KDM Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

KDM Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

Are you in need of a manufacturer that can deliver your desired custom sheet metal fabrication services within the budget that you have set? Don’t go far! KDM is the right choice. Make the right and wise investment with every fabricated metal, component or feature that your business required.

KDM Custom sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing procedure where pieces are generated by detaching material from sheets. We transform flat sheets of sheet or aluminum into metal structures used in a variety of applications.

With custom sheet metal fabrication, you can decide on the right product you obtain. Custom sheet metal fabrication here in KDM requires cutting materials in a particular way to exceed the needs of every customer.

KDM can bend, stretch, or cut sheet metal into almost a piece of shape by burning or cutting it. These methods will be utilized to design your custom fabricated metalwork. Perfect fabrication increases the durability and versatility of the metal being employ, making it suitable for a wider range of applications. So, what are you waiting for? No need to go further.

We can also design and create custom sheet metal that’s lightweight. That`s why you can ensure that your customers will feel comfortable using it. Choose a sheet metal that suits your needs and budget.

One of the biggest advantages of using a sheet metal product that has been customized for your specific application is that this assures that it is built to endure the stresses of your applications. Plus, it can increase function life, increases process efficiency and are compatible with your component solutions.

KDM produced sheet metal baskets or other products with the generalized standards. In a customized metal process, the sheet metal will be manufactured from different materials that are particularly resistant to the temperatures, chemicals, and forces related to your process.

You can make many things from custom sheet metal fabrication. Things such as electronic enclosures, jewelry, models, signs, art, toys, robots, lighting, office items, housewares, kitchen products, and whatever other extraordinary design and ideas you can dream up utilizing our KDM custom sheet metal parts.

In China, KDM is one of the leading manufacturers of custom‐engineered products from steel wire and sheet metal. These are industrial raw material handling enclosures that serve many industries including defense, aerospace, medical, etc. KDM is a manufacturer with a cost-efficient manner and used high-quality long-lasting materials in fabrications.

You can trust KDM. We acquired all necessary international standards such as ISO 9001, CE, UL, and more. In short, KDM for more than 10 years of expertise is an expert on manufacturing your custom sheet metal fabrications.

We can provide your needs even you’re a supplier, distributor, or a custom factory. Execute something different for you, to your customers, and to their customers. The success of your business will definitely 100% possible.

For more details about KDM custom sheet metal fabrication, please feel free to contact our friendly and professional team. We are happy to serve you 24/7.

The Complete FAQ Guide to Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication Process?

It is a broad term referring to various manufacturing processes you can use to manipulate or transform sheet metal into a useful product or structure.

Normally, it is these manufacturing processes that we call fabrication techniques.

The fabrication techniques include cutting sheet metal, bending sheet metal, shrinking sheet metal, assembling sheet metal, etc.

Sheet metal fabrication

Resources:

• Fabrication and Welding Engineering Handbook
• Sheet Metal Fabrication

Machining vs. Fabrication – What’s the Difference?

First, machining is a subset of metal fabrication operations.

However, machining is a more specific process, which refers to subtractive operations in the metal fabrication industry.

Meaning, it is the cutting away or removing material from the workpiece (main material), using different techniques such as grinding, cutting, drilling, etc.

For example, laser cutting sheet metal is a machining technique:

Resources:

• Sheet Metal Operations
• Sheet Metal Cutting

What are the Benefits of Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

The main benefits include:

• Ability to make virtually anything, from unique designs to sizes, ranging from small to large products.
• An effective way of controlling quality, from dimensional tolerance, design to shape
• Cost effective since the final product meets the specific requirements of your applications. There will be no further adjustments needed.
• You have a say over the entire fabrication process since you will be working with a team from the custom sheet metal fabrication company
• With your team working closely with the custom sheet metal fabrication company, the job can be done faster
• Increases product usefulness and durability – the sheet metal will be fabricated to meet your unique environment and working conditions, such as temperature, chemicals, stress, vibrations, etc.
• Increases efficiency and productivity – through custom sheet metal fabrication, you can optimize your design, making them compatible and suitable for your specific needs. This will increase efficiency and productivity.

How do Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?

Step 1: Define the type of product you want to fabricate – clearly state every aspect of the product you need. It should include the type of material, design, structure, type of finish, etc.

Step 2: Identify and hire a custom sheet metal fabrication company. It should be based on their sheet metal fabrication capability, experience, expertise, customer support, and reputation.

Step 3: Developing technical drawing and listing requirements for custom sheet metal fabrication

Step 4: Prototyping – making the first sample for you to check and verify whether they conform to your requirements.

Step 5: Mass sheet metal fabrication and finishing operations

Step 6: Quality inspection and verification

Step 7: Shipping finished parts or structures.

What is Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication?

It is the use of modern and computerized manufacturing capabilities to transform a metal sheet into a useful end product accurately.

Here, the precision sheet metal fabricating companies use CAM/CAD software for design, then incorporate computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) in the fabrication process.

Furthermore, it also involves the use of modern finishing and quality testing operations.

With precision sheet metal fabrication, a manufacturer can achieve tight tolerances.

Resources:

• Numerical Control
• Download CAM/CAD Software

What are the Main Products of Sheet Metal Fabrication?

You can make thousands of products through sheet metal fabrication such as:

Sheet metal fabrication products

i. Metal tank

ii. Machine parts

iii. Ventilation systems

iv. Metal mailbox

v. Electrical enclosure

vi. Metal cabinet

vii. Portable shops

viii. Electronic parts, etc.

Which Types of Sheet Metals are Available for Fabrication?

i. Stainless steel sheet metal – comes in different grades such as 304, 316, 410, 430, etc.

ii. Aluminum sheet metal – available grades include 1100-H14, 3003-H14, 5052-H32, and 6061-T6.

iii. Copper sheet metal

iv. Brass sheet metal

As you can see, the above classification is based on the type of material.

Again, the type of sheet can be classified depending on specific requirements.

Furthermore, you can classify these metals depending on the manufacturing process.

For instance, you can have corrugated sheet metal, galvanized sheet metal, cold rolled sheet metal, hot rolled sheet metal, etc.

Resources:

• Sheet Metal
• Types of Sheet Metal & Their Uses

What is the Best Metal Fabrication Design Software?

Choosing a specific metal fabrication design software will depend on your preference.

For instance, if you want automatic bend calculations, SolidWorks can be a perfect choice.

https://youtu.be/pUgPjj3RjJo

Still, you can consider the following:

1. SolidWorks
2. CAD/CAM
3. FabCAD
4. IntelliCAD
5. IRONCAD
6. Rhinoceros 3D
7. SolveSpace
8. DesignSpark Mechanical, and many others

What are the Design Considerations in Sheet Metal Fabrication Process?

i. Type of product you want to fabricate, such as electrical enclosure, letterbox, tanks, etc

ii. Metal sheet fabrication technique, it can be bending, welding, cutting, etc.

iii. Type of material

iv. Chemical and physical properties of the material

v. Sheet metal fabrication machinery and equipment

vi. Technical drawing for product to fabricate

vii. Dimensions such as bending radius, minimum flange width, wall thickness, etc.

viii. Tolerance

ix. Finishing operations such as painting, galvanizing, etc.

x. Compliance with set quality standards

What is DFM (Design for Manufacturability)?

It is where the metal sheet fabrication team, together with the client, examine the part design, manufacturing capability, and resources, to ensure the manufacturing will be cost effective and efficient.

Of course, it also takes account of the production needs (quantity), conforming set quality standards and clients requirements.  Therefore, it examines:

• Part specifications
• Quality compliance
• Material type
• Environmental compliance
• Quality testing compliance

Sheet Metal Fabrication Tolerance; Why is it Important?

It ensures that parts you fabricate parts fit and function properly.

Mostly, people use it to illustrate the quality of custom sheet metal fabrication process.

Please note: Tighter tolerances makes custom metal sheet fabrication more challenging hence, may require more advanced machine and equipment.

Besides, it may increase the cost of the sheet metal fabrication process.

Also, a single part that requires more fabrication cycles may compromise tolerance.

Therefore, it requires a strict and meticulous custom sheet metal fabrication procedure.

Moreover, in custom sheet metal fabrication, the tolerances mainly focus on:

1. Thickness of the metal sheet tolerance
2. Dimension range tolerance
3. Edge to edge tolerance
4. Hole to hole tolerance
5. Edge to hole tolerance
6. Edge or hole to bend tolerance
7. Bend to bend tolerance
8. Angular tolerance, etc.

Resources:

• Metal Fabrication Tolerance Guide
• Metal Fabrication Standards

What are Sheet Metal Fabrication Safety Procedures?

In sheet metal fabrication, the safety procedures must focus on the following key aspects:

1. Safety of the technician, engineers, worker, or any person within the fabrication environment. You must wear all protective safety gear.

Welding safety gear – Photo courtesy: Policaros arc welding

2. Safety of the fabrication machine or equipment – you must follow the correct operation procedure, handling mechanism, etc.

3. Safety of the workpiece and fabricated part

4. Safety of metal fabrication workshop

Resources:

• Workshop Safety
• Machine Safety
• Guide to Safety in the Metal Fabrication Industry

How Can You Choose Sheet Metal Cutting Technique?

You should consider the following before cutting sheet metals:

1. Know the thickness of sheet metal

Sheet Metal Cutting Technique	Average Metal Sheet Thickness in inches (″)
Laser cutting sheet metal	< 0.080
Oxyfuel cutting	> 8
Plasma cutting	< 0.125

https://youtu.be/ajwYtXSwRqM

i. Type of metal sheet you want to cut

ii. Quality of the cut surface – for instance, plasma cutting produce better finishing

iii. Design of the cut – cutting complex metal sheet parts will require an advanced machine

iv. Cost – will you get the value for your money?

Remember, you can choose from laser cutting sheet metal, plasma cutting sheet metal, water jet cutting sheet metal, punching sheet metal, shearing sheet metal, and blanking sheet metal, among other processes.

Resources:

• Sheet Metal Cutting
• Ways of Cutting Sheet Metals

What are the Capabilities of Sheet Metal Laser Cutting?

Sheet metal laser cutting technique is suitable for:

i. Precise metal sheet cutting

iii. Cutting complex shapes and sizes

iii. Thickness of sheet metal will depend on the cutting power of the sheet metal

Laser cutting sheet metal

Of course, the good thing with the laser cutting machine is that you can set it to achieve virtually unlimited cutting options.

Even with that, pay attention to the following for a specific laser cutting machine configuration:

• Maximum sheet metal thickness
• Cutting head position tolerance
• Type of material
• Cutting pattern and software
• Power supply specifications

Resources:

• Understanding Laser Cutting Technology

When Can You Use Punching Press for Sheet Metal?

You can use punching press to make holes or indents in sheet metal.

Of course, you will need the right punch and dies, which is the primary tool system for the punching press.

Resources:

• Sheet Metal Fabrication on Modern Punching Press

What is Photo-chemical Machining?

It is a sheet metal fabrication technique that uses chemical etchants and photoresist to mill sheet metal surface chemically.

The process does not interfere with the mechanical properties of the sheet metal, and the part does not require further processing.

Photo-chemical machining (PCM), is also called photo-etching or photomechanical milling.

Resources:

• Photochemical Machining
• Photomechanical Milling

What is Sheet Metal Laser Cutting?

It is the process of using a laser machine to cut sheet metal into desired shapes.

With laser cutting sheet metal, you can achieve precise designs and cut complex shapes easily.

Laser cutting steel sheet

Resources:

• Laser Cutting Machine

How do you Calculate Sheet Metal Bending Allowance (BA)?

Whenever you are bending a metal sheet, there will is a neutral axis that lies between any two bend lines.

That is what we call the bending allowance (BA).

Bend allowance – Photo courtesy: CustomPartNet

The formula for calculating bend allowance is:

Bend Allowance – Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Where;

• BA is bending allowance
• A is bend angle
• R is bend radius of the inner section
• K is the distance between the neutral line and inside face divided by material thickness

Resources:

• Bending in Metal Work
• Bending Allowance

What is K-factor in Sheet Metal Bending Fabrication Technique?

K-factor is the neutral axis divided by the sheet metal thickness, where the neutral axis is the distance between the inside face and the neutral line.

Resources:

• Metal Fabrication Formulas and Functions

What are the Defects in Drawn Sheet Metal Parts?

Common defects may include surface scratches, wrinkling, tearing, and earing.

Of course, there could be other defects, but these four are the most common.

What’s the Difference in TIG and MIG Welding?

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG Welding)	Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG Welding)
Uses non-consumable electrode	Uses consumable electrode
The electrode is tungsten, alongside other alloys	An electrode made from any suitable element
Welding requires experience	Simple welding technique
Low filler deposition rate	Fast filler deposition rate
Best for thin metal sheet	Suitable for thick metal sheet
More expensive	Less costly
Suitable for a beautiful and clean finish	It produces a better finish, but not as TIG

Resources:

• MIG Welding
• TIG Welding

What’s the Best Welding Technique for Metal Sheet Fabrication?

Depending on the type of metal, desired surface finish, welder’s experience, sheet metal specifications, and budget, you can choose any of the following:

• Gas welding (oxy-acetylene)
• MIG welding
• TIG welding

Resources:

• MIG and TIG Metal Sheet Welding Tips
• Oxyacetylene Gas Welding

Can you Prevent Weld Distortion in Sheet Metals?

Yes, you can.

But you must have an in-depth understanding of what causes weld distortion.

Besides, you need to master the welding technique you’re using.

Remember, the expansion (due to heating) and contraction (due to cooling) cycles, causes the weld distortions.

Depending on the situation at hand, you can prevent weld distortions by:

Weld distortion – Photo Courtesy: Metal Arts Press

i. Avoiding over welding

ii. Adoptingthe intermittent welding technique

iii. Welds should be in neutral axis and balance it around this axis

iv. Few weld passes can prevent distortion

v. Trying back step welding technique

vi. Reducing welding time

vii. Preparing well for the welding sequences

viii. Peening and thermal stress relieving will prevent shrinkage

ix. Adopting strongback and water-cooled jig techniques

Resources:

• Controlling Distortion in Welding
• Weld Distortion

What is Sheet Metal Hemming and Seaming?

It is a custom sheet metal fabrication technique where you will roll the edge of a metal sheet onto itself.

You can use it to hide rough edges or reinforce the edge of the sheet metal.

Hems and seams

Resources:

• Hemming and Seaming

What is Deep Drawing Metal Sheet?

It is the process of applying a reasonable threshold of mechanical force on a punch, thereby drawing metal sheet in a die with a preformed shape.

Resources:

• Deep Drawing
• Deep Drawing of Sheet Metal

What is Sheet Metal Hydroforming?

Hydroforming technique uses a flexible diaphragm subjected to pressurized hydraulic fluid, thereby shaping metal sheet against tooling, to form various geometrical shapes and designs.

Resources:

• Hydroforming Technique

Punching Sheet Metal vs. Blanking Sheet Metal; What’s the Difference?

Both sheet metal punching and sheet metal blanking involve removing some sections of the metal.

However, the difference is:

• Sheet metal blanking – the section removed from the large metal sheet will be the final product.

Sheet metal blanking – Photo courtesy: SMLEASE

• Sheet metal punching – the final product is the large metal sheet from which a small section or part has been removed.

Sheet metal punching – Photo courtesy: SMLEASE

Resources:

• Difference Between Metal Piercing, Punching and Blanking
• Punching and Blanking Processes
• Sheet Metal Shearing

How Does Sheet Metal Spinning Work?

Spinning is a fabrication technique where you can make cylindrical and circular parts from flat metal.

In this sheet metal cold working technique, you will form the shapes over a rotating mandrel about a predetermined axis.

Metal spinning -Photo courtesy: Research gate

Resources:

• Metal Spinning
• Metal Spinning Process

When Can You Use Single and Progressive Sheet Metal Stamping?

Stamping is a sheet metal fabrication technique where you use die to convert a flat sheet into various shapes.

A single sheet metal stamping technique involves only one processing technique.

However, progressive sheet metal stamping involves the use of a series of press techniques to get a suitable shape.

It may involve coining, punching, embossing, etc.

Metal stamped door part

Resources:

• Sheet Metal Stamping
• Metal Stamping Technique

Electro-Galvanized vs. Hot Dipped Galvanized; What’s the Difference?

Electro galvanized, also referred to as electroplating; is the process of adding zinc layer to a metal surface such as steel sheet.

Here, the process depends on electrodeposition.

In electro galvanized technique, it is easier to control the zinc layer.

Therefore, the process is accurate.

Hot dip galvanizing is the processes of immersing already fabricated sheet metal component in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of 449 °C.

With a hot dip galvanizing process, the entire surface is covered, making it corrosion resistant.

Hot dip galvanizing process -Photo courtesy: Research gate

Electro galvanizing process – Photo courtesy: Azom

Resources:

• Electro-Galvanized vs. Hot Dip Galvanized
• Electroplating
• Hot Dip Galvanization

Powder Coating or Liquid Painting; Which one Should You Choose?

Whether to choose powder coating or liquid coating will depend on the nature custom sheet metal fabrication at hand.

Powder coating – it involves the use of electrostatic principle to apply the powder paint.

Liquid painting – here, you will use pressurized paint applicant to deposit paint on the surface.

Whether to choose powder coating or liquid painting will depend on the following advantages and disadvantages.

Powder Coating Technology
Advantages	Disadvantages
· Coating is tough · Ensures a thick finish · Durable than most paints · Fast, easy and efficient coating since you’ll only need a single coat · It is easier to achieve custom color and texture finish · Produces minimal VOC hence, eco-friendly	· Producing thin finish is virtually impossible · The production process is complex · Relatively expensive for small scale use
Liquid Painting
Advantages	Disadvantages
· Best for parts that cannot be heated · Allows for custom surfaces · Ability to produce a thin finish	· Not durable like the powder coating · Requires repeated painting to achieve even finish

What are the Benefits of Sheet Metal Sand Blasting?

• It is an affordable sheet metal finishing operation
• Cleans surfaces better and faster
• Effectively prepares sheet metal part surfaces for additional finishing operations
• An easy process, as long as you have the right sandblasting accessories
• Environmentally friendly

Resources:

• Abrasive Sandblasting
• Types of Sandblasting Techniques

What are the Benefits of Sheet Metal Polishing?

• Produces easy to clean surface
• Aesthetically pleasing surface finish
• Improves the durability of the sheet metal surface
• Produces high gloss surface finish
• Acts as metal surface beautification

Resources:

• Metal Polishing

What’s the Difference Between Coating and Plating Sheet Metal?

Plating is the process of depositing protective substrates of metals on fabricated parts.

Depending on the nature of the process, you can choose sputter deposition, electroplating, or vapor deposition.

Remember, plating is also a process of coating metal surface.

For other processes like painting or powder coating, you focus on applying non-metallic substances.

So, you have to specify the type of sheet metal coating technique you need – it can be plating, powder coating, or painting.

Resources:

• Plating
• How Metal Plating Works

What is the ASTM Standard Practice for Metal Fabrication?

1. ASTM metal coating standards
2. ASTM welding standards
3. ASTM standard for testing coating powders
4. ASTM steel standards
5. ASTM standard for galvanization
6. ASTM standards for electroplating

Please visit ASTM International, to explore various standards on sheet metal fabrication.

Why is ISO Certification Important in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

It ensures that the custom sheet metal fabricator makes components or products that meet the specific needs of customers.

Besides, it affirms that the company forms the international acceptable manufacturing standards.

You can visit the official website to learn more: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Are there Material Testing Standards for Sheet Metals?

Quality control in custom sheet metal fabrication starts from testing the quality of the raw material.

The sheet metal testing machines examine the physical and chemical properties of sheet metals.

Of course, the testing procedure will depend on the metal fabrication technique and finishing operations.

Normally, the sheet material testing standards are stipulated by the European Norms/European Standard (EN), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), just to mention a few.

Can you Recommend Acceptable Sheet Metal Testing Methods?

Normally, the testing method will depend on the type of custom sheet metal fabrication technique.

Some of the most common tests include:

• Erichsen cupping tests (EN ISO 20482
• Forming limit curve test
• Hole expansion test
• Sheet metal square cup tests

Choose a testing machine that can determine the mechanical and physical properties of the sheet metals.

Resources:

• Sheet Metal Testing Challenges

Why Work with KDM Steel in Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?

1. 2D and 3D drawings will be ready within a day
2. KDM Steel makes samples within 3 days
3. Ability to customize electrical enclosures, metal cabinet, mailbox, etc.
4. An ISO 9001 Certified custom sheet metal fabricator
5. Over 10 years of manufacturing experience
6. Trained and experienced engineers, technicians and support team
7. 24/7 online support to help you
8. Ultramodern sheet metal fabrication machines and testing equipment
9. A range of custom sheet metal fabrication capability such as casting, forging, plating, polishing, etc.

How Fast will KDM Steel Finish Your Custom Fabricated Metal Sheet Parts?

You will get the CAD drawing within a day.

KDM steel will send you a sample within three days.

From here, the lead time will depend on the quantity of your order.

You can contact KDM Steel technical support who are available 24/7.

KDM Steel guarantees short lead time on all custom fabricated steel metal parts.