Are you looking for the best custom metal part suppliers to bring your project to life? Here’s a comparison of the top players in the industry, highlighting their strengths, services, and what sets them apart. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Custom Steel Parts
Product Details: eMachineShop offers custom steel parts with free CAD software or CAD file upload. No minimum order quantity, free shipping in the USA, and 100% quality guaranteed.
Pros:
– Thermally conductive, highly corrosion-resistant,…
– Various machining options: CNC milling, waterjet c…
– Secondary manufacturing services include CNC bendi…
– Surface finishing options: powder coating, anodizi…
– Popular steel alloys: 12L14, 4140, 4130, O1 Tool S…
Cons:
– Steel A36 has a rougher surface than cold-rolled s…
– Lower yield strength in some alloys like Steel A36…
Custom Sheet Metal Parts & Precision Components built in …
Product Details: Protocase manufactures custom sheet metal parts, such as brackets, plates, frames, arms, bus bars, and fixtures, in 2-3 days with no minimum order. Various materials, hardware, and finishes are available.
Pros:
– Rapid turnaround time of 2-3 days
– No minimum order requirement
– Wide range of materials, hardware, and finishes
– Options for powdercoat, digital print, and silkscr…
– Spot welding and seam welding capabilities
– CAD design services and free CAD software availabl…
– High customer satisfaction with workmanship and co…
Cons:
– Non-stocked items may require additional lead time
– Unfinished cold rolled steel may rust if not coate…
A Guide to Making and Ordering Custom Metal Parts Online
Product Details: SendCutSend offers custom metal part fabrication using laser cutting. Users upload 2D vector files (DXF, DWG, EPS, AI) and select materials, thicknesses, and additional services like bending, finishing, and hardware insertion.
Pros:
– Fast production and shipping: parts ship within 2-…
– Wide range of materials: various metals and thickn…
– Additional services: bending, anodizing, powder co…
– User-friendly process: instant pricing, design too…
– Quality assurance: in-house design review and cust…
Cons:
– Potential oxidation on thicker metal parts: requir…
– Communication risks: though minimized by automated…
Does anyone know where I can send my designs for one- …
Product Details: Services for machining custom metal parts from CAD designs, particularly for hobbyist projects. Options include Xometry, sendcutsend.com, and Protolabs.
Pros:
– Xometry provides quotes and acts as a middleman to…
– sendcutsend.com offers reasonably priced services,…
– Protolabs works solely from CAD models, no drawing…
– Ability to minimize costs by optimizing part layou…
Cons:
– High setup costs for single or low-volume parts, w…
– Quality issues and long delivery times when using…
– Limited options for very tight tolerances, such as…
– Costs do not decrease significantly for small part…
SendCutSend: Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication
Product Details: Facilities are located in Reno, Nevada, and Paris, Kentucky. Prices start at $29 minimum order, with instant pricing available on the website.
Pros:
– Fast turnaround time of 2-4 days with free shippin…
– Low minimum order price starting at $29
– Wide range of materials and services available
– Automated quoting and pricing process for efficien…
– High-quality precision cutting with various machin…
– Multiple secondary operations like bending, tappin…
– Support for both small and large production runs
Cons:
– Limited material options in terms of alloy and thi…
– Potential risk of design files leaking or being us…
– Highly automated process may limit human interacti…
– Could be challenging for local shops to compete wi…
Cut2Size Metals: Custom Metal Fabrication – Metals Online
Product Details: Cut2Size Metals offers aluminum sheets in 3003-H14 and 6061-T6 alloys. The 3003-H14 is softer and more formable, while the 6061-T6 is harder and more machinable. Both offer lightweight properties, strong corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability.
Standard sizes range from 36″ x 96″ to 72″ x 144″, with custom cuts available and a tolerance of +/- 1/16″.
Pros:
– Lightweight properties
– Strong corrosion resistance
– Excellent weldability
– Custom-cut sizes available
– Same-day shipping on most orders
– Knowledgeable staff for assistance
– Volume discounts for larger quantities
Cons:
– Surface may have a matte or dull finish with possi…
– Customer is responsible for ensuring material suit…
Online Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Service
Product Details: Applications include medical devices, aerospace components, electrical enclosures, and more. Automated DFM feedback is provided to improve part quality.
Pros:
– Rapid prototyping and production capabilities
– Infinite capacity and easy-to-use online quoting s…
– Multiple finishing options available
– Quality certifications: ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR reg…
– Automated DFM feedback for design improvement
– Low material waste and cost-effective scaling to p…
Cons:
– Manual review required for certain materials like…
– Limited configurability for complex designs during…
– Dependence on material thickness for maximum bendi…
Metal Parts Custom Cnc
Product Details: Custom CNC metal parts, including unique and handmade pieces from various signs shops. Products can be tailored to specific needs and designs.
Pros:
– Unique and custom designs available
– Handmade pieces ensuring quality and detail
– Variety of metal types and finishes
– Customizable to fit specific requirements
Cons:
– Potential for higher costs due to custom nature
– Lead times may be longer for custom orders
– Quality can vary depending on the seller
Custom Metal Parts & Component Fabrication | Rembar
Product Details: Rembar offers custom fabrication of metal parts and components using refractory metals including Molybdenum, Tantalum, Tungsten, and Niobium in sheet, plate, wire, rod, and tube form.
Pros:
– Fast turnarounds with in-house production and over…
– Expert design recommendations and material selecti…
– Precision machining and forming using advanced tec…
– High-quality products meeting stringent quality co…
– Extensive inventory and worldwide supply network.
Cons:
– No specific cons mentioned on the website.
Short Run Pro: Custom Metal Fabrication Parts
Product Details: Services include custom pans, brackets, mounts, spill containment, storage systems, and pallet racks. Finishing options include electrostatic powder coating and high-quality wet paint systems.
Pros:
– End-to-end custom metal manufacturing services
– ISO 9001:2008 certified for quality management
– 100% made in the USA, supporting local manufacturi…
– Competitive pricing and quick lead times
– Web-based quoting and engineering design services
– Diverse range of metal materials and finishing opt…
– Prototyping services available
Cons:
– Drawing fee added for new parts
– No free prototypes; single-piece price applies
– Lead times may be extended for specialty materials
– Credit check required for setting up an account
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Custom Steel Parts | eMachineShop offers custom steel parts with free CAD software or CAD file upload. No minimum order q… | – Thermally conductive, highly corrosion-resistant,… – Various machining options: CNC milling, wat… | – Steel A36 has a rougher surface than cold-rolled s… – Lower yield strength in some alloys like S… | www.emachineshop.com |
Custom Sheet Metal Parts & Precision Components built in … | Protocase manufactures custom sheet metal parts, such as brackets, plates, frames, arms, bus bars, a… | – Rapid turnaround time of 2-3 days – No minimum order requirement – Wide range of materials, hardwa… | – Non-stocked items may require additional lead time – Unfinished cold rolled steel may rust if not… | www.protocase.com |
A Guide to Making and Ordering Custom Metal Parts Online | SendCutSend offers custom metal part fabrication using laser cutting. Users upload 2D vector files (… | – Fast production and shipping: parts ship within 2-… – Wide range of materials: various metals an… | – Potential oxidation on thicker metal parts: requir… – Communication risks: though minimized by a… | sendcutsend.com |
Does anyone know where I can send my designs for one- … | Services for machining custom metal parts from CAD designs, particularly for hobbyist projects. Opti… | – Xometry provides quotes and acts as a middleman to… – sendcutsend.com offers reasonably priced s… | – High setup costs for single or low-volume parts, w… – Quality issues and long delivery times whe… | www.reddit.com |
SendCutSend: Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication | Facilities are located in Reno, Nevada, and Paris, Kentucky. Prices start at $29 minimum order, with… | – Fast turnaround time of 2-4 days with free shippin… – Low minimum order price starting at $29 -… | – Limited material options in terms of alloy and thi… – Potential risk of design files leaking or… | sendcutsend.com |
Cut2Size Metals: Custom Metal Fabrication – Metals Online | Cut2Size Metals offers aluminum sheets in 3003-H14 and 6061-T6 alloys. The 3003-H14 is softer and mo… | – Lightweight properties – Strong corrosion resistance – Excellent weldability – Custom-cut sizes av… | – Surface may have a matte or dull finish with possi… – Customer is responsible for ensuring mater… | www.cut2sizemetals.com |
Online Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Service | Applications include medical devices, aerospace components, electrical enclosures, and more. Automat… | – Rapid prototyping and production capabilities – Infinite capacity and easy-to-use online quoting s… | – Manual review required for certain materials like… – Limited configurability for complex designs… | www.protolabs.com |
Metal Parts Custom Cnc | Custom CNC metal parts, including unique and handmade pieces from various signs shops. Products can… | – Unique and custom designs available – Handmade pieces ensuring quality and detail – Variety of met… | – Potential for higher costs due to custom nature – Lead times may be longer for custom orders – Qua… | www.etsy.com |
Custom Metal Parts & Component Fabrication | Rembar | Rembar offers custom fabrication of metal parts and components using refractory metals including Mol… | – Fast turnarounds with in-house production and over… – Expert design recommendations and material… | – No specific cons mentioned on the website. |
Short Run Pro: Custom Metal Fabrication Parts | Services include custom pans, brackets, mounts, spill containment, storage systems, and pallet racks… | – End-to-end custom metal manufacturing services – ISO 9001:2008 certified for quality management -… | – Drawing fee added for new parts – No free prototypes; single-piece price applies – Lead times may… | www.shortrunpro.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are the key project requirements and specifications I need to provide to a custom metal fabricator?
When working with a custom metal fabricator, you need to provide clear project requirements and specifications, including size, dimensions, materials, and any complex geometries involved. This ensures your fabricator can meet your exact needs.
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What is the typical timeline for a custom metal fabrication project?
The timeline for a custom metal fabrication project depends on the complexity and quantity of the parts. Your fabricator should understand your deadlines to manage prototyping and production efficiently, ensuring your project is completed on time.
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What materials can be used for custom metal parts?
You can use a variety of materials for custom metal parts, including cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, aluminum, stainless steel, exotic alloys, and brass. Each material has its own properties and costs, so choose one that fits your project’s needs.
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How can I minimize the cost of custom metal parts?
To minimize costs, consider using readily available materials, standard thicknesses, and revising your design to reduce tight tolerance requirements. Additionally, metal stamping can be more cost-effective than machining, especially for large quantities.
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What additional services should I expect from a custom metal fabricator?
A reliable custom metal fabricator should offer additional services such as assembly, inspection, custom metal machining, and finishing services like anodizing or powder coating. These services can streamline your project and ensure high-quality results.