Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Manufacturer

In-house sheet metal manufacturing
Over 29 years of sheet metal design & manufacturing experience
Capabilities in laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, surface finishing, assembling, and more
Sheet metal rapid prototyping and mass production are available
ISO9001 & IATF16949 certified manufacturer

Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication at CEX

CEX offers custom sheet metal fabrication services, including sheet metal laser cutting, tube laser cutting, CNC sheet metal bending, robotic welding, manual welding, surface finishing, and assembling. We specialize in sheet metal fabrication of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and more materials, providing high-precision solutions for industries such as automotive and electrical. Our fiber
laser cutting machines ensure clean, accurate cuts, whether for sheet metal prototypes or mass production.

Sheet Metal Laser Cutting

Tube Laser Cutting

CNC Bending

Robotic Welding

Manual Welding

Surface Finishing

Assembling

Our Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities

We offer a comprehensive range of sheet metal fabrication services, utilizing advanced technologies and equipment to ensure precision, efficiency, and high-quality results for every project. Below are the key capabilities we provide.

Fiber Laser Cutting

3 Fiber Laser Cutting Machines (3KW-6KW)
Available Processes:
- Sheet Metal Laser Cutting
- Tube & Pipe Laser Cutting
Maximum Thickness: up to 25mm
Maximum Dimensions: 2m x 5m
Tolerances: ±0.05mm

CNC Bending

5 CNC Bending Machines (80T-250T)
Maximum Thickness: up to 20 mm
up to 4.5m in length
Tolerances: ±0.02mm

Welding

3 Robotic Welding Arms
Available Processes:
TIG & MIG Welding
Laser Welding
Spot Welding
Tolerances: ±0.2mm

Sheet Metal Fabrication Material Options

We offer a variety of material options, and if you have other specific material requirements, feel free to contact us!

Carbon Steel

Q235, Q345, A36, S235, etc.

Stainless Steel

304, 316, 430, 301, 310, etc.

Galvanized Steel

DX51D, SGCC, SPGI, GA60, CGCC, etc.

Aluminum Alloys

1050, 2024, 6061, 7075, 5083, 6082, etc.

Copper and Brass Alloys

C11000, C36000, C26000, C17200, C21000, etc.

Titanium Alloys

TA1, TA2, Ti-6Al-4V, etc.

Nickel Alloys

Monel 400, Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-276

High-Temperature Alloys

Incoloy 800, Inconel 718, etc.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Parts Surface Treatment Options

CEX offers a range of surface treatment methods to achieve aesthetic, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and other specific functional requirements for your sheet metal parts. Below are the surface treatment methods we can offer.

Sandblasting / Bead Blasting

A technique that uses abrasive particles to clean and texture sheet metal surfaces, often used as a preparatory step before coating or painting.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes surface imperfections, improving the smoothness and corrosion resistance of stainless steel and other metals.

Electroplating

Electroplating applies a thin metal coating, such as zinc, nickel, or chrome, to sheet metal, improving corrosion resistance and surface durability.

Galvanizing

Coating steel or iron with zinc to protect against rust and corrosion, commonly used for outdoor or high-humidity working environments.

Anodizing

An electrochemical process that thickens the oxide layer on aluminum, enhancing corrosion resistance and enabling color finishes.

Powder Coating

A durable coating applied electrostatically to the sheet metal surface, providing excellent corrosion resistance and a smooth finish.

Spray Painting

A process that applies a protective or decorative paint coating to sheet metal, offering both aesthetic and corrosion-resistant benefits.

Brushing

A technique using abrasives to create a uniform, matte finish on sheet metal, often applied to stainless steel for aesthetics and to reduce fingerprints.

Laser Etching/Engraving

A method of using lasers to mark or engrave permanent designs on sheet metal, often used for identification or decorative purposes.

Why Choose Us

✔ OEM Service: specializing in complex sheet metal shapes and a wide range of materials for tailored solutions.

✔ Fast Turnaround: Advanced equipment with streamlined production processes ensures quick lead time.

✔ Integrated Services: Complete support from sheet metal laser cutting, CNC sheet metal bending, and robotic welding to surface treatment.

✔ Quality Assurance: ISO9001 and IATF16949 certified supplier with detailed inspections at every step to ensure defect-free products.

✔ Competitive Pricing: Offers transparent, factory-direct pricing to reduce costs without compromising quality.

✔ Rapid Prototyping: Rapid prototyping is available to quickly test and refine designs, ensuring timely adjustments before mass production.

✔ Expert Team: A skilled and experienced team to provide technical support and innovative solutions at every stage.

Quality Control and Sustainability at CEX

ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 Certified Manufacturer

CEX operates under a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, designed for sheet metal fabrication. It covers all key stages, including design, material selection, laser cutting, bending, welding, and surface treatment to ensure consistent quality.

We apply strict quality checks throughout the sheet metal fabrication process. From dimensional inspections after laser cutting to final surface evaluation, we ensure each part meets high standards for precision and durability.

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Our In-House Quality Inspection Laboratory

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) with a measurement range of 800×1200×600 (mm) and a Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) of 3.0μm
Video Measuring System(VMS)
Tensile Strength Testing Machine
Hardness Tester
X-Ray Machine for NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)
Digital Height Gauge, 0-600 (mm)
Full Range Vernier Caliper, 0-100-150-200-300-600-1000 (mm)
External/Internal Micrometers, 0-25-75-100-125-150 (mm) / 12-20-50-100 (mm)
Full Range Pin Gauge/Gauge, 0.5-12 (mm) / 1.0-100 (mm), with a spacing of 0.01mm
Surface Roughness Tester, Ra 0.01–50.0 μm, with a resolution of 0.001 μm
Ultrasonic Weld Joint Tester, frequency range of 1–10 MHz, depth penetration up to 100 mm

Our Quality Inspection Process

Incoming Material Inspection: Raw materials are checked with spectrometers to ensure they meet required standards.
First and Final Article Inspection: The first and last pieces are measured for accuracy to maintain consistent quality.
In-Process Inspection: Performs regular inspections during production to promptly detect and address any issues.
Pre-Shipment Inspection: Parts are inspected for compliance with design and finish standards before delivery.
Dimensional Inspection Reports: Offers accurate measurements of key dimensions to meet design specifications and tolerances, per customer requirements.

Sustainable and Safe Production

CEX Casting is certified under ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, demonstrating our strong commitment to workplace safety, employee well-being, and environmental responsibility. We integrate health, safety, and sustainability principles into every stage of our production, ensuring that our production process operates with minimal environmental impact and maximum care for our people.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Parts We Have Developed

Part Name: Electrical Enclosure
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Industry: Industrial Automation
Feature: Corrosion Resistance and Durability

Part Name: Telecom Cabinet
Material: Galvanized Steel
Industry: Telecommunications
Feature: Weatherproof and High Structural Strength

Part Name: Battery Box
Material: 5052 Aluminum Alloy
Industry: Renewable Energy
Feature: Lightweight and Corrosion Resistance

Part Name: Junction Box Cover
Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Industry: Electrical Power Distribution
Feature: High Durability and Fire Resistance

Part Name: Cable Tray
Material: Galvanized Steel
Industry: Electrical Infrastructure
Feature: Strong and Corrosion Resistance

Part Name: Support Frame
Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Industry: Industrial Equipment
Feature: High Durability and Corrosion Resistance

Comprehensive FAQ for Sheet Metal Fabrication

What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Definition

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of shaping, cutting, bending, and assembling flat metal sheets into specific parts or structures. It involves several techniques that transform a simple flat sheet of metal into functional components for a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction.

Key Processes

Cutting: Metal sheets are cut into shapes using tools like lasers, water jets, or mechanical cutters.
Bending: The metal is bent into specific angles or curves using machines like CNC benders or manual equipment.
Welding: Metal parts are joined by melting the edges and bonding them together.

What Materials Are Commonly Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Common Materials

Carbon Steel: Versatile and cost-effective, commonly used in general fabrication and structural parts. It can be easily welded and bent.
Stainless Steel: Known for its corrosion resistance and strength, often used in industries like food processing, medical, and chemical processing where hygiene and durability are essential.
Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to work with, making it ideal for automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Copper & Brass: Used in electrical applications due to their excellent conductivity, often fabricated for electrical parts or heat exchangers.

What Types of Processes Are Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Key Processes

Laser Cutting: A high-precision cutting method that uses a focused laser to melt, burn, or vaporize metal. It’s ideal for intricate cuts and smooth finishes on various materials.
CNC Bending: Computer-controlled bending machines shape metal sheets into precise angles or curves, ensuring consistent quality and high accuracy.
Punching and Stamping: Involves applying force through a die to create holes, notches, or other shapes in the metal, commonly used for mass production of parts.
Welding: A process that involves melting the edges of metal parts and joining them together, used for creating stronger and more permanent bonds between metal components.

Additional Techniques

Forming: A process that shapes sheet metal without cutting or adding extra material, often used to make deep or complex shapes.
Punching: Creating holes or shapes in metal using a punching press.

What Is the Difference Between Laser Cutting and Water Jet Cutting?

Laser Cutting

Uses a focused laser beam to melt or vaporize metal.
Best suited for cutting thinner metals (up to 25mm).
Produces high precision and clean cuts but may cause heat distortion on thicker metals.

Water Jet Cutting

Uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through the material.
Suitable for thicker materials (up to 150mm) without creating heat-affected zones.
Ideal for cutting complex shapes and materials that might be sensitive to heat.

Key Differences

Laser cutting is faster and more precise for thinner materials, while water jet cutting is better for thicker, heat-sensitive metals and is ideal for intricate designs with minimal distortion.

What Thickness of Metal Can Be Fabricated?

Common Thickness Ranges

Laser Cutting: Typically handles materials up to 25mm thick, but can be limited by material type.
CNC Bending: Can accommodate sheet metal up to 20mm thick, though some larger machines can handle even thicker materials.
Welding: Works for much thicker materials, especially when using processes like MIG or TIG welding.

Material Type

For example, aluminum is often cut up to 10mm with ease, while carbon steel can be cut to 25mm or more. Stainless steel might require more specialized cutting techniques for thicker gauges.

How Accurate Are Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes?

Laser Cutting: Achieves tolerances of ±0.05mm for intricate and precise cuts, making it ideal for detailed components.
CNC Bending: Provides tolerances of ±0.02mm, offering highly accurate bends, especially for complex or multi-step parts.
Welding: Generally has a tolerance of ±0.2mm due to heat and distortion, though this can vary based on the material and welding method.

What Is the Lead Time for Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Factors Affecting Lead Time

Part Complexity: Simple parts can be completed within a few days, while more complex designs require additional time for cutting, bending, and finishing.
Material Availability: Sourcing rare or specialized materials may add time to the overall process.
Surface Finishing: If parts require additional treatments like powder coating or anodizing, this can add time to the lead time.

Typical Lead Time

For standard sheet metal parts, the lead time is typically 1-3 weeks, but it may vary depending on the complexity and volume of the order.

What Is the Difference Between Welding and Brazing in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Welding

Joins metal by melting the base material along with a filler material, creating a strong bond.
Suitable for heavy-duty and structural applications, where strong joints are required.

Brazing

Uses a lower melting point filler metal to join two pieces of metal without melting the base material.
Ideal for thinner metals or non-ferrous metals, producing weaker joints than welding but offering a cleaner, more precise connection.

Key Differences

Welding creates stronger, more durable joints, while brazing is often used for thinner materials and parts that don’t require high strength.

What Is Sheet Metal Stamping?

Process

Sheet metal stamping is a high-volume manufacturing process used to create parts by applying pressure to a metal sheet with a die. This technique can cut, form, and emboss metal to produce complex shapes and designs.

Advantages

Fast and efficient for mass production.
Consistent and precise part creation.
Minimal material waste.

Applications

Stamping is often used to create automotive parts, appliance components, and other mass-produced metal items.

What Is the Difference Between CNC Bending and Manual Bending?

CNC Bending

CNC bending uses computer-controlled machinery to precisely bend sheet metal according to specified angles. This method ensures high accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency, making it ideal for complex or high-volume production runs with tight tolerances (±0.02mm).

CNC Bending Advantages

High precision and repeatability.

Suitable for complex or multi-axis bends.

Faster and more efficient for large batches.

Manual Bending

Manual bending relies on the operator’s skill to manually control the bending process. It is slower, less precise, and more prone to error, but can be used for low-volume or custom work where complexity is minimal.

Manual Bending Advantages

Flexible for low-volume or custom jobs.

Lower equipment costs.

Key Difference

CNC bending provides greater accuracy and efficiency for larger runs, while manual bending is better for small, simple projects or prototypes.

Can Sheet Metal Fabrication Be Used for Complex Shapes?

Yes, laser cutting, CNC bending, and stamping allow for the creation of intricate and complex designs. Advanced techniques like 3D laser cutting and water jet cutting further enable the production of detailed and customized parts, even with complex geometries.

What Is the Maximum Size of Sheet Metal that Can Be Fabricated?

Laser Cutting: Typically handles sheet sizes up to 2m x 5m, depending on the machine.
CNC Bending: Can accommodate metal sheets up to 4.5m in length.
Welding: Can work with larger parts, though the size is limited by the welding equipment and work area.

What Surface Treatments Are Available for Sheet Metal Parts?

Common Surface Treatment Methods

Powder Coating: A durable, corrosion-resistant coating applied electrostatically.
Electroplating: A thin metal layer is applied via electrochemical means to improve durability and corrosion resistance.
Anodizing: Used primarily for aluminum, creating a thickened oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance and aesthetic finishes.
Galvanizing: Coating steel with zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion.
Polishing: Creates a smooth, reflective surface, often applied to stainless steel.
Spray Painting: Provides protective and decorative finishes, enhancing both appearance and durability.

How Can I Reduce Costs in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Cost Reduction Tips

Design Simplification: Reduce complexity to minimize material waste and machining time.
Material Selection: Choose cost-effective materials that meet your functional needs without overspending.
Tooling Efficiency: Use standardized tooling to minimize the cost of custom dies and equipment.
Process Optimization: Streamline production steps to reduce lead times and minimize labor costs.

What Is Rapid Prototyping in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

This process allows for the quick production of metal prototypes to test design, fit, and functionality. Techniques like laser cutting and CNC bending enable fast turnaround, allowing you to make adjustments before moving to full-scale production, reducing time and costs in the development process.

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