What to send before you ask for a quote
Part type, material, thickness, quantity, DXF or STEP files, PDF drawings, finish, tolerances and delivery target make the first answer useful.
Resources
Sheet Metal Fabrication Buyer Guides
Guides that help engineers and buyers prepare better files, understand cost drivers and reduce quote back-and-forth.
Buyer guides
Content built around quote readiness.
These guide briefs answer the questions that normally slow down the first sheet metal quote.
DXF vs STEP vs PDF
DXF is useful for flat profiles, STEP shows formed or assembled context, and PDF carries tolerances, finish notes and inspection requirements.
Bend radius and hole-to-bend distance
Small flanges, holes near bends and cosmetic faces should be reviewed before pricing because they affect tooling, distortion and yield.
What affects sheet metal fabrication cost
Material, thickness, laser time, bend count, welding, PEM hardware, finishing, inspection scope, packing and quantity tiers all change the quote.
Aluminum 5052 vs 6061
5052 is usually more bend-friendly for enclosures and panels; 6061 can be stronger but needs more careful bend-radius review.
Powder coating, anodizing and plating
Finish decisions should include material, color, texture, masking areas, cosmetic faces, thread protection and packing method.
PEM inserts and hardware insertion checklist
Send hardware type, standard, panel thickness, insertion side, hole location, pull-out or torque requirement if known.
Quality documents for custom sheet metal parts
Ask for photos, first article checks, dimensional reports, material certificates or coating records based on part risk and buyer release needs.