Custom Online Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
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ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ISO 13485 | ITAR Compliant
Yicenprecision Instant Quoting Engine is covered by U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,086,292, 11,347,201, 11,693,388, 11,698,623, 12,099,341, and 12,189,361. Other patents pending.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing process used to create precise metal parts by cutting, bending, and forming flat metal sheets into finished components. This process delivers strong, lightweight, and repeatable parts suitable for both prototypes and production applications.
How Sheet Metal Fabrication Works
Flat metal sheets are first cut using processes such as laser cutting or punching, then formed using press brakes or forming tools. Additional operations like welding and hardware insertion are applied to achieve the final shape and functionality.
Fabrication Workflow
The process begins with a CAD design, followed by material selection, cutting, forming, and assembly. Each step is controlled to ensure dimensional accuracy, consistent quality, and efficient production.
Sheet Metal Forming Capabilities
Different forming techniques are used depending on part geometry and material thickness, allowing simple brackets to complex enclosures to be produced with reliable precision and structural integrity.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes We Offer
We provide a complete range of sheet metal fabrication processes to support both simple and complex parts, from prototypes to full-scale production.
High-precision cutting for clean edges and detailed profiles across a wide range of sheet metal materials.
Durable nylon parts with no support structures and excellent mechanical strength.
Accurate cutting of round, square, and custom tubes for frames, structures, and tubular components.
Precision wire-based cutting for intricate profiles and tight tolerances on conductive metal parts.
Sheet Metal Tolerances & Sizes
Sheet metal fabrication tolerances depend on material type, sheet thickness, and the selected cutting and forming processes. Proper design allowances help maintain dimensional accuracy across both prototype and production parts.
| Specification | Typical Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Tolerance | ±0.2 – ±0.5 mm | Varies by cutting method |
| Bend Angle Tolerance | ±0.5° – ±1.0° | Depends on material and bend radius |
| Sheet Thickness Range | 0.5 – 6.0 mm | Thicker gauges on request |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 2500 × 1250 mm | Larger sizes available |
| Minimum Hole Diameter | ≥ material thickness | Smaller holes may need secondary ops |
Materials for CNC Machining Service Parts
| Aluminium Alloy | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 | Versatile and commonly used for structural applications. | Anodizing, Powder Coating, Polishing | Construction, Aerospace, Automotive |
| 7075 | High strength, ideal for aerospace and military applications. | Anodizing, Powder Coating, Polishing | Aerospace, Military, High-Strength Components |
| 2024 | Known for its high strength and excellent fatigue resistance. | Anodizing, Cladding, Painting | Aerospace, Military, Structural Components |
| 5052 | Good corrosion resistance and formability, used in marine and automotive applications. | Anodizing, Painting, Polishing | Marine, Automotive, Sheet Metal Work |
| 5083 | Exceptional performance in extreme environments, particularly marine applications. | Anodizing, Painting, Polishing | Marine, Chemical, Industrial |
| 6082 | Excellent extrudability, used for architectural and engineering applications. | Anodizing, Powder Coating, Polishing | Architecture, Engineering, Window Frames |
| 7050 | High strength and stress corrosion resistance, often used in aerospace. | Anodizing, Cladding, Painting | Aerospace, High-Stress Components |
| 1100 | Commercially pure aluminum, excellent corrosion resistance and workability. | Anodizing, Painting, Polishing | Chemical Equipment, Food Processing, Heat Exchangers |
| Brass Alloy | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| C260 | Cartridge brass, excellent for cold working. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Ammunition, Heat Exchangers, Plumbing |
| C360 | Free machining brass, used for precision parts. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Precision Machined Parts, Fasteners, Plumbing |
| C353 | High leaded brass, high strength, used in plumbing. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Plumbing, Fasteners, Valve Components |
| C385 | Architectural bronze, applications for its decorative appeal. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Architectural Trim, Ornamental Hardware, Plumbing |
| C272 | Yellow brass, excellent corrosion resistance, used in electrical components. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Electrical Components, Fasteners, Plumbing |
| Copper Alloy | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| C101 | Oxygen-free, high conductivity, used in electrical applications. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Electrical Conductors, Switches, Terminals |
| C110 | Electrolytic tough pitch, highly conductive, used in electrical and plumbing. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Electrical Wiring, Plumbing, Busbars |
| C122 | Phosphorus-deoxidized, used in heat exchangers and radiators. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Heat Exchangers, Radiators, Plumbing |
| C172 | Beryllium copper, high strength, used in aerospace and oil drilling. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Aerospace, Oil Drilling, Springs |
| C194 | High conductivity, used in automotive and electrical applications. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Automotive Connectors, Electrical Connectors, Springs |
| C210 | Low brass, good ductility and strength, used in fasteners and hardware. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Fasteners, Hardware, Musical Instruments |
| C220 | Commercial bronze, used in jewelry and musical instruments. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Jewelry, Musical Instruments, Architectural Hardware |
| C230 | Red brass, used in architectural applications and hardware. | Plating, Polishing, Lacquering | Architectural Applications, Hardware, Plumbing |
| Grade | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | Excellent machinability, used for making automotive parts bolts, nuts, and screws. | Polishing, Passivation, Bead blasting | Used for making automotive parts, bolts, nuts, and screws. |
| 304 | Most versatile and widely used stainless steel, used in kitchen equipment tanks, piping, and tubing. | Polishing, Brushing, Passivation | Used in kitchen equipment, tanks, piping, and tubing. |
| 304L | Low carbon version of 304, used for chemical containers and transport. | Electropolishing, Passivation, Bead blasting | Used for chemical containers and transport. |
| 316 | Contains molybdenum for increased corrosion resistance, used in marine applications and chemical processing equipment. | Polishing, Passivation, Bead blasting | Used in marine applications and chemical processing equipment. |
| 316L | Low carbon version of 316, used for surgical instruments and marine hardware. | Electropolishing, Passivation, Bead blasting | Used for surgical instruments and marine hardware. |
| 410 | Martensitic grade, used for fasteners and medical instruments. | Hardening, Polishing, Passivation | Used for fasteners and medical instruments. |
| 416 | High machinability, used for gears, shafts, and valves. | Polishing, Passivation, Bead blasting | Used for gears, shafts, and valves. |
| 420 | High hardness, used for surgical instruments and cutlery. | Hardening, Polishing, Passivation | Used for surgical instruments and cutlery. |
| 430 | Ferritic grade, used for automotive trim and dishwashers. | Polishing, Brushing, Passivation | Used for automotive trim and dishwashers. |
| Steel Alloy | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4140 | Chromium-molybdenum steel with high toughness and good fatigue strength. | Heat Treating, Anodizing, Powder Coating | Gears, Shafts, High-Stress Components |
| 4340 | Nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel with excellent toughness and strength. | Heat Treating, Anodizing, Powder Coating | Aircraft Landing Gear, Automotive Parts, Heavy Duty Shafts |
| 8620 | Nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, case hardening steel. | Carburizing, Heat Treating, Plating | Gears, Pins, Automotive Parts |
| 1018 | Low carbon steel, good weldability and machinability. | Painting, Powder Coating, Galvanizing | Structural Applications, Shafts, Spindles |
| 1045 | Medium carbon steel, high strength and impact resistance. | Heat Treating, Plating, Painting | Gears, Shafts, Machinery Parts |
| 4130 | Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, good strength and toughness. | Heat Treating, Anodizing, Powder Coating | Aircraft Components, Bicycle Frames, Automotive Parts |
| 1210 | Low carbon steel, good formability and weldability. | Galvanizing, Painting, Powder Coating | Automotive Parts, Machinery Components, Structural Steel |
| 17-4 PH | Precipitation-hardening stainless steel, high strength and hardness. | Heat Treating, Anodizing, Passivation | Aerospace Components, High-Strength Applications |
| Titanium Alloy | Description | Finishing Options | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Commercially pure titanium, excellent corrosion resistance and formability. | Anodizing, Polishing, Sandblasting | Chemical Processing, Marine, Medical |
| Grade 2 | Commercially pure titanium, balance of strength and ductility. | Anodizing, Polishing, Sandblasting | Aerospace, Medical, Marine |
| Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Most commonly used titanium alloy, high strength and light weight. | Anodizing, Polishing, Heat Treating | Aerospace, Medical Implants, Marine |
| Grade 9 | Titanium alloy with good weldability and cold formability. | Anodizing, Polishing, Sandblasting | Aerospace, Chemical Processing, Marine |
| Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | Extra-low interstitial variant of Grade 5, high strength and toughness. | Anodizing, Polishing, Heat Treating | Medical Implants, Aerospace, Marine |
| Grade 7 | Commercially pure titanium with excellent corrosion resistance. | Anodizing, Polishing, Sandblasting | Chemical Processing, Marine, Medical |
| Grade 12 | Titanium alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and strength. | Anodizing, Polishing, Heat Treating | Chemical Processing, Marine, Aerospace |
Surface Finishing For Precision CNC Machining
CNC machining is not just about dimensional accuracy and surface finishing adds to durability, a much needed appearance and performance. Yicen Precision is a manufacturer of a comprehensive selection of post-machining finishes aimed at increasing corrosion and surface hardness, texture and aesthetic appeal of metal and plastic parts. Each finish choice is determined concerning the type of material used, the functional needs and end uses to obtain uniform reliable output.
A machining finish having the tool marks that can be seen, which is appropriate in functional parts where aesthetics is not that important.
The smooth matte surface is created by a fine stream of abrasive and it will be appropriate when it comes to smooth texture and enhanced attractiveness.
A long-lasting, opaque, wear and corrosion-resistant, multi-textured coating, which comes in an extensive variety of textures and colors.
Applies a homogeneous, linear finish to metal surfaces, typically to ornamental or semi-cosmetic parts.
Offers a high quality gloss surface mirror finish that improves reflection and look and is frequently applied on consumer facing or display parts.
A metallurgical process which is used to polish and whiten metal and enhance their resistance to corrosion and sanitation.
Enhances corrosion resistance, surface hardness and wear performance as well as providing aluminum components with vibrant color selection.
Used on stainless steel components to cleanse them and provide corrosion resistance in medical, food grade and industrial applications.
Sheet Metal Design Guidelines
Following standard sheet metal design guidelines helps improve manufacturability, reduce production costs, and maintain consistent dimensional accuracy. The guidelines below are based on material thickness (MT) and apply to most common sheet metal fabrication processes.
| Feature | Recommended Guideline (MT = Material Thickness) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Bend Radius | 1 × MT |
| Minimum Hole to Edge Distance | 2 × MT |
| Minimum Hole to Hole Distance | 6 × MT |
| Minimum Bend Edge to Hole Distance | 6 × MT |
| Minimum Feature to Countersink Distance | 8 × MT |
| Minimum Countersink Depth | 0.6 × MT |
| Relief Cuts | 1 × MT |
| Corner Fillets | 0.5 × MT |
Why Choose Yicen Precision
Yicen provides high-quality and tight-tolerance machining that is backed by elaborate equipment, engineering skills and approved quality control. All components are manufactured with precision, consistent lead times and dependable worldwide supply.
Unmatched Accuracy
Multi-axis machining to within +-0.001 in (+-0.025 mm) and consistent GD&T compliance on both metals and plastics.
DFAM Support ( by engineering)
Your CAD is evaluated by senior engineers, geometry is optimized, and better-performing and less expensive materials and toolpaths are suggested.
Quick TT and Mass Production
Machining centers with high capacity allow quick prototyping, low volume production, and any scale of production without delays.
80+ Certified Materials
Aluminum, steel, stainless, brass, copper, titanium, engineering plastics, high-temp polymers, and demand sourcing.
Qualified Quality Assurance.
CMM inspection, ISO compatible workflows, dimensional reports and aerospace, medical and industrial traceability
Consistent Customer Service
Transparency with projects, safety in file management, and uninterrupted global shipping with engineering support at all levels.
Industries We Serve
Yicen Precision is serving a broad spectrum of industries, covering aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, and more. We specialize in providing high-quality, reliable parts tailored to meet the unique engineering challenges of each industry.
Our Streamlined Ordering Process
Upload Your Design
Easily upload your CAD files through our secure online platform to get started.
Customize Your Requirements
Choose your material, finish, tolerances, and preferred lead time to match your project needs.
Get an Instant Quote
Receive a real-time quote based on your design and selected specifications, no delays.
Production & Delivery
Your parts are manufactured by trusted partners, quality-checked, and delivered to your door on time.
Transform Concepts into Precision Parts
We specialize in converting your ideas into high-quality, functional components with unparalleled speed and accuracy. With advanced technology and expert craftsmanship, we create parts that meet the most complex specifications.
- End-to-End Precision Engineering
- Streamlined Production Workflows
- Commitment to Machining Excellence
- Reliable, On-Time Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
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