Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
- From Rapid Prototypes to Production
- Fast Global Shipping
Metal Materials & Alloys
Tight Tolerance Capability
9001:2015 Certified
RPProto is your trusted partner for custom sheet metal fabrication in China. RpProto provides rapid sheet metal fabrication services to customers worldwide at low prices, from 1 prototype to 1000+ parts production. Our services include bending, punching, cutting standard gauge metal, etc. Common materials include aluminum, stainless steel, brass, etc.
While RpProto provides high-quality parts, the price is more than 30% lower than that of Europe and the United States. Our clients are in almost all industries, like automotive, medical devices, aerospace, electronics, energy, etc. We can help you manufacture 1000+ parts and enable you to take your product to market in a short time.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping available to US, EU, UK, Australia, and 80+ countries.
Your Trusted Sheet Metal Fabrication Company
Fastest Turnaround Times
Prototypes in as fast as 1 day. Standard production orders in 3–5 business days. Rush service available. We understand your project can't wait.
Precision Sheet Metal Fabricating
Our precise sheet metal fabrication achieves tolerances as tight as ±0.005" using state-of-the-art laser cutting and CNC press brakes.
Prototype to Production
Start with a single sheet metal prototype and scale seamlessly to thousands of units. No minimum order quantities on prototypes.
Full-Service Capabilities
Cutting, bending, punching, welding, hardware insertion, powder coating, and assembly — all under one roof.
Global Service, Local Reliability
Looking for sheet metal fabrication near you? RPProto serves engineers and procurement teams worldwide with dedicated account managers, real-time order tracking, and DDP shipping to your door — giving you the responsiveness of a local sheet metal fabrication company with the capacity of a global manufacturer.
Quality Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management
First Article Inspection (FAI) Available
Full Material Traceability & Certs
100% Part Dimensional Inspection
Precision Fabrication Processes
Every custom sheet metal fabrication service you need — from the first cut to final assembly — delivered with engineering precision.
Laser Cutting
Learn More
It is suitable for medium-thin sheets of material.
- Can engrave and part mark using its depth control functionality
- Smooth surface, no residual burrs
- Small deformation
- Tolerances: 0.05 mm (0.002 in)
- Mt. Thickness: 0.30-1.02 mm (0.12-0.4 in)
CNC Bending & Forming
Multi-axis CNC press brakes with automatic back-gauging for complex sheet metal forming. Handles aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel. Part lengths up to 3m, angle accuracy ±0.5°.
CNC Punching
High-speed CNC punch press for high-volume hole patterns, embossing, louvers, and knockouts. Cost-effective for repeated features across large batches of sheet metal fabrication products.
Welding & Assembly
MIG, TIG, and robotic welding for structural and cosmetic applications. Stainless steel food-grade welding, aluminum TIG finishing, and full sub-assembly for enclosures and frames.
Hardware Insertion
Press-in PEM inserts, standoffs, studs, and nuts installed to manufacturer spec. Blind and through-hole thread inserts for reliable fastener retention in thin sheet metal parts.
Deburring & Finishing
Automated and manual deburring to remove sharp edges. Brushing, bead blasting, anodizing, chrome plating, and passivation all available as post-process finishing options.
Sheet Metal Materials We Work With
Choose from a comprehensive library of metals for your custom sheet metal fabrication project.
There are a lot of considerations to make when choosing a suitable material. These are some: price, elongation at break (ductility), tensile strength, resistance to corrosion.
Not sure which alloy suits your application? Select suitable materials by our Sheet Metal Materials Selector Or contact our engineers.
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Mild Steel
Galvanized Steel
Copper
Brass
Titanium
Post-Process Finishing Options
Enhance appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability with our comprehensive range of finishing options for sheet metal fabrication products. You can select the best finish based on your needs and the characteristics of the material you use.
Below is a comparison of the most prevalent finishes and how they apply to sheet metal parts. For more general descriptions, information on roughness, color options, grit, etc., and images of each of these finishes, check out this page on surface finishes.
Powder Coating
Durable, uniform finish. RAL colors. Gloss, matte, and texture options.
It electrostatically applies a dry powder—typically a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer—to the metal surface.
It adds a decorative and protective layer to all metals, and Increase corrosion resistance; All metals are compatible;
Anodizing
Hard-coat and Type II anodizing for aluminum. It creates a corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant layer.
It can improve aesthetic appeal on aluminum, adds the material a smooth, matte texture, durable & good looking;
It can be applied easily to internal cavities and small parts; A wide range of colors is available.
Bead Blasting
Uniform matte texture by propelling glass beads. Removes surface defects.
Glass beads or other abrasives shoot on the part at high-speed. It gives the part surface a smooth, matte appearance.
It is used mainly for visual purposes and to prepare surfaces for other coatings. We can combine it with anodizing.
Brushing
Directional grain finish for stainless steel. Common for industrial and cosmetic parts.
Brushing makes a unidirectional satin finish by polishing the metal with grit.
It eliminate machine marks and it is mainly used for visual purposes.
Chrome Plating
Decorative and functional chrome for automotive and industrial applications.
Put parts in a chemical bath to form a corrosion-resistant conductive coating.
It is best for functional parts, not for decorative use, since abrasion resistance is low.
Zinc Plating
Electrolytic zinc for steel parts. Improves corrosion and wear resistance.
Passivation
Chemical treatment for stainless steel. Removes free iron, maximizes corrosion resistance.
Liquid Painting
Spray painting and epoxy coatings for complex shapes and multi-layer finishes.
Common Sheet Metal Fabrication Products
Precision Sheet Metal for Every Industry
Sheet metal products have the characteristics of lightweight, high strength, electrical conductivity, low cost, and good mass production performance. For example, in computer cases, mobile phones, sheet metal is an essential component. They are also used in manufacturing medical devices, car and truck (van) bodies, aircraft fuselages and wings, medical tables, building roofs (architecture), and many other applications. RPProto serves demanding industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
Body panels, brackets, exhaust shields, battery enclosures, and structural components for OEM and aftermarket automotive sheet metal fabrication.
Aerospace & Defense
ITAR-compliant precision sheet metal parts. Tight tolerances, traceability, and certified material documentation for airframe and avionics applications.
FDA-compliant sheet metal enclosures and housings in medical-grade stainless steel. Cleanroom-compatible fabrication available.
Electronics & Tech
EMI shields, server chassis, PCB enclosures, and precision sheet metal fabrication products for consumer electronics and data center equipment.
Energy & Power
Solar panel mounting systems, power distribution enclosures, transformer housings, and structural components for renewable energy infrastructure.
Industrial & Construction
Machine guards, frames, access panels, and structural fabrications for factories, heavy equipment, and commercial construction applications.
Robotics & Automation
Precise end-effectors, sensor mounts, robot frames, and custom aluminum sheet metal fabrication for automation and cobotic systems.
Consumer Products
Retail displays, appliance housings, lighting fixtures, and custom metal sheet fabrication for consumer brands across global markets.
Forming Sheet Metal
The bending of sheet metal refers to the process of changing the angle of the sheet or plate. Such as bending the sheet into a V shape, U shape, etc. In general, there are two methods for sheet metal bending: the first is die bending. We use it for sheet metal structures with complex structures, small volumes, and large-scale processing. The second method is bending machine bending. It is suitable for processing sheet metal structures with relatively large structure sizes or small output. These two bending methods have their characteristics and applicability.
RpProto offers sheet metal bending services. We use V-shaped dies, U-shape dies, etc.
Hemming is the process of folding the sheet metal in on itself, resulting in a rounded exposed edge.
To hem sheet metal, we bend and bottom a piece of sheet metal in a V-die first, then flatten the hem in a flattening die.
Curling creates a rounded edge that encapsulates the sheet metal’s rough edge. We also use it in hinged applications.
To curl a sheet metal, we press a piece of material into a circular die in two locations and then close it together with a circular punch.
Rolling sheet metal transforms a thicker piece of metal into a thinner sheet by compressing it using hydraulically powered rollers.
We use more rollers with variable geometries and distances from each other to shape the material into various forms.
Roll forming makes long, complicated geometries.
Roll shaping involves passing a long piece of sheet metal through a series of roll dies that bend the sheet stock into increasingly complex shapes.
We place a disc or cylinder of sheet metal on a lathe’s mandrel, and a roller tool molds the sheet to the mandrel shape.
Traditional spinning maintains a consistent wall thickness, but the completed item is smaller in diameter than the blank.
Shear spinning maintains the same outside diameter between the blank and the completed item, but it reduces the wall thickness.
Deep drawing is similar to shear punching, except there is greater room between the punch and the die, which determines the drawn section’s eventual wall thickness.
The punch will have a radius rather than a sharp edge to avoid marring the sheet metal. A die keeps the portion in place and uses the punch to stretch and mold the sheet metal between the punch and the die.
Get an Instant Quote for Your Custom Sheet Metal Parts
Upload your CAD files for an instant online sheet metal fabrication quote. No sales calls, no waiting — just fast, accurate pricing for custom sheet metal parts.
Common Questions About Sheet Metal Fabrication
Custom sheet metal fabrication is the process of transforming flat metal sheets into precise, functional parts and assemblies through cutting, bending, punching, welding, and finishing operations.
Sheet metal fabrication is widely used for industrial and consumer parts and in specialist industries like automotive, aerospace, energy, and robotics.
It can be used to create functional prototypes or end-use parts.
Yes — RPProto’s online quoting system accepts sheet metal part files online (STEP, DXF, DWG, IGES) and returns a detailed sheet metal fabrication quote including unit price, tooling, finishing, and lead time options — all within 4 business hours. No sales calls required. Simply upload your file, select your material and finish, and receive pricing directly to your inbox. For complex assemblies or high-volume orders, our engineers review manually and respond within 24 hours.
Sheet metal fabrication cost depends on five main factors: material type, part complexity (number of bends and features), order quantity, surface finish, and required lead time.
Material Type & Thickness: Stainless steel costs more than mild steel. Thicker gauges increase cutting and bending time.
Part Complexity: More bends, cutouts, and features = longer setup and machining time = higher unit cost.
Order Quantity: Higher volumes spread setup costs across more parts, dramatically reducing per-unit pricing.
Finishing Options: Powder coating, anodizing, and plating add cost. Raw or deburred finishes are most economical.
Lead Time Required: Rush orders (1–2 days) carry a premium. Standard 3–5 day lead times offer the best value.
Tolerance Requirements: Standard tolerances (±0.010″) are most cost-effective. Tighter specs require additional inspection steps.
The fastest way to get an accurate sheet metal fabrication price is to upload your STEP or DXF file — RpProto provides instant quotes online with full pricing breakdown in under 4 hours.
For most engineering and procurement teams searching for sheet metal fabrication near me, RpProto offers key advantages over local shops:
- Online quoting eliminates the need for in-person visits or RFQ emails
- DDP door-to-door shipping to US, EU, UK, and 80+ countries in 3–7 days
- ISO 9001:2015 quality with inspection reports — often exceeding local shop standards
- Pricing typically 30–50% lower than equivalent local sheet metal fabrication companies
For projects requiring on-site visits, NDA-covered collaboration, or same-day pickup, a local fabricator may be preferable. For everything else — RpProto is the smarter choice.
Ordering custom sheet metal fabrication from China through RpProto is straightforward:
- Upload your files and receive an online quote within 4 hours
- Approve quote and pay securely online (PayPal, wire, credit card)
- Parts are fabricated to your specs with ISO-certified quality control
- Inspection reports and material certs provided before shipment
- DDP shipping direct to your facility — duties and customs handled by RPProto
- Typical door-to-door transit: 5–8 days (air) or 25–35 days (sea freight)
RpProto’s English-speaking team manages the entire process, making China sheet metal fabrication as easy as ordering from a domestic supplier — at a fraction of the cost.
Standard lead time for custom sheet metal fabrication services is 3–5 business days from order confirmation. Prototype orders can often be completed in 1–2 days with our rush service. Larger production volumes may require 7–15 business days. Expedited shipping options are available to all locations worldwide.
RPProto has no minimum order quantity for sheet metal prototype fabrication. We regularly produce single-piece prototypes as well as large production runs of thousands of parts. Whether you need a single bracket or 5,000 enclosures, our sheet metal fabrication service scales to your requirements.
For the most accurate sheet metal fabrication quote online, we recommend:
- STEP (.stp/.step): Best for formed parts — captures all 3D geometry, bend angles, and features
- DXF / DWG: Ideal for flat laser-cut parts and 2D profiles
- IGES: Accepted for legacy CAD exports
- PDF with dimensions: Accepted for manual quoting — allow 24h response
Our precision sheet metal fabrication processes achieve laser cutting tolerances of ±0.005″ and bending tolerances of ±0.5°. Critical features on precision sheet metal fabrication parts can be held to tighter tolerances with secondary CNC machining operations. All tolerance requirements are reviewed during our free DFM process.
For aluminum sheet metal fabrication, we stock 5052, 6061-T6, 5754, and 2024 alloys. Aluminum 5052 is our most popular choice for bending applications due to its high ductility. 6061-T6 is preferred for structural components where strength is critical. Custom aluminum grades can be sourced on request.
Stainless steel sheet metal fabrication requires specialized tooling and handling to prevent cross-contamination and maintain corrosion resistance. It work-hardens more readily than mild steel, requiring adjusted bending parameters. Grade 304 is standard for most applications; 316L is specified for marine, chemical, or food-grade environments. RPProto maintains dedicated stainless steel production areas.
The right material for your sheet metal enclosure fabrication depends on your application:
- Aluminum sheet metal fabrication (5052/6061): Choose for lightweight enclosures, electronics housings, and applications requiring anodizing. ~65% lighter than steel, easier to machine.
- Stainless steel sheet metal fabrication (304/316L): Choose for food-grade, medical, outdoor, or chemical-exposure environments. Superior corrosion resistance but heavier and higher material cost.
- Mild steel: Choose for structural components, indoor industrial enclosures, or when cost is the primary factor. Must be painted or coated to prevent rust.
Unsure? Our engineers provide free material recommendations as part of every DFM review.