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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Welding vs. Riveting for Fusing Custom Sheet Metal Parts (Updated for 2026)
Not all metal fabrication shops have extensive expertise in welding and riveting. But at Approved Sheet Metal, we ...
Introducing our SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Design Resources Page (Updated for 2026)
Do you design sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If so, be sure to check out our new SOLIDWORKS ...
Galvanized vs. Galvannealed Steel: A Sheet Metal Comparison (Updated for 2026)
Unsure whether to choose galvanized steel or galvannealed steel for your sheet metal parts? Both materials start with ...
Ask Your Sheet Metal Fabricator: Powder Coat or Wet Paint? (Updated for 2026)
Powder coating and wet paint are two common finishing options for custom sheet metal parts, but neither is ...
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication Spotlight: Weld Joints (Updated for 2026)
As a leading sheet metal fabricator, Approved Sheet Metal knows the importance of high-quality precision welding. Our welders ...
Choosing the Optimal Sheet Metal Hinge for Your Part (Updated for 2026)
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 2026)
Are you designing sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS? If you have got questions, you are not alone. While ...
Understanding Sheet Metal Fabrication Stages: Prototype, Batch Production, and Mass Production (Updated for 2026)
Do you know the differences between prototype, low-volume production, and mass production in custom sheet metal fabrication? The ...
A Sheet Metal Bracket Design Guide (Updated for 2026)
At Approved Sheet Metal, our sheet metal fabrication experts manufacture custom sheet metal brackets for product developers across ...
Designing and Forming U-Shaped Sheet Metal Fabricated Parts (Updated for 2026)
Approved Sheet Metal has the expertise and capabilities to make a wide range of precision sheet metal parts. ...
How to Minimize the Cost of Laser Cutting Services (Updated for 2026)
Laser cutting is a fast and flexible way to produce custom sheet metal parts, but the cost can ...
Why E-Coat and Black Oxide Are Becoming Obsolete for Precision Sheet Metal Finishing (Updated for 2026)
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 2026)
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 2026)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we deliver excellence in sheet metal fabrication. That includes helping customers choose the best ...
What Is Metal Fabrication? (Updated for 2026)
Sheet metal fabrication is the process of cutting, forming, joining, and finishing flat metal sheet to create functional ...
Top 6 Custom Sheet Metal Design Blog Posts of 2022
One thing that sets Approved Sheet Metal apart from other precision metal fabrication shops is our team's extensive ...
How a Design Review Sets Your Custom Metal Fabrication up for Success (Updated for 2025)
Did you know that Approved Sheet Metal offers design reviews? Until now, we've primarily offered this service upon customer ...
The Impact of Powder Coating on Tolerances of a Metal Fabricated Part (Updated for 2026)
It’s no mystery why powder coating is such a popular choice for precision sheet metal finishing. This process is ...
How In-House Engineering Expertise Mitigates Sheet Metal Design Problems (Updated for 2025)
Most sheet metal shops don't have prototype fabrication experts on staff, and if they do, they are typically ...
2 Ways to Optimize Fabricating Quick-Turn Sheet Metal Prototypes (Updated for 2025)
At Approved Sheet Metal, we've optimized our shop to provide customers with affordable, high-quality precision sheet metal parts ...