Choose the Right Material to Speed Up Lead Time for Precision Sheet Metal Parts (Updated for 2025)

Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 10:24 am

In the world of manufacturing, every minute of lead time matters. Developing a new product involves many moving parts (literally)—and no one wants to be the one responsible for bogging down a production timeline.

There are plenty of strategies for expediting production, but when it comes to getting precision sheet metal parts fast, it’s critical to ace the very first step in the process: choosing the right material.

Choosing the Right Material: 4 Tips for Quick Turn Sheet Metal Parts

When selecting custom sheet metal for a part, factors like weight, corrosion-resistance, strength, machinability, and availability are all important—and they all can affect lead time.

If your project allows you some material flexibility, these strategies can really help speed up the process and get you your parts much faster.

Lead Time Accelerator #1: Choose a material that doesn’t require finishing.

Selecting a material that already has the cosmetic or functional properties you need can improve lead time significantly.

Many of our customers ask for steel with zinc, but zinc plating can take up to 3-5 working days. If you need a corrosion-resistant part and there will be no welding involved, we suggest a galvanized material instead. Need your part to look aesthetically pleasing? Try stainless steel—especially for low volumes.

Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid finishing. Aluminum is prone to rust or decay in certain conditions, and the only way to avoid corrosion is by anodizing the part or adding a chromate coating.

But if you’re making a show or demo part that will only be used indoors, you don’t need those finishing processes. You can skip the finishing altogether or upgrade to a material that already has the properties you need baked in.

Lead Time Accelerator #2: Choose stainless steel if your parts need welding.

Galvanized or pre-plated steel isn’t safe to weld because it creates a poisonous gas that’s harmful to the person welding it. In addition to safety concerns, welding removes the coating on the material, which can cause the material to rust post-welding.

Because it’s not as strong as other steel, galvanized steel also has a tendency to distort when welded.  Making the proper accommodations to avoid this distortion can eat up a lot of prep time. For an alternative, we recommend stainless steel for welding. A nice 074 stainless steel will weld at 3 inches per minute, which makes up for the extra material expense. Plus, it won’t warp on us!

Lead Time Accelerator #3: Choose the right gauge.

Don’t scour the ends of the earth looking for a stainless steel gauge that doesn’t exist! Gauge charts are helpful, but they don’t give you any insight into the actual availability of the material you’ve chosen. For intel on which materials are relatively easy or very difficult to source, look to ASM’s team to make expert recommendations.

For example, 8 or 9 gauge steel may exist on your gauge chart, but in practice, it’s nearly impossible to find. We’ll usually advise customers looking for quick turn sheet metal parts to go with 7 or 10 gauge steel instead. Check out our materials list to see what’s readily available at our New Hampshire sheet metal fabrication shop.

Lead Time Accelerator #4: Choose a material from our Same Day Materials List.

If you’re on a really tight schedule, select a material from our Same Day Materials List so we can turn your part around super fast. We can even get you flat sheet metal parts the same day with our Same Day Rush Service.

Lead Time Accelerator #5: Balance Formability & Strength Trade-offs

Selecting a material with the right balance of formability and strength can significantly impact lead time. Some materials are easier to bend, punch, or form, while others provide higher structural integrity but require additional processing time. Understanding these trade-offs can help you choose a material that meets your design needs without slowing down production.

1. Prioritize Formability for Complex Shapes

If your part requires intricate bends, deep draws, or complex forms, choosing a highly formable material will speed up manufacturing. Softer metals like aluminum, mild steel, and certain stainless steel alloys (e.g., 304) allow for easier forming without excessive springback or cracking.

2. High-Strength Materials May Require More Processing

Materials with higher tensile strength—such as high-carbon steels or 400-series stainless steel—can resist deformation, making them more difficult to form. These materials may require additional processing steps like pre-heating, specialized tooling, or stress-relief treatments, which can extend lead times.

3. Avoid Cracking or Warping in Thin Materials

Thin-gauge metals are often chosen to reduce weight, but they can be prone to distortion or cracking if not carefully processed. If your design calls for thin material, selecting a grade with good elongation properties (like 5052 aluminum) can improve manufacturability.

4. Consider Post-Forming Strength Requirements

Some materials lose strength when formed, while others can be work-hardened to improve durability. If your part requires both formability and high strength, you might consider a material that responds well to heat treatment or cold working after fabrication.

5. Leverage Our Expertise for Material Selection

If you're unsure whether to prioritize formability or strength, consult with our team at Approved Sheet Metal. We’ll help you find the best material for your part’s design and performance requirements—without unnecessary production delays.

By striking the right balance between formability and strength, you can optimize lead times while ensuring your sheet metal parts meet structural and functional needs.

At Approved Sheet Metal, we’re serious about getting your parts to you when you need them. If you need help choosing the right material for your project, we’ve got your back. Request a quote today!