Fabricating a show part or internal component? Tell your manufacturer. (Updated for 2026)

When requesting a quote for a custom sheet metal part, one of the most important details you can share with your manufacturer is whether the part is a show part or an internal component. This single distinction directly affects finishing requirements, inspection standards, lead time, and cost. Yet it is often overlooked, resulting in unnecessary processing, longer turnaround times, and higher prices.

What Is a Show Part vs an Internal Component?

Show parts are external-facing components that will be visible to users, customers, or inspectors. These parts typically require higher cosmetic standards, consistent surface finishes, and stricter visual inspection criteria. Internal components are parts that are hidden once assembled. While they still must meet dimensional, structural, and functional requirements, they often do not require cosmetic finishing beyond standard deburring and safety edge removal.

External or Internal Parts: Why Your Manufacturer Needs to Know

External parts are show parts. Here at our precision sheet metal shop, we know that a show part has to be a Class A finish. There can’t be any nicks, dings, or scratches, and everything needs to have clean edges and be polished to shine. We can also make recommendations for
powder coating,
color-anodizing,
metal plating,
and other finishing techniques to make your part stand out.

Last updated on February 2nd, 2026 at 02:26 pm

Having a conversation with your manufacturer to let them know that your part is a show part. Here at Approved Sheet Metal, we always factor in those finishing operations so we can provide the most accurate quote and ensure we meet our deadlines.

It’s not just considering the time it takes for finish grinding or polishing-if you work with a shop that doesn’t handle external parts with care, you’ll end up with rejects, which you may not discover until you receive the finished parts.

On the other hand, letting your manufacturer know you’re producing internal parts allows them to adjust your quoting-so you’re not paying for cosmetic finishing that your part won’t need. These changes won’t affect the quality, strength, or tolerances of your part whatsoever. We’ll only make adjustments based on cosmetic appearance.

We recently worked with a customer who needed internal parts only. We always ask whether the part will be visible as part of our quoting process. By using a technique that’s simpler than finish grinding, we ended up saving a full 20 minutes per part and were able to reduce lead time by 30%!

Whether a part is meant to be seen or hidden matters more than most buyers realize. By telling your manufacturer upfront whether a component is a show part or an internal feature, you can reduce cost, shorten lead time, and eliminate unnecessary processing.

At Approved Sheet Metal, we ask these questions early so your parts are built to the right standard the first time.

So, let’s have a conversation. We want to work with you.

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Sheet Metal Show Part FAQ

Why is it important for the manufacturer to know whether a sheet metal part is external or internal?

Knowing whether a part is external or internal is crucial because it directly impacts how the manufacturer decides to produce it. External parts require a Class A finish with no imperfections, which affects the manufacturing process and costs. Internal parts, on the other hand, don’t require cosmetic finishing, allowing for cost savings.

What is the significance of designating a part as a “show part”?

Show parts are external components that must have a flawless, Class A finish. They demand extra attention to detail, including polishing, and may involve additional finishing techniques. Communicating that a part is a show part to the manufacturer ensures accurate quoting and meeting deadlines.

How does informing the manufacturer that a part is for internal use impact the quoting process?

If a part is designated for internal use, the manufacturer can adjust the quoting accordingly, eliminating costs associated with cosmetic finishing. This adjustment doesn’t affect the part’s quality, strength, or tolerances; it only relates to its cosmetic appearance.

Can designating a part as internal result in cost and time savings?

Yes, designating a part as internal can lead to cost and time savings. By not requiring cosmetic finishing, such as finish grinding, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient, reducing both the cost and lead time for the part.

What should I do if my current manufacturer doesn’t ask about the intended use of my part?

If your current manufacturer doesn’t inquire about the intended use of your part, consider discussing your requirements with Approved Sheet Metal. They proactively inquire about the part’s purpose and recommend finishing options to achieve the desired appearance while optimizing cost and time savings.