Sheet metal parts are products that are formed from thin flat pieces of metal, mostly by an industrial process. These sheet metal parts are single items that can be formed for use as-is, or they can be joined together in many configurations to create a larger item like a weldment. From there, weldments and additional sheet metal parts can be combined by joining them together to create metal assemblies in a variety of shapes and sizes. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Maysteel Industries, LLC
Allenton, WI | 262-251-1632Maysteel provides complex sheet metal fabrication with a focus on design for manufacturing. Founded in 1936, we combine our extensive engineering experience and market knowledge with an expanding supply chain footprint, allowing us to fabricate products that others can’t. We design, engineer and manufacture custom OEM sheet metal enclosures, kiosks, cabinets and racks. We have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as partnerships in Europe. For more information, visit www.maysteel.com.
M & W Shops
Union Grove, WI | 262-878-4220In business since 1972, our team at M & W Shops can assist you with all of your sheet metal fabricating needs. Capabilities include custom work, design assistance, volume production, and more.
Accurate Metal Fabricating
Cicero, IL | 773-432-4720Accurate has been providing metal fabrication to OEM's and job shops for over 65 years. We engineer, perforate, and fabricate to the most precise specifications for the most demanding companies. We offer a full range of metal customization and fabrication capabilities that bring your design to reality. Our abilities range from forming and laser-cutting to punching and welding.
American Industrial Company
Gurnee, IL | 847-855-9200Since 1981, American Industrial has been on the cutting edge of all things sheet metal. This has helped us achieve our spot as a leader of the industry.
Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc.
Tucson, AZ | 520-887-1727Abrams Airborne is a leading sheet metal fabricator for the military, commercial and aerospace industries. We will provide you with top-quality customer service and support, so call us today for all of your sheet metal fabrication needs! We have been a family-run business since 1965.
Budde Sheet Metal Works, Inc.
Dayton, OH | 937-224-0868Budde Sheet Metal Works, founded in 1922, has become a leading provider of sheet metal fabrication services. We fabricate machine guards, control boxes, frames, duct work and more. We provide our customers with outstanding customer service, on-time delivery and quality products.
Prestige Metal Products Inc.
Bristol, WI | 262-891-3888Prestige manufactures with stainless steel everyday and often uses aluminum and brass materials as well. We have experience and equipment to cut, form, weld and punch along with many other operations. We are a contract manufacturer specializing in sheet metal fabrication. Call us today with your hardest project and we’ll get the job done.
Weldments
These are sheet metal parts that have been joined together through welding. Weldments can be composed of several sheet metal parts and their sizes can vary greatly according to their intended use. When these weldments are joined together, usually with additional parts such as panels or brackets, they are known as sheet metal parts assemblies.
Types of Sheet Metal Parts
The types of sheet metal parts include:
Sheet Metal Brackets
These are an extremely useful type of sheet metal parts. Sheet metal brackets can be formed or fabricated into almost any size depending on the requirements of the project. There are smaller metal brackets that are used for products like enclosure shelves. On the other hand, larger sheet metal brackets are used in structural steel projects. The metal brackets come in many different shapes as well and their shape depends on their specific purpose.
There are Z-brackets, for example, that are generally utilized in the mounting of offset parallel surfaces within a metal enclosure. On the other hand, gusset brackets often form a triangular shape and are meant for supplying additional rigidity and strength within an assembly or weldment. L brackets are utilized when there is a necessity for mounting a vertical component to a horizontal surface. They are helpful when there is a need to mount shelves within an enclosure.
Metal Hinges
These sheet metal parts allow for movement between two parts of a finished product or metal assembly by allowing the rotation of the two surfaces or parts around a fixed point. The most common type of sheet metal hinges allows for the opening and closing of a door or lid. Many examples of these parts are found in boxes and cabinets.
Industrial Sheet Metal Supports
Sheet metal supports are used in many applications, but these types are utilized in the construction industry. Sheet metal parts that are used in the construction industry include poles, beams, pipes, tubes, and certain types of brackets.
Commercial Sheet Metal Frames
These are a type of assembly or weldment. They are found in many different sizes and types depending on the application requirement. They can be formed from structural steel for construction projects. However, smaller sheet metal frames such as those for windows, doorways, and shelving are all part of the metal frame category as well. These can be constructed from metals like aluminum or stainless steel.
Applications of Sheet Metal Parts
Sheet metal parts are used in many industries including the following:
- They are utilized for automobile and truck bodies.
- Sheet metal parts create airplane fuselages and wings.
- Major appliances are constructed from sheet metal parts.
- Tinplate may still be used for cans.
- In architectural settings, they often serve as roofing for buildings.
- Sheet metal parts made from iron, as well as other materials that exhibit high magnetic permeability (also called laminated steel cores), have their applications in electric machines and transformers.
- Sheet metal parts are used for decorative purposes including in horse tack.
- Sheet metal parts are used in the construction industry
Benefits of Sheet Metal Parts
The benefits of sheet metal parts include:
Strength and Durability
Since sheet metal exhibits high strength and durability, sheet metal parts are capable of withstanding heat and greater pressure than those made from plastic. Furthermore, stainless steel, aluminum, or surface-treated steel have high resistance to corrosion, pressure, wear, and tear.
Malleability
On top of durability, sheet metal is also malleable. With the proper equipment, sheet metal can be bent into many shapes while still retaining its structural integrity and strength. Sheet metal parts can be stretched or compressed without cracking or breaking. Very specific shapes can be obtained when sheet metal is cast or molded.
Replaceability
Since they are typically made to standard sizes, sheet metal parts are easily replaceable. When many metal parts are used for making an assembly, instead of constructing the entire part out of one material, the individual components can be replaced without having to replace the entire assembly. This is one of the biggest advantages of using sheet metal parts over other materials. Replacing individual parts saves money over having to (sometimes repeatedly) replace entire assemblies.
Sustainability
Sheet metal parts are sustainable. Metal is a natural resource that is both economically and environmentally strategic. When specific sheet metal parts are no longer needed, they can be recycled indefinitely and turned into other parts.
Cost Effectiveness
Sheet metal parts are a more economical choice since tooling costs for plastics can be very high. Most companies utilize sheet metal parts instead of cast or molded parts due to the overall reduction in material waste and costs.
