What file formats do you accept for sheet metal parts?
Best: STEP of the unfolded flat pattern plus a PDF drawing with bend-up arrows and dimensions. Acceptable: DXF of the flat pattern. Acceptable: STEP of the folded part (we unfold in-house). We don't charge for file conversion.
What's a typical cost crossover vs CNC milling?
For enclosures, brackets, and chassis, sheet metal is usually 40–70% cheaper than equivalent milled-from-plate parts. Milling makes sense when you need features that sheet metal can't do — threaded holes in thick bosses, high-precision bearing bores, or machined flatness. For anything else with walls under 6 mm, sheet metal wins on cost.
Can you do laser + machining hybrid parts?
Yes. For parts that need laser-cut outline + milled bores for precision bearings, we fabricate the sheet metal portion and then load it onto a vertical machining center for the precision features. This is a standard workflow on robotics and automation enclosures.
Do you offer galvanized or hot-dip coated steel?
Yes — pre-galvanized sheet (G90, G60) is in regular stock. Hot-dip galvanizing post-fabrication is done through a partner facility, adding 5–7 days to lead time. For outdoor applications, we usually recommend zinc-plated + powder coat rather than hot-dip, as the powder coat gives better cosmetic finish.
How tight a bend radius can you hold?
Rule of thumb: minimum inside bend radius = material thickness. For 1 mm sheet, R0.5–R1.0. For 3 mm, R2–R3. Tighter bends risk outer-fiber cracking. We flag this in DFM before cutting.