Sheet Metal Fabrication Blog

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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Approved Sheet Metal Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of Local Machine Shop, Technical Machine Components 
November 15, 2023: Approved Sheet Metal, a leading custom sheet metal fabrication company based in Hudson, New Hampshire, ...
Laser vs. Waterjet
Cutting Through the Confusion: Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting for Sheet Metal Fabrication
In the ever-evolving sheet metal fabrication landscape, two cutting technologies are currently recognized as the top solutions for ...
Busbars
Supercharge Your Sheet Metal Busbar Skills
Busbars aren't particularly complex or glamorous, but these simple metal bars are a powerhouse (quite literally) in electrical ...
Approved Sheet Metal Dynamic Quote Feature Update – Add New Quantities
Step 1 - Request a Quote In this video, Matt from Approved Sheet Metal introduces an exciting new ...
Cad Tooling Library
Cut Costs and Boost Efficiency with ASM’s Sheet Metal CAD Tooling Library
What if you could design the most common sheet metal part features faster? With our Sheet Metal CAD ...
Slots and Tabs
The Hidden Gem in Metal Fabrication: The Impact of Slots and Tabs
At Approved Sheet Metal, we regularly add slots and tabs to weldment components-a process most metal fabrication shops ...
3D CAD Model
Beyond Prints: The Role of 3D CAD Models in Streamlining Metal Fabrication
Before you click "Submit" on your quote request, make sure you've uploaded a print and a CAD model ...
6061-T6 vs. 5052-H32
Aluminum Smackdown: 5052-H32 Takes on 6061-T6 for Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Superiority
If you're accustomed to selecting 6061-T6 aluminum for machining, you may find yourself automatically requesting that same material ...
Expert Hacks Sheet Metal Parts
Unlock Lightning-Fast Sheet Metal Parts: 4 Expert Hacks to Shrink Lead Times
At Approved Sheet Metal, we aim for total transparency when providing a lead time with your quote, even ...
Minimum Bend and Flange Length Guidelines Sheet Metal Parts
Unleashing Your Design: 5 Key Factors for Success when Partnering with a Sheet Metal Shop
Shorter lead times. Lower costs. A streamlined experience. These are all factors product developers prioritize when they need ...
Sheet Metal Parts for Communications Equipment
Precision Sheet Metal Parts for Communications Equipment
With many metal fabrication shops to choose from, we're proud to be a top choice for customers in ...
convert 3D Designs to flat sheet metal
How to Convert Solid 3D Designs to Flat Sheet Metal
Before we can fabricate your sheet metal part, the solid 3D design file must be converted to a ...
Welding vs. Riveting
Welding vs. Riveting for Fusing Custom Sheet Metal Parts
Not all metal fabrication shops have extensive expertise in welding and riveting. But at Approved Sheet Metal, we ...
SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design Resources
Introducing our SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design Resources Page
Do you design sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If so, be sure to check out our new SOLIDWORKS ...
Galvanized vs. Galvannealed Steel
Galvanized vs. Galvannealed Steel: A Sheet Metal Comparison
Unsure whether to choose galvanized steel or galvannealed steel for your sheet metal parts? While these two popular steel types have many similarities, ...
Powder Coat or Wet Paint
Ask Your Sheet Metal Fabricator: Powder Coat or Wet Paint?
Sheet metal finishing is an important final step in the custom sheet metal fabrication process. Powder coating and ...
Weld Joints
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Spotlight: Weld Joints 
As a leading sheet metal fabricator, Approved Sheet Metal knows the importance of high-quality precision welding. Our welders are ...
Sheet Metal Hinge
Choosing the Optimal Sheet Metal Hinge for Your Part
Are you designing a sheet metal part that requires a hinge?  A hinge is a type of hardware ...
SOLIDWORKS tips
7 FAQs for SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design
Are you designing sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If you've got questions, you're not alone. While tech programs ...
manufacturing stages
Understanding Sheet Metal Fabrication Stages: Prototype, Batch Production, and Mass Production
Do you know the differences between the prototype, batch production, and mass production stages of custom sheet metal ...
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