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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The Engineer’s Guide to Superior Fabricated Enclosures (Updated for 2026)
Any job shop can build a box, but designing a high-quality custom sheet metal enclosure requires more than ...
Chamfers & Radii – Everything Product Developers Need to Know (Updated for 2026)
Chamfers and radii are common edge treatments in custom sheet metal fabrication, but they are often misunderstood or ...
Approved Sheet Metal Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Quality Fabrication
HUDSON, NH - January 15, 2024 Approved Sheet Metal (ASM), a leading national custom precision sheet metal fabrication ...
Approved Sheet Metals Net Promoter Score: Key Insights and its Role in Success
Transparency is more than a buzzword at Approved Sheet Metal (ASM); it's how we do business. By communicating ...
Traditional Sheet Metal Fabrication vs. Sheet Metal Stamping: Which Does Your Part Need? (Updated for 2025)
Here's an interesting bit of information: the number one reason ASM no-quotes a part is that it cannot ...
Converting a Solid Part to a Sheet Metal Part in SOLIDWORKS (Updated for 2024)
Converting a solid part to a sheet metal part in software like SOLIDWORKS is important for several reasons: ...
Prototype Sheet Metal Fabrication That Won’t Break the Bank: 5 Tips for Startups (Updated for 2025)
Does the mere mention of prototype sheet metal fabrication make you break out in a cold sweat? It ...
Avoid These 4 Common Design Mistakes in Sheet Metal Fabrication (Updated for 2026)
Many sheet metal manufacturing problems can be traced back to decisions made during the design stage. A feature ...
Approved Sheet Metal Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of Local Machine Shop, Technical Machine Components
HUDSON, NH - November 15, 2023: Approved Sheet Metal, a leading custom sheet metal fabrication company based in ...
Optimizing Sheet Metal Designs: 5 Tips for Mechanical Engineers (Updated for 2026)
Sheet metal fabrication is a versatile manufacturing process used to produce everything from early prototypes to low-volume production ...
Cutting Through the Confusion: Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet Cutting for Sheet Metal Fabrication (Updated for 2026)
For custom sheet metal parts, laser cutting and waterjet cutting are two very different ways to turn flat ...
Supercharge Your Sheet Metal Busbar Skills (Updated for 2026)
Busbars are rigid electrical conductors used to distribute power between components such as circuit breakers, switches, batteries, inverters, ...
Cut Costs and Boost Efficiency with ASM’s Sheet Metal CAD Tooling Library (Updated for 2026)
1.074 x .665 x .130 - .059 Thickness What if you could design the most common sheet metal ...
The Hidden Gem in Metal Fabrication: The Impact of Slots and Tabs (Updated for 2026)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we regularly add slots and tabs to weldment components, a process many metal fabrication ...
Beyond Prints: The Role of 3D CAD Models in Streamlining Metal Fabrication (Updated for 2026)
Before you submit your quote request, include a 3D CAD model and a dimensioned drawing whenever possible. For ...
Aluminum Smackdown: 5052-H32 Takes on 6061-T6 for Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Superiority (Updated for 2026)
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 2025)
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 2025)
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 2025)
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 2026)
Before we can fabricate your sheet metal part, the solid 3D design must be capable of producing a ...