% batch discount | 15% batch discount | $8 – $80 / part |
Estimates are illustrative for typical parts (brackets, enclosures, panels) in steel or aluminum with standard finish. Actual quotes are itemized and based on your specific geometry, material, and finish requirements. No setup fees, no minimum order.
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about our custom sheet metal fabrication service at FIRMFG.
QWhat is the minimum order quantity for custom sheet metal fabrication?
There is no minimum order quantity at FIRMFG. We welcome single-part prototype orders just as much as 10,000-piece production runs. Unlike large platforms that optimize for volume, our process — laser cutting and CNC bending with no tooling investment — makes 1-piece orders economically viable. You only pay for the material and machine time you actually use, with no setup fees or minimum order surcharges. Whether you need one bracket for a test fit or a thousand enclosures for production, the quote process and quality standards are identical.
QWhat is the typical lead time for custom sheet metal parts?
Standard lead time is 3–7 business days from quote approval to shipment, depending on complexity, material availability, and surface finishing requirements. Simple laser-cut parts without finishing can ship in 3 days. Parts requiring bending, welding, or surface treatment typically take 5–7 days. Expedited service of 2–3 days is available for urgent orders. We provide real-time production status updates so you can track progress and plan your downstream assembly schedule accordingly.
QWhat materials are available for custom sheet metal fabrication?
We fabricate from all common sheet metals: cold-rolled steel (SPCC, 0.5–6mm), stainless steel (304/316L, 0.5–6mm), aluminum (5052/6061, 0.3–6mm), copper (C11000, 0.3–4mm), brass (C26000, 0.3–3mm), and galvanized steel (0.5–4mm). Exotic materials such as titanium and Inconel are available on request with quoted pricing. Our engineers can recommend the optimal material grade for your application based on strength, corrosion resistance, formability, weight, and cost considerations.
QDo you provide DFM (design for manufacturing) feedback?
Yes, every project includes a free DFM review from our experienced engineers. We check bend radius feasibility, hole-to-edge distances, bend relief requirements, flange lengths, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection suitability. You receive specific, written feedback with actionable recommendations before you commit to production. This personal engineering review — not an automated algorithm — catches design issues that could cause fabrication problems or increase cost. It is included at no extra cost on every order, regardless of quantity.
QHow do I get a quote for my custom sheet metal project?
Submit your CAD files (STEP, IGES, DXF, or DWG) through our online quote portal or email them directly. Include material specifications, finish requirements, and quantity. Within 24 hours, you receive a detailed, itemized quote breaking down material cost, fabrication cost, finishing cost, and lead time. No account is required and there is no obligation to order. If you have questions about the quote, our engineers are available to discuss design trade-offs, material alternatives, and cost optimization strategies.
QHow do you ensure quality for custom sheet metal parts?
Our facility is ISO 9001 certified, and every part is inspected against your drawing dimensions and tolerances before shipment. We use CMM measurement, digital calipers, height gauges, and surface finish testers to verify critical dimensions. The inspection results are documented in a report that accompanies your shipment — not just a pass/fail stamp, but actual measurement data. For production runs, we maintain first-article inspection (FAI) records and implement in-process quality checks to ensure consistency across all parts in the batch.
Applications of Custom Sheet Metal Parts
On-demand sheet metal fabrication serves a wide range of use cases — from single prototypes to bridge production and market testing — without tooling investment.
Prototypes
Functional prototypes for design validation, fit testing, and investor demos
Small Batch Production
Low-volume production runs of 10–500 parts without tooling investment
Spare Parts
Replacement and obsolete parts for maintenance, repair, and operations
Custom Projects
One-off custom enclosures, brackets, and assemblies for unique applications
Bridge Production
Interim parts while injection molding or stamping dies are being fabricated
Market Testing
Small batches for pilot launches, user testing, and market validation
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Learn MoreStart Your Custom Sheet Metal Project
Upload your CAD files and get a free, itemized quote within 24 hours. Our engineers provide DFM feedback, material recommendations, and cost optimization suggestions at no cost. No minimum order, no setup fees, no hidden charges. ISO 9001 certified quality with 3–7 day lead times.