Skip to content

Need precision machining with tight tolerances? Request a quote.

Upload your CAD file, drawing, or specs and call out critical-to-function interfaces. We’ll review feasibility, process path, and next steps.

Request a Custom Quote View Capabilities
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication? | Birl’s Light Fab

What is sheet metal fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of turning flat sheet into functional parts and assemblies—brackets, panels, enclosures, and formed components—using cutting, forming, and joining steps.

Request a Custom Quote Sheet metal service

Typical steps

1) Cutting: Laser cutting is common for flat patterns, holes, and slots.

2) Forming: Bends are made to match the part’s shape and stiffness.

3) Joining: Welding, hardware insertion, or mechanical fastening brings parts together.

4) Finishing: Deburr, surface prep, and coating/paint based on handling and exposure.

What to include for an accurate quote

  • Material and thickness: e.g., mild steel, stainless, aluminum, and gauge/thickness.
  • Quantity: one-off prototype vs repeat work changes the approach.
  • Critical dimensions: flag what must be tight vs general.
  • Bend details: number of bends, flange lengths, and any inside radius requirements.
  • Hardware: PEM inserts, standoffs, countersinks, slots, or weld nuts.
  • Finish & exposure: indoor/outdoor, paint/powder/raw, corrosion concerns.
  • Install intent: mounting surface, fasteners, clearance/access needs.
Materials Quality CAD file prep

Need precision machining with tight tolerances? Request a quote.

If your sheet metal part needs machined interfaces for fit, highlight the critical features and we’ll confirm the best combined process path.

Request a Custom Quote

When sheet metal is the right choice

Sheet metal is a strong fit when you need light-to-medium strength, clean edges, repeatability, and formed geometry—especially for brackets, panels, and enclosures.

If the part needs tight 3D tolerances on machined faces, you may combine fabrication with machining.

Laser vs CNC machining

Required internal links

Sheet Metal Fabrication FAQ

What files are best for quoting sheet metal parts?

PDF + DXF is a common starting point for flat patterns, plus notes for material/thickness, quantity, and finish. If the part mates to an assembly or has fit-critical interfaces, include STEP as well so intent is clear.

When should sheet metal parts include machining?

When the assembly needs fit-critical bores, precision slots, or datum surfaces that control alignment. A common approach is to cut and form the sheet metal, then machine the qualified interfaces for predictable fit.

What information do you need for a fabrication quote?

The fastest quotes come from a drawing or CAD export plus a few key details: material (or environment/use-case if undecided), thickness/size, quantity, timeline, finish requirements, and any critical-to-function dimensions or tolerances. If a part interfaces with existing equipment, include notes or reference dimensions that drive fit.

Send your CAD file or project details and we’ll review the best approach.

Upload a PDF + DXF (and STEP if applicable), include material, thickness, quantity, timeline, and highlight fit-critical features. We’ll respond with clear next steps.

Request a Custom Quote

Related content

Explore capabilities, resources, and industries to match your build.

Request a Custom Quote
Capabilities
Resources
Industries

Ready to get started? Send your drawings, CAD files, or project details and we’ll review the best approach.

Upload PDF + STEP/DXF, include material, quantity, timeline, and any tolerance or finish requirements. We’ll respond with clear next steps.

Request a Custom Quote View Capabilities
Request a Custom Quote Upload CAD