Industry Spotlight: Sheet Metal Fabrication for the Robotics and Automation Industry (Updated for 2024)

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 10:14 am

With technology steadily becoming integrated into nearly every aspect of manufacturing, it’s more important than ever for your robotics and automation company to have a sheet metal manufacturing partner you can trust.

You’ll want to work with a manufacturer who can make high-quality small-batch parts and get them right the first time. As a high-mix, low-volume fabrication company, Approved Sheet Metal is the ideal partner for your robotics and automation needs.

Approved Sheet Metal is also a trusted sheet metal prototype service for robotics and automation research and development.

Whether you need a part that is critical to your current operations or an initial prototype for a concept still in the design phase, you’ll be glad you selected our expert team.

Common Parts We Fabricate for the Robotics and Automation Industry

Approved Sheet Metal is proud to partner with industries that integrate cutting-edge robotics and automation technologies. We are the precision sheet metal fab partner who will keep your company moving forward.

Here are the parts we fabricate most frequently for our robotics and automation customers:

• Plates
• Covers (e.g., custom covers for 3D printers)
• Enclosures
• Brackets (e.g., brackets for autonomous cars)
• Chassis (e.g., chassis for automated trash cans)
• Large-radius bump-formed parts

Common Materials for Robotics and Automation Applications

The three most commonly used materials for robotics and automation parts are stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, and aluminum.

Stainless steel 316

Stainless steel 316 is an ideal material for robotics applications, particularly in the medical sector. This high-strength metal is extremely corrosion-resistant and can withstand the high heat and harsh chemicals used in medical sterilization processes without distorting. It also has a polished surface-perfect for applications that must be sterile at all times.

Cold-rolled steel

Available in an array of thicknesses, cold-rolled steel is known for its excellent flatness tolerance, surface finish, and press brake formability, making it a great choice for robotics and automation applications.

Aluminum 5052

While aluminum 5052 isn’t the strongest aluminum available, it is frequently used in medical robotics applications because of its excellent weldability, formability, and rust resistance.

When we work on your custom metal fabrication, we’ll walk you through your options and make sure you’re using the material that best fits your needs.

How ASM Supports the Robotics and Automation Industry

At Approved Sheet Metal, we leverage several in-house capabilities to serve robotics and automation customers. Here’s what you can expect from our shop:

• Sheet metal forming, so you can get precisely formed parts FAST
• Class A sheet metal finishing to ensure sanitation in biomedical applications
• Laser cutting is conducted by experts who have more than 15+ years of experience
• Stainless steel tubular frame construction for medical equipment
• Various welding services, including MIG, TIG, and spot welding
• Sheet metal assemblies shipped out in 10-14 days, with expedited options available
• Specialty powder coating and color anodizing services for an attractive, cohesive appearance

Looking for a custom fabrication shop you can count on for quality robotics and automation parts and assemblies? Request a quote today!

Sheet Metal Design for Manufacturing

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Sheet Metal Fabrication for the Robotics FAQ

What types of parts does Approved Sheet Metal fabricate for the robotics and automation industry?

We specialize in fabricating plates, covers (such as custom covers for 3D printers), enclosures, brackets (e.g., for autonomous cars), chassis (e.g., for automated trash cans), and large-radius bump-formed parts for various robotics and automation applications.

Which materials are commonly used by Approved Sheet Metal for robotics and automation parts?

The commonly utilized materials are stainless steel 316, ideal for medical applications due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and sterilization compatibility; cold-rolled steel, known for its flatness tolerance and press brake formability; and aluminum 5052, favored for its weldability, formability, and rust resistance in medical robotics.

What capabilities does Approved Sheet Metal offer specifically tailored for the robotics and automation industry?

Our shop provides sheet metal forming for precision, Class A sheet metal finishing suitable for biomedical applications, expert laser cutting with over 15 years of experience, stainless steel tubular frame construction for medical equipment, various welding services (MIG, TIG, spot welding), expedited 10-14 day shipping for sheet metal assemblies, and specialty powder coating/color anodizing services for an appealing appearance.

How does Approved Sheet Metal support robotics and automation research and development through prototype services?

We are a trusted prototype service provider for robotics and automation R&D, offering expertise in fabricating critical parts for ongoing operations or initial prototypes for concepts in the design phase. Our focus on high-mix, low-volume production caters well to the unique needs of research and development.

What advantages does working with Approved Sheet Metal offer to companies in need of robotics and automation parts?

As a precision sheet metal fabrication partner, we ensure high-quality small-batch parts, providing expertise and support throughout the design and fabrication process. Our specialization in high-mix, low-volume production makes us an ideal choice for companies needing customized solutions for their robotics and automation requirements.