How do I know what gauge of metal to specify for my project?

Start by evaluating the structural requirements and weight constraints. For non-load-bearing enclosures, 16-gauge or 18-gauge steel is often sufficient. If the part must support significant weight or resist impact, 11-gauge or thicker may be required. Remember that heavier gauges increase material costs and may limit forming options. When in doubt, consult with our engineering team during the quoting phase.

What's the difference between laser cutting and CNC punching for my part?

Laser cutting is ideal for complex outer contours, thick materials (up to 1" steel), and low-volume runs because it requires no custom tooling. CNC punching is faster and more cost-effective for high-volume parts with many standard holes, louvers, or extruded features, as a single punch stroke can create a feature that a laser would have to trace.

How much does custom metal fabrication typically cost per part?

Costs vary wildly based on material, complexity, and volume. A simple laser-cut bracket might cost $5-$10 in high volumes, while a complex welded stainless steel assembly could be $500+. The biggest cost drivers are usually setup time, tight tolerances, and secondary operations like welding or finishing. Increasing order volume is the most effective way to reduce the per-part cost.

What information do I need to get an accurate fabrication quote?

To provide an accurate quote, we need: 1) 3D CAD models (STEP files preferred) and 2D dimensioned drawings (PDF) calling out critical tolerances. 2) Material specifications, including grade and thickness. 3) Required finishing (e.g., powder coat, anodize, bare). 4) Estimated order quantities. 5) Any specific hardware or assembly requirements.

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METAL FABRICATION

What it takes to design, quote, and build custom fabricated parts and assemblies.

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Have a fabrication project in mind? See what our Custom Fabrication team can do, or keep exploring related articles below. Custom Fabrication

How to Know If Your Part Needs Custom Fabrication vs. Off-the-Shelf Components

One of the most common decisions engineers and product designers face is whether to specify an off-the-shelf (COTS) component or invest in custom metal fabrication. While stock parts offer immediate availability and lower unit costs at low volumes, custom fabrication provides exact specifications and optimized performance.

Evaluating Tolerances and Fit

Stock components are manufactured to general tolerances that suit a wide range of applications. If your assembly requires tight tolerances to function correctly, modifying a stock part often introduces more variability and cost than fabricating it from scratch. Custom fabrication ensures the part is designed specifically for your assembly's tolerance stack-up from day one.

Material Requirements

Off-the-shelf brackets, enclosures, and structural members are typically available in mild steel, 304 stainless, or 5052 aluminum. If your application demands specific corrosion resistance, weight reduction, or thermal properties requiring specialty alloys (like 316L stainless, chromoly, or specific aluminum tempers), custom fabrication is usually the only viable path.

Volume and Cost Tradeoffs

For prototypes and runs under 50 units, modifying COTS parts might seem economical. However, as volume scales, the labor cost of secondary operations (drilling new holes, cutting to size, re-finishing) quickly outpaces the setup costs of custom fabrication. A custom part designed for manufacturability can drastically reduce assembly time and overall unit cost at scale.