Sheet metal processing online: Guaranteed 20 % cost savings

Sheet metal working is a manufacturing process for forming, separating or joining sheet metal. The aim of sheet metal working is to produce components - also known as sheet metal parts - or assemblies from metal and plastic sheets. Sheet metal working is used in industry, trade and prototype construction.                                                   

Sheet metal is processed in different ways in sheet metal working. Sheet metal can be cut (laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet cutting), formed (bending, punching, rolling), joined (welding, riveting, gluing) or machined (milling, drilling, punching)

Not all materials can be used in sheet metal processing. As a rule, metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass as well as plastic sheets are used.

In order for materials to be used in sheet metal processing, they must have certain properties: 

• Uniform thickness
  → Important for precise cuts and consistent bending results
• Malleable, but stable
  → Must be able to be bent and punched without breaking or tearing
• Good cutting properties
  → Must be able to be processed efficiently with a laser, water jet or punching tool
• Corrosion-resistant (depending on application)
  → Particularly relevant for outdoor use or in mechanical engineering (e.g. stainless steel, anodized aluminium)
• Suitable strength
  → Depending on the application: softer metals for simple molded parts, harder metals for robust components
• Thermally resilient (for special applications)
  → E.g. for components that are welded or used under heat
• Availability in standardized sheet formats and thicknesses
  → Facilitates planning, calculation and fast procurement
  Surface quality suitable for finishing
  → Important for visible parts (e.g. powder coating, anodizing, painting)

Compatibility with connection technologies
→ Weldable, bondable, rivetable - depending on the design specification

In surface treatment, the right surface treatment plays a central role in optimizing the function and appearance of sheet metal parts. The following surface treatments are generally used:

• Powder coating
• Paintwork
• Anodizing (e.g. for aluminium)
  Galvanizing / Galvanizing
• Pickling and passivation.

A CAD file with a 2D or 3D model and technical specifications are the foundation of sheet metal processing. Software and programs such as SolidWorks, AutoCad, etc. can be used to create CAD files. FACTUREE does not produce CAD files. 

The selection of suitable materials and processing methods is the next logical step. Because not every material is suitable for every component and can be processed in the same way. Equally fundamental is the consideration of function, load and assembly requirements. Not every material is suitable for the area of use, application or processing and post-processing.

Numerous tools are used in sheet metal processing, depending on the manufacturing process. 

• Laser cutters, water jet cutters and punching machines are used for cutting processes. Sheet metal blanks are produced here. 
• In the forming processes, bending machines and press brakes are used to form sheet metal plastically without removing material.
• CNC milling machines are used for machining processes. This involves the targeted removal of material, e.g. for complex geometries. 
• Welding equipment and riveting pliers are used for joining processes. These tools permanently join or detach sheet metal parts.

Tolerances in sheet metal processing describe permissible dimensional deviations of a manufactured sheet metal part from the nominal dimensions in the technical drawing. They are important to ensure the accuracy of fit, ease of assembly and functionality of the components. 

Tolerances depend on the manufacturing process and material. Standard tolerances according to ISO-2768-1 (fine, medium, large) are used in sheet metal processing. These must be defined in the CAD drawing.

A correctly created CAD file is crucial for smooth online production. Common file formats are DXF for 2D drawings and STEP/STP for 3D models. A PDF file with important notes or dimensions can also be helpful as a reference. All dimensions, tolerances and bending directions should be clearly defined in the CAD drawing to avoid misunderstandings. It is particularly important to take material thickness and bending radius into account, as these parameters have a direct influence on the accuracy of fit and formability of the sheet metal part. Also make sure to avoid open contours or double lines, as these can make processing more difficult or lead to faulty cuts. For complex assemblies, exploded drawings or assembly sketches can be useful as a supplement to facilitate subsequent assembly. A clean, complete and clear CAD file saves time, reduces queries and speeds up production.

Sheet metal processing is used in numerous industries. This is because sheet metal processing is a fundamental form of production in many areas. Here is a list of all sheet metal and forms of application: 

• Automotive industry: Body parts, brackets, heat shields
• Mechanical and plant engineering: Housing, cladding, functional components
• Electrical engineering & electronics: Enclosures, front panels, PCB holders
• Medical technology: Precision components, hygienic cladding
• Aerospace: Lightweight structural parts, aerodynamic panels
• Building Technology & Air Conditioning:Ventilation ducts, covers, mounting systems
• Furniture and design industry: Decorative metal parts, frames, racks
  Agricultural and construction machinery: Mudguards, brackets, functional parts
• Renewable energies: Components for solar, wind or battery technology
• Prototyping & Research: Custom-made products, test components

Sheet metal processing is particularly suitable for sheet metal parts that require a high degree of customization, a variety of functions, use in demanding environments and a wide range of materials, and should be suitable for prototypes and series production. 

As a rule, sheet metal parts are suitable for the following products:

• Enclosures and covers (e.g. for machines or electronics)
• Brackets, angles, support parts
• Cladding and panels
• Front panels and covers
• Air and thermal components (e.g. ventilation ducts)
• Prototypes and individual custom-made products
• Vehicle components (e.g. body or structural parts).

Sheet metal can be processed in numerous ways. Depending on the process, they are suitable for prototype or series production. The following sheet metal processing methods are suitable for delicate sheet metal parts: 

• Laser cutting - Very precise cuts, even for small details
• Water jet cutting - for temperature-sensitive, fine structures
• Fine blanking - for tight tolerances on small parts
  CNC milling (for thin sheets) - with particularly high dimensional accuracy
• Microbending - especially for small bent parts

Sheet metal can be processed in numerous ways. Depending on the process, they are suitable for prototype or series production. The following sheet metal processing methods are suitable for series production of sheet metal parts: 

• Punching and forming - Particularly economical for high quantities
  Bending with automated bending machines - Fast and repeatable
  Rolling and deep drawing - for large quantities of uniform parts
• Automated laser cutting - for variant-rich series with high precision
• Welding and joining processes with robots - for assemblies in series

Sheet metal processing is one of FACTUREE's core competencies. Go to the quotation page and upload your CAD file. The process is easy and intuitive. You can of course also send us an email to anfrage@facturee or get in touch with our contact persons Billy Schulz and XY directly. 

We then use our AI-supported system to check who is the best manufacturing partner for your sheet metal parts and give you the best possible price.

Online production has become indispensable these days. When it comes to sheet metal parts, online production offers numerous advantages: 

• Fast production of customized sheet metal parts: Order laser cutting, bending and punching online - often with delivery in 9-12 working days.
• High precision for complex geometries: Ideal for technical sheet metal parts with tight tolerances and clearly defined bending directions.
• Cost efficiency for prototypes and series: No tool costs for laser cutting; low unit prices thanks to smart paver selection.
• Variety of materials for every requirement: Sheet steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or plastic panels - everything can be ordered digitally.
• Flexibility with quantities and variants: Individual parts, variant production or mass production - without long lead times.
• Perfect for recurring components: Framework agreements and price stability for series parts or maintenance components
• Seamless integration into digital development processes: Simple upload of DXF, STEP or STP files, automatic checking and quotation generation
• Quality control and ISO certification: Manufacturing partner with proven quality and reliable delivery

Yes, with FACTUREE you can also individual parts quickly, precisely and without any minimum order quantity.

Typical advantages for individual parts:

• Ideal for Prototypes, sample parts or small maintenance requirements
• Fast delivery times - often within 9-12 working days
• No tool costs for processes such as laser cutting or milling
• Manufacture from a variety of materials (e.g. steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic)
• Simple online procurement: upload DXF/STEP file and receive quotation

Whether you need a single sheet metal part laser-cut or a CNC-milled component - FACTUREE offers a Flexible online production for Custom-made products as well as for series.