The Guide to Sheet Metal Fabrication Finishes
Bended, plated, galvanized, or something else? See which finish is best for your sheet metal fabrication project.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing technology that creates precise metal components using various processes, such as cutting and bending.
Through MakerVerse, this method is cost-effective, fast, and can quickly produce large volumes.
How Sheet Metal Fabrication Works
A variety of tools and processes are used to fabricate sheet metal. Through MakerVerse, skilled operators operate these tools to create industrial-quality parts.
The first step is cutting the metal sheet to the specified size with tools such as laser cutters or CNC plasma cutters. Once the size is right, the sheet is formed and bent into the desired shape using tools like press brakes or rollers.
Finally, holes and other post-processing features are added as needed.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Use Cases
The automotive and aerospace industries rely on sheet metal fabrication for both internal and external parts. Other industries, such as energy, electricity, and industrial machinery, also use sheet metal fabrication for many applications.
Sheet Metal Fabrication by the Numbers
Max Build Size
4000 x 2000 x 25 mm (standard size)
Lead Times
Starting at 6 days
Minimum Wall Thickness
0.5 mm (depending on material and geometry)
Dimensional Accuracy
0.2 mm (ISO 9013-1)
Key Features
Oversized Parts
Looking for bigger parts? You’re in the right place.
While the standard size for sheet metal fabricated parts is typically 4000 mm in the longest dimension, we offer state-of-the-art sheet metal fabrication tools capable of up to 12 meters. With these capabilities, you can explore all-new applications in production.
Learn how to go far beyond the standard sizes typically available
Full Range of Cutting Methods
Get access to all the cutting methods you need for your parts. On the MakerVerse platform, we’ll provide you with the best-fitting technology.
- Laser cutting
- Waterjet cutting
- Plasma cutting
- Wire electrical discharge machining
Welding and Assembly Services
Our fully-vetted supply chain partners ensure every weld and assembly is performed according to your exact specifications.
Access MIG, MAG, and TIG welding services for structtural steel, alloy steel and aluminum.
Lead times start at 15 business days.
Source Industrial-Grade Sheet Metal Parts
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
On-demand manufacturing
- Instant quoting and DFM checks
- Short lead times
- Fast and intuitive order placement
Production Orders
- Expert support from end-to-end
- Comprehensive manufacturing and quality plan
- Guaranteed quality meeting advanced specifications
Popular Finishes
Painted
Additional color is applied to the printed part, often by a professional spray painting system. The part is correctly prepared through accurate cleaning and a clearcoat to get the desired output.
Plated
A thin layer of a different metal, such as nickel, chrome, or zinc, is electrochemically deposited onto the surface. This plating process enhances the metal's appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability. It also enables customization by offering various plated finishes.
Brushed
A brushing technique creates a textured or satin-like finish on the surface of the sheet metal. This process involves the application of abrasive material, typically in a linear motion, resulting in a consistent and visually-appealing appearance.
Galvanized
The sheet metal is coated with a protective layer of zinc through a process called galvanization. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, making the metal suitable for outdoor or harsh environments.
Bending
The sheet metal is bent into desired shapes using specialized equipment, such as press brakes. This process allows for creating various angles, curves, and forms, enabling the fabrication of complex metal components.
Bending
The sheet metal is bent into desired shapes using specialized equipment, such as press brakes. This process allows for creating various angles, curves, and forms, enabling the fabrication of complex metal components.
Brushed
A brushing technique creates a textured or satin-like finish on the surface of the sheet metal. This process involves the application of abrasive material, typically in a linear motion, resulting in a consistent and visually-appealing appearance.
Galvanized
The sheet metal is coated with a protective layer of zinc through a process called galvanization. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, making the metal suitable for outdoor or harsh environments.
Painted
Additional color is applied to the printed part, often by a professional spray painting system. The part is correctly prepared through accurate cleaning and a clearcoat to get the desired output.
Plated
A thin layer of a different metal, such as nickel, chrome, or zinc, is electrochemically deposited onto the surface. This plating process enhances the metal's appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability. It also enables customization by offering various plated finishes.
Popular Sheet Metal Materials
The MakerVerse platform offers the complete range of metals. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Aluminum Steel Stainless steel Aluminum Aluminum
- Aluminum 5083 (3.3547)
- Aluminum 5754 (3.3535)
- Aluminum 7075 (3.4365)
Main characteristics
A good balance of strength, hardness, and dynamic properties values characterizes aluminum and its related alloys. It’s a lightweight, malleable metal that is easy to machine and has good corrosion resistance.Use cases
Aluminum is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries for parts such as housings, brackets, and heat sinks. Steel Steel
- Steel S235 (1.0038)
- Steel S235 (1.0044)
- Steel S235 (1.0577)
Main characteristics
Carbon steel offers high strength and durability, making it ideal for sheet metal fabrication. It is resistant to wear, realtively affordable, and has good machinability.Use cases
Steel is widely used in automotive manufacturing, construction, appliances, and oil and gas industries. It is utilized for body panels, structural components, appliances, storage tanks, pipelines, agricultural equipment, machinery parts, electrical enclosures, and metal structures. Stainless steelStainless steel
- Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301)
- Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)
Main characteristics
Stainless steel is characterized by high yield strength and strong corrosion resistance. It’s a multi-purpose metal offering both good weldability and machinability.Use cases
Stainless steel is widely used for everything from valves to fittings to medical instruments. Many industries, from aerospace to food processing, use stainless steel.Have a custom material request?
We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply provide us your desired specifications during the ordering process.
You can also reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under support@makerverse.com
Sheet Metal Fabrication Resources
9 Ways to Reduce Sheet Metal Fabrication Costs
See how to cut costs without sacrificing quality for your next sheet metal project.
Popular Sheet Metal Fabrication Applications
From aerospace to agriculture, and many more.
Plasma Cutting vs. Laser Cutting: Which to Use
Is plasma or laser cutting superior for cost, speed, precision, and more?
Let’s build together
Schedule a consultation with our specialists to kickstart your project.