If you're looking for information on design for manufacturing (DFM) for sheet metal fabrication, you've come to the right place. Our blog is packed with articles on everything from how to design parts for manufacturability to tips on choosing the right material, weld type, hardware, and more for your project. Whether you're a design engineer or a buyer of custom sheet metal parts, we're sure you'll find something interesting here.
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Aluminum Smackdown: 5052-H32 Takes on 6061-T6 for Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Superiority (Updated for 2025)
If you're accustomed to selecting 6061-T6 aluminum for machining, you may find yourself automatically requesting that same material ...
Unlock Lightning-Fast Sheet Metal Parts: 4 Expert Hacks to Shrink Lead Times (Updated for 2024)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we aim for total transparency when providing a lead time with your quote, even ...
Unleashing Your Design: 5 Key Factors for Success when Partnering with a Sheet Metal Shop (Updated for 2024)
Shorter lead times. Lower costs. A streamlined experience. These are all factors product developers prioritize when they need sheet ...
Precision Sheet Metal Parts for Communications Equipment (Updated for 2024)
With many metal fabrication shops to choose from, we're proud to be a top choice for customers in ...
How to Convert Solid 3D Designs to Flat Sheet Metal (Updated for 2025)
Before we can fabricate your sheet metal part, the solid 3D design file must be converted to a ...
Welding vs. Riveting for Fusing Custom Sheet Metal Parts (Updated for 2025)
Not all metal fabrication shops have extensive expertise in welding and riveting. But at Approved Sheet Metal, we know both techniques ...
Introducing our SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design Resources Page (Updated for 2024)
Do you design sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If so, be sure to check out our new SOLIDWORKS Sheet ...
Galvanized vs. Galvannealed Steel: A Sheet Metal Comparison (Updated for 2025)
Unsure whether to choose galvanized steel or galvannealed steel for your sheet metal parts? While these two popular steel types have many similarities, ...
Ask Your Sheet Metal Fabricator: Powder Coat or Wet Paint? (Updated for 2024)
Sheet metal finishing is an important final step in the custom sheet metal fabrication process. Powder coating and ...
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Spotlight: Weld Joints (Updated for 2025)
As a leading sheet metal fabricator, Approved Sheet Metal knows the importance of high-quality precision welding. Our welders are ...
Choosing the Optimal Sheet Metal Hinge for Your Part (Updated for 2025)
Are you designing a sheet metal part that requires a hinge? A hinge is a type of hardware ...
7 FAQs for SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design (Updated for 2025)
Are you designing sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If you've got questions, you're not alone. While tech programs ...
Understanding Sheet Metal Fabrication Stages: Prototype, Batch Production, and Mass Production (Updated for 2025)
Do you know the differences between the prototype, batch production, and mass production stages of custom sheet metal fabrication? While most metal ...
A Sheet Metal Bracket Design Guide (Updated for 2025)
At Approved Sheet Metal, our sheet metal fabrication experts fabricate brackets for product developers across the country that design for a broad ...
Designing and Forming U-Shaped Sheet Metal Fabricated Parts (Updated for 2025)
Approved Sheet Metal has the expertise and capabilities to make almost any precision sheet metal part our customers request. Sometimes ...
How to Minimize the Cost of Laser Cutting Services (Updated for 2024)
Laser cutting is a versatile sheet metal fabrication process that creates precise cuts with minimal material waste-but it can be expensive. ...
Why E-Coat and Black Oxide Are Becoming Obsolete for Precision Sheet Metal Finishing (Updated for 2025)
There was a time when electro-coat (e-coat) and black oxide were go-to methods for precision sheet metal finishing. ...
A Guide to Different Methods of Welding Sheet Metal Fabricated Parts (Updated for 2025)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we find that welding sheet metal is one of the most misunderstood processes in ...
6 Tips for Designing Powder Coated Sheet Metal Parts (Updated for 2025)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we deliver excellence in sheet metal fabrication. And providing you with the highest-quality service includes ...
What Is Metal Fabrication? (Updated for 2024)
Metal fabrication comprises a number of processes used to manipulate flat metal into various shapes and structures. Forming, bending, ...