Hubs is now Protolabs Network. Find out more

Get instant quote

Online sheet metal fabrication service

Your online sheet metal cutting and bending service. Upload your parts, get a free instant quote and go into production in less than 5 minutes.

Get an instant sheet metal quote All uploads are secure and confidential

Our sheet metal fabrication capabilities

Our network of manufacturing partners gives you easy access to sheet metal fabrication capabilities to serve all your manufacturing needs.

Laser cutting
Laser cutting

This manufacturing process uses a high-power laser beam to cut a material sheet.

  • Allowable sheet thickness: 1-6mm (depending on material)

Bending process
Bending

This manufacturing process uses dies to produce a U-shape, V-shape or channel shape along a straight axis in ductile materials.

  • Allowable sheet thickness: 1-6 mm (depending on material)

Sheet metal fabrication materials

Here is a list of our standard available metals for sheet metal fabrication. If you require a custom material please contact networksales@protolabs.com.

Aluminum 5052, 5754
Stainless steel 304, 316L
Mild steel 1018
Copper C110

Tolerances for sheet metal fabrication service

The table below summarizes the standard tolerances of the parts produced by our certified manufacturing partners.

Feature Tolerance
Cutting feature ± .00787’’ (0.2mm)
Bend angle ± 1.0°
Bend to edge ± 0.010” (0.254mm)

Available surface finishes for sheet metal

Surface finishes are applied after machining and can change the appearance, surface roughness, hardness and chemical resistance of the produced parts.

Standard sheet metal surface finish
Standard

This is our standard finish. Parts as delivered as cut and bent, no additional treatment applied. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Bead blasted surface finish for sheet metal
Bead blasted

Parts are bead blasted with glass beads which results in a grainy texture. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Brushe sheet metal surface finish
Brushed

Parts are manually brushed with grit #180 after cutting and bending. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling. Ideal to reduce the surface roughness of a part.

Brushed + anodized type II sheet metal surface finish
Brused + Anodized type II

Parts are dipped in an anodizing bath (type II) after manual brushing. Ideal for increasing the corrosion resistance of the part. Ideal for increasing the corrosion resistance of the part. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Bead blasted + anodized type II sheet metal surface finish
Bead blasted + Anodized type II

Parts are dipped in an anodizing bath (type II) after bead blasting. Ideal for increasing the corrosion resistance of the part. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Anodized type III sheet metal surface finish
Anodized type III (Hardcoat)

Parts dipped in an anodizing (type III) bath directly after fabrication. Ideal to improve corrosion and wear resistance of components. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Powder coated sheet metal surface finish
Powder coated

Powder coating layer is applied directly after fabrication. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Black oxide sheet metal surface finish
Black oxide

Parts are dipped in a black oxide bath after fabrication. Ideal to improve improve corrosion resistance and minimize light reflection in steel components. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Chromate conversion coating sheet metal surface finish
Chromate conversion coating

Parts are dipped in an alodine bath directly after fabrication. Ideal to increase the corrosion resistance of the part while maintaining its conductive properties. RoHS compliant. Sharp edges are broken and deburred for safe handling.

Parts in 1 day with Protolabs

Protolabs and its network work together to bring you the world's most comprehensive manufacturing solution. While the network can provide a large breadth of capabilities, Protolabs’ factories offer expedited manufacturing with automated in-house machines for the industry's fastest lead times.

Get quick-turn parts with Protolabs

Our ordering process

Upload CAD file
Securely upload your part design to our online quote builder
Confirm specs
Configure your part specifications and select a lead time that suits your schedule
Receive instant quote
Upload your CAD to our 
online quoting platform
Manufacturing
We select the best manufacturer for your order, and production begins immediately
Quality control
We take full responsibility for making sure your parts are manufactured according to our standards
Delivery

More resources for sheet metal fabrication

Learn more about how sheet metal fabrication works and how to design the best parts for this technology.

FAQ's about sheet metal fabrication service

What types of sheet metal materials can be used in fabrication?

Protolabs Network offers several types of materials for sheet metal fabrication. They include aluminum types 5052 and 5754, stainless steel types 304 and 316L, mild steel type 1018, and copper type C110. We can also source many custom materials on request. Contact networksales@protolabs.com to discuss the options.   

What sheet metal fabrication processes do you offer?

We offer two types of sheet metal fabrication: laser cutting and bending. Laser cutting uses a high-power laser beam to cut a material sheet between 1 and 6mm thick, depending on the material. Bending uses dies to produce a u-shape, v-shape, or channel shape along a straight axis in ductile materials. It can work with metals 1-6mm thick.

How do you ensure the quality of fabricated sheet metal parts?

We guarantee the quality of the parts we produce. The Protolabs Network Standard, our comprehensive quality management system, ensures that your parts are fabricated to your specifications.   

What is the typical turnaround time for sheet metal fabrication projects?

The typical turnaround time for sheet metal fabrication varies depending on the metal’s thickness, design complexity and the number of parts you require. However, turnaround times generally start from five days.   

What advanced technologies are used in your sheet metal fabrication processes?

Our sheet metal fabrication processes use advanced surface finishes to enhance part properties. These include bead blasting, brushing, anodizing (type II and III), powder coating, black oxide coating, and chromate conversion coating. These finishes improve corrosion and wear-resistance, surface texture, and appearance while maintaining conductive properties. All parts are deburred for safety to ensure quality and durability.  

Our other manufacturing capabilities

CNC machining
CNC machining

Milling (3-, 4- & full 5-axis), turning and post-processing

  • 50+ metals and plastics & 10 surface finishes

  • Tolerances down to ±.0008 in (0.020 mm)

  • Lead times from 5 business days

See our CNC machining services
3D printing
3D printing

FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA

  • Dimensional accuracy from 0.2%

  • 25+ plastics & 35+ colors

  • Lead times from 1 business day

See our 3D printing services
Injection molding Injection molded part
Injection molding

Prototypes and production tooling

  • 6 metals & 9 surface finishes

  • Tolerances down to .004" (0.010mm)

  • Lead times from 5 business days

See our injection molding services

Put your parts into production today

Get instant quote