Sheet Metal Fabrication in India — Laser Cutting, Bending & Welding in 3 Days

Get instant quotes on custom sheet metal parts with advanced laser cutting, precision CNC bending, and expert welding. Partwork delivers high-quality fabricated parts for enclosures, brackets, panels, and assemblies - from prototypes to production volumes - in as fast as 3 days.

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Advanced Laser Cutting - Fiber & CO₂ lasers, up to 25mm thick material
Precision CNC Bending - Up to 3000mm length, ±0.1mm repeatability
Multi-Material Support - Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass
Complete Finishing - Powder coating, anodizing, plating, painting in any color
Expert Welding - TIG, MIG, Spot welding for assemblies and enclosures
Fast Turnaround - Prototypes in 3-5 days, production batches 7-10 days

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Overview

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing process that transforms flat metal sheets into functional parts and assemblies through cutting, bending, forming, and joining operations. Unlike CNC machining which removes material from solid stock, or 3D printing which adds material layer by layer, sheet metal fabrication leverages the strength and formability of thin metal sheets (0.5mm to 25mm thick) to create lightweight, cost-effective parts with excellent structural properties.

The fabrication process typically begins with laser cutting or waterjet cutting to create precise 2D profiles from flat sheets. These flat patterns are then formed into 3D shapes using CNC press brakes (bending), stamping, or roll forming. Multiple components can be joined through welding (TIG, MIG, spot), hardware fasteners, or riveting. Finally, parts receive surface finishing - powder coating, anodizing, plating, or painting - for corrosion resistance, aesthetics, and durability.

At Partwork, sheet metal fabrication offers tolerances from ±0.1mm (laser cutting) to ±0.5mm (bending), material thickness from 0.5mm to 25mm, and part sizes up to 3000mm × 1500mm. This makes sheet metal the ideal choice for enclosures, chassis, brackets, panels, cabinets, ductwork, and any application requiring thin-walled, rigid structures at high volume and low cost.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Processes Available

Partwork offers a complete range of sheet metal processes - from cutting and forming to welding and finishing. Each process is optimized for specific geometries, materials, and production volumes.

Laser Cutting

High-precision CNC laser cutting (fiber and CO₂) for intricate 2D profiles, holes, slots, and engravings in metal sheets up to 25mm thick.

  • Fiber Laser: Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper (up to 20mm)
  • CO₂ Laser: Steel, stainless steel (up to 25mm thick)
  • Cutting Accuracy: ±0.1mm positional tolerance
  • Kerf Width: 0.1-0.3mm depending on material and thickness
  • Maximum Sheet Size: 3000mm × 1500mm

Flat panels, brackets, gussets, decorative grilles, intricate cutouts, rapid prototyping

Learn More About Laser Cutting

CNC Bending / Press Brake

Precision CNC press brake bending to form complex 3D shapes from flat sheet metal with repeatable accuracy and tight tolerances.

  • Maximum Bending Length: 3000mm
  • Maximum Material Thickness: 12mm (steel), 10mm (stainless), 8mm (aluminum)
  • Bend Angle Accuracy: ±0.5° (±0.25° with angle correction)
  • Minimum Inside Bend Radius: 1× material thickness (1.5× recommended)
  • Multi-Axis CNC Control: Automated back gauge, crowning compensation

Enclosures, chassis, U-channels, Z-brackets, box sections, formed panels

Learn More About CNC Bending

Welding & Assembly

Expert TIG, MIG, and spot welding for joining sheet metal components into complex assemblies, enclosures, and structures.

  • TIG Welding: Precision, low-heat, aesthetic welds for stainless, aluminum, thin sheets
  • MIG Welding: Fast, strong welds for steel, thick sections, production volumes
  • Spot Welding: Rapid joining of overlapping sheets without filler material
  • Weld Finishing: Grinding, polishing, passivation for smooth, corrosion-resistant joints
  • Assembly: Hardware insertion, riveting, fastening, sub-assembly integration

Enclosures, cabinets, frames, structural assemblies, multi-part fabrications

Learn More About Welding

Waterjet Cutting

Abrasive waterjet cutting for thick materials, heat-sensitive alloys, and materials incompatible with laser cutting (titanium, composites).

  • Material Thickness: 0.5mm to 150mm (no heat-affected zone)
  • Materials: All metals, plastics, composites, glass, stone, ceramics
  • Cutting Accuracy: ±0.2mm (thicker than laser kerf)
  • No Thermal Distortion: Cold cutting process, ideal for heat-sensitive materials
  • Maximum Sheet Size: 3000mm × 2000mm

Thick plates, titanium, composites, heat-sensitive materials, non-metallic sheet goods

Learn More About Waterjet Cutting

Punching & Stamping

CNC turret punching and stamping for high-speed production of holes, louvers, dimples, and formed features in sheet metal.

  • CNC Turret Punch: Automated multi-tool punching, up to 1500mm × 1500mm
  • Punching Speed: 300-600 hits per minute (much faster than laser for simple holes)
  • Tool Library: Standard round holes, slots, rectangles, louvers, countersinks
  • Progressive Stamping: High-volume production (1000+ parts) with dedicated tooling
  • Forming Features: Embossing, coining, louvers, lance-and-form, extruded holes

High-volume production, ventilation grilles, perforated panels, electrical enclosures

Learn More About Punching & Stamping

Finishing & Coating

Comprehensive surface finishing options for corrosion protection, aesthetics, and functional performance - powder coating, anodizing, plating, and more.

  • Powder Coating: Any RAL/Pantone color, textured or smooth, UV-resistant, 60-120µm thickness
  • Anodizing (Aluminum): Type II (decorative), Type III Hard Coat, clear or color dyed
  • Electroplating: Zinc, nickel, chrome, gold, silver plating for corrosion resistance
  • Wet Painting: Liquid paint, enamel, epoxy, custom color matching
  • Passivation: Stainless steel surface treatment for enhanced corrosion resistance
  • Brushing/Polishing: Satin, brushed, mirror finish for aesthetic applications

All sheet metal parts requiring corrosion protection, color, or aesthetic finish

Learn More About Finishing & Coating

Sheet Metal Fabrication Capabilities

Material Thickness & Sheet Sizes

  • Laser Cutting: 0.5mm to 25mm thickness, 3000mm × 1500mm max sheet
  • CNC Bending: 0.5mm to 12mm thickness, 3000mm maximum bend length
  • Waterjet Cutting: 0.5mm to 150mm thickness, 3000mm × 2000mm max sheet
  • Punching: 0.5mm to 6mm thickness, 1500mm × 1500mm max sheet
  • Welding: 0.5mm to 25mm thickness, unlimited assembly size
  • Standard sheet stock: 1220mm × 2440mm, 1500mm × 3000mm available

Tolerances & Accuracy

  • Laser Cutting Tolerance: ±0.1mm (positional accuracy), ±0.05mm (repeatability)
  • Waterjet Cutting Tolerance: ±0.2mm (slightly wider kerf than laser)
  • Bending Tolerance: ±0.5mm (±0.2mm with back gauge compensation)
  • Bend Angle Tolerance: ±0.5° standard, ±0.25° precision (with angle measurement)
  • Hole Position Tolerance: ±0.1mm (laser/punch), ±0.2mm (waterjet)
  • Flatness After Bending: ±1mm per 1000mm (stress-relieving recommended for tight flatness)
  • Weld Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.5mm (distortion minimized with fixturing)

Bending & Forming Capabilities

  • Minimum Inside Bend Radius: 1× material thickness (1.5-2× recommended to avoid cracking)
  • Maximum Bend Angle: 180° (hemming), typical range 30° to 135°
  • Minimum Flange Height: 3× material thickness + bend radius
  • Complex Multi-Bend Parts: Up to 20+ bends per part with CNC press brake automation
  • Hemming & Seaming: Edge folding for stiffness, safety, aesthetics
  • Z-Bends, U-Channels, Box Sections: Standard formed shapes, no extra cost
  • Springback Compensation: Automated angle correction for material memory

Cutting Capabilities - Laser vs Waterjet

  • Laser: Faster, narrower kerf (0.1-0.3mm), cleaner edges, limited to conductive materials
  • Waterjet: Thicker materials (up to 150mm), no heat-affected zone, cuts any material
  • Laser Edge Quality: Smooth, oxide-free (nitrogen assist), slight heat tint (oxygen assist)
  • Waterjet Edge Quality: Slightly rougher, no thermal distortion, ideal for thick plates
  • Engraving: Laser can engrave logos, serial numbers, markings (waterjet cannot)
  • Speed: Laser 3-10× faster than waterjet for thin sheets (<6mm)

Welding & Joining Techniques

  • TIG (GTAW): Precision welding for stainless steel, aluminum, thin sheets (0.5-3mm)
  • MIG (GMAW): Fast production welding for steel, thicker sections (3-12mm)
  • Spot Welding: Rapid joining of overlapping sheets, ideal for high-volume production
  • Seam Welding: Continuous leak-proof welds for tanks, enclosures, pressure vessels
  • Weld Finishing: Grinding flush, polishing, passivation for invisible/smooth joints
  • Hardware Insertion: PEM nuts, standoffs, captive screws, rivets, threaded inserts
  • Adhesive Bonding: Structural adhesives for hybrid joints, vibration damping

Surface Finishing Options

  • Powder Coating: 60-120µm thick, any RAL/Pantone color, smooth or textured, UV-resistant
  • Anodizing (Aluminum): Type II 5-25µm (decorative), Type III 25-100µm (hard coat), clear/color
  • Electroplating: Zinc (corrosion), Nickel (wear), Chrome (decorative), Gold/Silver (electrical)
  • Wet Paint: Liquid enamel, epoxy, polyurethane, custom color matching
  • Brushed/Satin Finish: Directional grain, aesthetic appeal, hides minor scratches
  • Polishing: Mirror finish, buffed to Ra 0.2-0.4µm for decorative applications
  • Passivation: Stainless steel chemical treatment for corrosion resistance (ASTM A967)

Sheet Metal Materials Available

Partwork stocks a comprehensive range of sheet metal materials in standard thicknesses and sheet sizes for immediate fabrication without material lead times.

Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys — Lightweight & Corrosion Resistant

  • 5052-H32 Aluminum: Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, marine-grade, non-heat-treatable
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum: Structural grade, weldable, heat-treatable, good strength-to-weight ratio
  • 3003-H14 Aluminum: General purpose, excellent formability, good corrosion resistance
  • 1100 Aluminum: Commercially pure, highly formable, excellent corrosion resistance, electrical/thermal conductivity
  • Standard Thickness: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 10.0mm
  • Applications: Enclosures, panels, heat sinks, aerospace components, marine hardware, lightweight brackets

Steel & Mild Steel — High Strength & Weldability

  • CRCA (Cold Rolled Close Annealed): Smooth finish, excellent formability, precise thickness tolerance
  • HRPO (Hot Rolled Pickled & Oiled): Cost-effective, slightly rougher surface, good for structural parts
  • Galvanized Steel: Zinc-coated for corrosion resistance, indoor/outdoor applications
  • Pre-Painted Steel (PPGI): Factory color coating, no post-painting required, architectural panels
  • Standard Thickness: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 10.0mm, 12.0mm
  • Applications: Structural brackets, chassis, cabinets, machine guards, automotive parts, general fabrication

Stainless Steel — Corrosion Resistance & Hygiene

  • 304 Stainless Steel (18-8): Most common, excellent corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, food-grade
  • 316/316L Stainless Steel: Marine-grade, superior corrosion resistance (chloride environments), medical-grade
  • 430 Stainless Steel: Ferritic, magnetic, lower cost than 304, moderate corrosion resistance
  • Standard Finish: 2B (smooth, matte), BA (bright annealed), #4 brushed, mirror polish
  • Standard Thickness: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm
  • Applications: Food processing, medical equipment, chemical processing, marine, architectural, hygienic enclosures

Copper & Brass — Electrical & Decorative

  • Copper C110 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch): High electrical/thermal conductivity, excellent formability
  • Brass C260 (Cartridge Brass): Good formability, corrosion resistance, decorative appearance
  • Brass C360 (Free-Cutting Brass): Excellent machinability (for hybrid fabrication + machining)
  • Standard Thickness: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm
  • Applications: Electrical busbars, grounding plates, EMI shielding, decorative panels, architectural trim

Specialty Materials

  • Titanium Grade 2/5: Aerospace, medical, high strength-to-weight (waterjet cutting recommended)
  • Corten Steel (Weathering Steel): Rust patina finish, architectural applications, outdoor sculptures
  • Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP): Lightweight sandwich panels, signage, cladding
  • Perforated Sheets: Pre-perforated aluminum/steel, ventilation grilles, acoustic panels
  • Expanded Metal: Mesh-like structure, walkways, guards, filtration
  • Note: Specialty materials available on request with 3-5 day lead time

Material certifications (mill certs, material test reports) provided on request. RoHS, REACH compliant materials stocked. Custom alloys sourced within 5-7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for sheet metal fabrication process selection and execution.

What is the minimum and maximum sheet metal thickness you can fabricate?

Minimum thickness: 0.5mm (laser cutting and bending possible but requires careful handling). Maximum thickness: 25mm for laser cutting (steel/stainless), 12mm for CNC bending, 150mm for waterjet cutting. Most common range: 0.8mm to 6.0mm for enclosures and brackets. Thicker materials (>12mm) are typically plasma cut or waterjet cut, then welded rather than bent.

What file formats do you accept for sheet metal quotes?

We accept DXF, DWG (2D CAD for laser cutting), STEP, STP, IGES (3D CAD for bending), and STL files. For laser cutting only, DXF/DWG with closed polylines is preferred. For parts with bends, upload STEP files - our system auto-generates flat patterns and detects bend lines. Native CAD files (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360) also accepted.

How do you calculate the cost of sheet metal parts?

Cost = (Material cost + Cutting time + Bending time + Welding time + Finishing cost). Laser cutting cost is based on cutting length and material thickness. Bending cost depends on number of bends and part complexity. Welding is priced per linear inch or per joint. Finishing (powder coating, anodizing) is per part or per m². Our instant quoting engine calculates all this automatically when you upload files.

What tolerances can sheet metal fabrication achieve?

Laser cutting: ±0.1mm positional accuracy. CNC bending: ±0.5mm on bend position (±0.2mm with compensation), ±0.5° on bend angle (±0.25° with measurement). Hole-to-hole spacing: ±0.1mm (laser cut before bending). Overall part dimensions: ±0.5mm to ±1.0mm depending on size and complexity. Tighter tolerances achievable with post-machining or grinding.

Can you weld different metals together (e.g., aluminum to steel)?

Generally no - welding dissimilar metals (aluminum to steel, copper to stainless) is not recommended due to galvanic corrosion and vastly different melting points. However, we can join dissimilar metals using mechanical fasteners (rivets, bolts, PEM hardware), adhesive bonding, or transition pieces. For specific applications, explosion welding or friction stir welding may be possible (consult our engineering team).

What is the minimum bend radius for sheet metal?

Minimum inside bend radius = 1× material thickness (e.g., 2mm radius for 2mm thick steel). However, 1.5-2× material thickness is recommended to prevent cracking, especially on stainless steel and aluminum. Tighter radii possible with annealing or coining, but this adds cost. Bend radius affects flat pattern length (bend allowance), so specify radius in drawings for accurate quoting.

How long does sheet metal fabrication take?

Lead times: Laser cutting only (flat parts): 2-3 days. Laser cutting + bending: 3-5 days. Laser + bending + welding: 5-7 days. Adding powder coating/anodizing: +3-5 days. Production batches (50-500 parts): 7-14 days. Same-day laser cutting available for simple flat parts ordered before 10 AM (subject to machine availability).

What is the difference between laser cutting and waterjet cutting?

Laser: Faster (3-10× speed), narrower kerf (0.1-0.3mm), cleaner edges, limited to conductive materials (metals), heat-affected zone, max ~25mm thick. Waterjet: Cuts any material (metal, plastic, glass, stone), no heat (cold cutting), thicker materials (up to 150mm), wider kerf (0.3-0.8mm), slower. Use laser for metals <20mm. Use waterjet for thick plates, titanium, heat-sensitive materials, or non-metals.

Can you make enclosures with welded corners and seamless edges?

Yes. We fabricate fully welded enclosures with TIG or MIG welding, then grind welds flush for seamless appearance. For highest aesthetic quality, we recommend hemmed edges (folded 180° for safety and stiffness) or continuous seam welds ground and polished smooth. Welded enclosures are then powder coated or painted to hide weld marks completely. Provide 3D CAD models for accurate assembly quoting.

What finishing options are available for sheet metal parts?

Powder coating (any RAL/Pantone color, smooth or textured, 60-120µm), anodizing (aluminum only, Type II decorative or Type III hard coat), electroplating (zinc, nickel, chrome, gold), wet painting (enamel, epoxy), passivation (stainless steel), brushing/polishing (satin, mirror finish), e-coating (automotive-grade corrosion protection). Most popular: powder coating for steel, anodizing for aluminum.

Do you provide material certifications and inspection reports?

Yes. Material mill certs (chemical composition, mechanical properties) provided on request for aerospace, medical, and critical applications. First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), dimensional inspection reports, weld inspection reports available for production batches. We maintain full traceability for AS9100 and ISO 9001 compliance.

Can you insert hardware (nuts, standoffs, rivets) during fabrication?

Yes. We install PEM nuts, PEM standoffs, PEM studs, threaded inserts, rivets, and other hardware during fabrication. This is much faster and stronger than welding nuts or tapping threads in thin sheet metal. Specify hardware type and location in your CAD model or drawings. Hardware cost included in quote. Common PEM sizes (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8) stocked for fast turnaround.

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