Sheet Metal Prototype Services at Prototek
Parts in days anywhere in the USA.
Our online rapid sheet metal prototyping and part making services include:
- Facilities Throughout the USA
- Bending & Forming, Laser Cutting, Waterjet Cutting, Welding, and Assembly
- Fabricated Metals, Plastics, and Other Materials
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, & ITAR Registered
*Not all locations have all certifications and registrations. Parts requiring these will be made at facilities with the correct credentials.
Our Digital Manufacturing Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team begins production once the project specifications are finalized and the quote is accepted.
When the part has been completed and finished, it passes through quality control.
After your part goes through quality control, our team ships the part(s) to you.
About Sheet Metal at Prototek
What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication involves transforming metal sheets into prototypes or finished sheet metal parts using cutting, bending, and shaping techniques. Various industries use sheet metal prototyping, including household appliances, construction materials, aircraft parts, and signage. The process begins with selecting a metal sheet, cutting it into the desired shape, and subjecting it to various treatments to create a durable product. These treatments include bending, rolling, and welding. Sheet metal fabrication is cost-effective and capable of producing complex geometries.
Customize like never before.
Customize every curve and corner to achieve unparalleled precision. Test your prototypes in real-world conditions, and select from various materials and finishes to suit your requirements.
Strength and durability.
The strength and durability of a sheet metal prototype depend on a combination of factors. Firstly, the material type, thickness, fabrication method, and design all play a crucial role. For instance, steel, aluminum, and copper are known for their high strength. Additionally, thicker sheets generally offer better performance. Furthermore, the processes of bending and welding can all impact strength and durability. Moreover, the design of the prototype also affects stress, deformation, and fatigue. Therefore, it is important to consider the material, thickness, fabrication method, and design in order to meet the desired specifications of the sheet metal part.
From prototype to production.
Rapid sheet Metal Prototyping can expedite your project’s development with rapid, flexible, and reliable design iterations, testing functionality, and swiftly transitioning from concept to market.
Sheet Metal Prototyping Capabilities
We provide sheet metal prototyping services for a variety of industries. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians utilizes advanced equipment to produce high-quality products from various materials. Whether it’s simple brackets or complex structures, we can deliver. Furthermore, our services encompass design and engineering support, metal cutting, bending, welding, painting, and finishing. Additionally, we offer rapid prototyping and low-volume production of sheet metal parts. Ultimately, we aim to provide cost-effective and dependable solutions that meet our clients’ quality, performance, and turnaround time requirements.
Bending & Forming
OEM:
Amada and Birmingham
Lead Time:
1 -15 Days
Max Dimensions:
61 x 0.1345 in (10 Ga.)
Roll Length & Diameter: 4-3/4 in
(capacity based on Mild Steel)
Pinch Adjustment: Standard
Laser Cutting
OEM:
Amada, Beam Dynamics, Epilog, IPG
Lead Time:
1 -15 Days
Max Dimensions:
61 x 99 x 11.8 in
Waterjet Cutting
OEM:
Flow
Lead Time:
1 -15 Days
Max Dimensions:
Linear Straightness: ± 0.0021 in
Repeatability: 0.0014 in
Metal Materials for Prototyping and Production
Prototek offers a variety of sheet materials, including aluminum, copper stainless steel, and titanium. These materials have various properties, and our experts can help clients choose the right one for their prototyping projects.
Aluminum
Aluminum sheet metal is an excellent choice for prototyping due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, fabricating aluminum sheet metal offers a lightweight yet strong material, allowing for rapid iteration and testing of designs. Moreover, aluminum’s corrosion resistance makes it a popular option for many prototyping applications.
Copper
Copper sheet metal is an excellent choice for prototyping due to its unique properties. It offers excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electronic components and heat dissipation. Copper sheet metal is also highly malleable, allowing for easy shaping and forming during the prototyping process. Additionally, its corrosion resistance and durability make it a reliable material for various prototyping applications.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sheet metal is an excellent choice for prototyping due to its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility. Furthermore, its strength and formability make it ideal for creating functional prototypes that can withstand rigorous testing. In addition, stainless steel’s aesthetic appeal and its ability to be easily machined or fabricated make it a popular material for showcasing design concepts.
Titanium
Titanium sheet metal is an excellent choice for prototyping due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. Additionally, its unique properties make it ideal for creating durable, high-performance prototypes across various industries.
Innovation to scale with Prototek!
Bridging the Gap from Sheet Metal Prototypes to Production Parts.
Prototek Digital Manufacturing is a highly trusted and reliable service provider that offers seamless solutions for transitioning your sheet metal prototypes into production-ready parts. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a highly skilled team, we will execute your project precisely and efficiently. Moreover, focusing on delivering exceptional products and services, we go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. Whether you require rapid prototyping or more traditional manufacturing techniques, we have the expertise and resources to do the job right. So, why settle for anything less than the best? Choose Prototek Digital Manufacturing for all your sheet metal fabrication needs and experience the ultimate in quality, reliability, and performance.
Sheet Metal FAQs
Sheet metal prototyping entails creating physical models or samples using thin, flat pieces of metal. This approach allows for rapid, cost-effective testing and validation of product designs before full-scale manufacturing. Additionally, it enables quick iterations and ensures that the final product meets all functional and aesthetic requirements.
At Prototek, we provide various finishing options for your custom sheet metal prototypes, including powder coating, plating, anodizing, and painting. Our expert team can also assist you in selecting the perfect finish to meet your specific requirements and enhance the appearance and durability of your parts.
Prototek’s precision sheet metal prototyping services offer unparalleled quality and efficiency for your project. Moreover, our state-of-the-art fabricating capabilities and our team’s expertise ensure your parts are manufactured to the tightest tolerances. We handle it all, from simple components to complex assemblies, with meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, with a wide range of materials and finishing options, we can bring your design vision to life, no matter the complexity—Trust Prototek to deliver sheet metal prototypes that meet your exact specifications and accelerate your product development timeline.
Rapid turnaround and high-quality parts for your prototype projects.
Sheet metal prototypes have limited design flexibility and require specialized equipment.
If you’ve got questions about your parts design for manufacturability, please don’t hesitate to email one of our engineers at quotes@prototek.com!
