Custom Sheet Metal Assembly Services
FABRICATED ASSEMBLIES
Complete Metal Assemblies for Your Industrial Projects
Bring individual metal components together into functional assemblies tailored to your product requirements. From welded frames and riveted panels to enclosures with integrated hardware, Koham supports project-specific manufacturing coordination, assembly planning, and finishing requirements. Share your engineering drawings and assembly specifications to discuss a suitable solution for your project.
What Are Fabricated Assemblies?
Fabricated assemblies are products or subassemblies created by joining multiple manufactured components into a functional unit. In sheet metal fabrication, these components may include laser-cut panels, bent brackets, formed enclosures, mounting plates, frames, and other custom metal parts.
Depending on the design and intended use, components can be connected through welding, riveting, mechanical fasteners, or suitable hardware insertion methods. Purchased components such as hinges, handles, latches, and standoffs may also be incorporated where required.
Bringing these operations together can help simplify component sourcing and assembly planning. From functional prototypes to production components, the appropriate assembly method depends on structural requirements, material compatibility, serviceability, appearance, and manufacturing cost.
Assembly Methods for Custom Metal Components
Choose joining methods based on structural requirements, materials, appearance, and maintenance needs.
Welded Assemblies
Welding joins compatible metal components to form permanent connections. It may be suitable for frames, structural supports, brackets, and equipment housings where joint strength and structural continuity are important.
Key consideration: heat input, distortion control, weld accessibility, and material compatibility.
Riveted Assemblies
Riveting mechanically joins components using rivets, without the heat input associated with welding. It can be suitable for thin sheet metal panels, enclosures, and assemblies made from materials that are not ideal for welding.
Key consideration: rivet type, access to joining surfaces, hole dimensions, and joint loading.
Mechanical Fastening
Screws, bolts, nuts, and other removable fasteners connect components while allowing access for maintenance, adjustment, and replacement.
Key consideration: fastener access, thread engagement, alignment, and resistance to loosening.
Hardware Insertion
Threaded inserts, standoffs, studs, and other integrated fastening hardware can provide mounting points and facilitate assembly with other components.
Key consideration: sheet thickness, hardware compatibility, hole preparation, and installation requirements.
Go Beyond Individual Fabricated Parts
Combine custom sheet metal components with suitable hardware and purchased parts to support a more complete assembly.
- Hinges and Latches — Support opening, closing, and access to equipment enclosures.
- Handles and Pulls — Provide access and handling features for doors, panels, and covers.
- Fasteners and Inserts — Enable component attachment and repeatable assembly.
- Standoffs and Spacers — Maintain separation, positioning, and mounting clearance.
- Brackets and Mounting Hardware — Support installation and alignment within larger products.
- Customer-Specified Components — Incorporate designated purchased parts according to the approved assembly design.
Assembly Design Guidelines
Design components for practical assembly, dimensional consistency, serviceability, and manufacturability.
Design Guidelines for Sheet Metal Assemblies
A successful sheet metal assembly depends on more than the dimensions of individual parts. Component interfaces, joining methods, tolerances, hardware placement, and finishing requirements should be considered together during the design stage.
Assembly Alignment and Clearance
Define how components locate and fit together. Allow suitable clearance for assembly, installation, and any required adjustment, while maintaining the functional relationships between mating parts.
Tolerance Stack-Up
Dimensional variation across multiple components can accumulate at the assembly level. Identify critical interfaces and evaluate how individual part tolerances affect overall fit and function.
Joining Method and Accessibility
Choose welding, riveting, or mechanical fastening according to the required joint strength, appearance, and serviceability. Ensure that tools and joining equipment can access the required locations.
Hardware Placement
Identify the type, size, and position of fasteners, inserts, standoffs, hinges, and latches. Provide sufficient clearance for installation and future maintenance where required.
Weld Distortion and Heat Management
Welding can introduce heat-related deformation and residual stress. Joint placement, weld sequence, material thickness, and inspection requirements should be considered for components with critical dimensions or appearance requirements.
Material and Surface Compatibility
Consider corrosion resistance, coating compatibility, electrical isolation where relevant, and galvanic corrosion risks when dissimilar metals are combined.
Finishing and Assembly Sequence
Determine whether components should be coated, plated, marked, or otherwise finished before or after assembly. The sequence can affect coating coverage, masking requirements, joint appearance, and accessibility.
Inspection Requirements
Specify critical dimensions, fit requirements, appearance criteria, and any required inspection records before production. Assembly-level requirements should be reviewed in addition to individual component dimensions.
Final design recommendations depend on the assembly geometry, materials, joining method, manufacturing capabilities, and intended use.
Materials
Materials for Sheet Metal Forming
Choose materials according to formability, strength, corrosion resistance, thickness, and application requirements.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steels include additional elements beyond carbon, which improve their hardness, toughness, and resistance to fatigue and wear. These steels are widely used in construction, automotive, and machinery due to their enhanced properties.
| Alloy Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | ISO Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4140 | 1.7225 | 708M40 | 42CrMo4 |
| 4340 | 1.6565 | 817M40 | 40NiCrMo6 |
| 8620 | 1.6523 | 805M20 | 20NiCrMo2 |
| 52100 | 1.3505 | 100Cr6 | SUJ2 |
| 4142 | 1.7227 | 708M40T | 41CrMoS4 |
| 6150 | 1.8159 | 735A51 | 50CrV4 |
Aluminum
Aluminum alloys are lightweight and strong, with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also resistant to corrosion and can be anodized for added protection, making them ideal for aerospace and packaging industries.
| Aluminum Alloy | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | ISO Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu |
| 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn |
| 6060 | 3.3206 | EN AW-6060 | AlMgSi |
| 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5 |
| 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi |
Brass
Brass is a metal known for its easy machinability and good electrical conductivity. It is ideal for applications requiring low friction, such as gears, locks, and musical instruments.
| Brass | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 | UNS C36000 | CUZN39PB3 | CuZn39Pb3 |
| C46400 | UNS C46400 | CuZn38Al | Naval Brass |
| C93200 | UNS C93200 | Saems 660 | Bearing Bronze |
| C48500 | UNS C48500 | CuZn39Sn1 | Leaded Muntz Metal |
| C26000 | UNS C26000 | CUZN30 | Cartridge Brass |
| C37700 | UNS C37700 | CUZN40PB2 | Forging Brass |
Copper
Copper is excellent at conducting heat and electricity, making it perfect for electrical uses like busbars and wire connectors. It is easily recognized by its shiny reddish-orange color and is also used in plumbing and roofing.
| Copper | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C11000 | UNS C11000 | Cu-ETP | Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper |
| C10100 | UNS C10100 | OF-OK | Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper |
| C10200 | UNS C10200 | OF-Cu | Oxygen-Free (OF) Copper |
| C28000 | UNS C28000 | CuZn40 | Muntz Metal |
| C14500 | UNS C14500 | TeCu | Tellurium Copper |
Hastelloy
Hastelloy is a group of nickel alloys known for their high resistance to corrosion, pitting, and stress-corrosion cracking. They are often used in harsh environments like chemical processing and aerospace, where durability is crucial.
| Hastelloy | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C276 | UNS N10276 | 2.4819 | NiMo16Cr15W |
| C22 | UNS N06022 | 2.4602 | NiCr21Mo14W |
| B-2 | UNS N10665 | 2.4617 | NiMo28 |
| X | UNS N06002 | 2.4665 | NiCr22Fe18Mo |
| C2000 | UNS N06200 | 2.4675 | NiCr23Mo16Cu |
| G-30 | UNS N06030 | 2.4603 | NiCr29Mo9Fe |
Inconel
Inconel is a strong, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, ideal for challenging aerospace applications. It can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for jet engines and gas turbines.
| Inconel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 718 | UNS N07718 | 2.4668 | NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3 |
| 625 | UNS N06625 | 2.4856 | NiCr22Mo9Nb |
| 600 | UNS N06600 | 2.4816 | NiCr15Fe |
| X-750 | UNS N07750 | 2.4669 | NiCr15Fe7TiAl |
| 601 | UNS N06601 | 2.4851 | NiCr23Fe |
| 725 | UNS N07725 | 2.4668 | NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3 |
Invar
Invar is a nickel alloy with very low thermal expansion, making it highly stable and perfect for precision applications such as instrumentation and aerostructure molds. It is also used in scientific instruments where dimensional stability is critical.
| Invar | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | UNS K93600 | 1.3912 | FeNi36 |
| 42 | UNS K94200 | 1.3917 | FeNi42 |
| 48 | UNS K94800 | 1.3922 | FeNi48 |
| 32-5 | UNS K94610 | 1.3911 | FeNi32-5 |
| 42-6 | UNS K94620 | 1.3913 | FeNi42-6 |
| 46 | UNS K94630 | 1.3914 | FeNi46 |
Maraging Steel
Maraging steels are ultra-high-strength steels that are easy to machine and weld without causing distortion. They gain their exceptional hardness and toughness from a special heat-treating process, making them suitable for aerospace and tooling applications.
| Maraging Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | UNS K93120 | 1.6359 | 20Ni Maraging Steel C200 |
| 250 | UNS K92890 | 1.6358 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C250 |
| 300 | UNS K93120 | 1.6354 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C300 |
| 350 | UNS K93160 | 1.6356 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C350 |
| 400 | UNS K91460 | 1.6352 | Custom 465 Stainless |
| 500 | UNS K92810 | 1.6354 | Custom Age 625 Plus |
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is known for its strength, heat, and corrosion resistance, along with its durability and attractive appearance. These qualities make it suitable for a wide range of uses, including kitchenware, medical instruments, and construction.
| Stainless Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | UNS S31603 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | Stainless Steel 316L |
| 304 | UNS S30400 | X5CrNi18-10 | Stainless Steel 304 |
| 17-4 PH | UNS S17400 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | Stainless Steel 17-4 PH |
| 303 | UNS S30300 | X8CrNiS18-9 | Stainless Steel 303 |
| 420 | UNS S42000 | X20Cr13 | Stainless Steel 420 |
| 440C | UNS S44004 | X105CrMo17 | Stainless Steel 440C |
Titanium
Titanium is a lightweight metal with excellent strength, low thermal expansion, and high corrosion resistance. Its ability to be sterilized and its biocompatibility make it unique, especially in medical implants and aerospace components.
| Titanium Grade | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | UNS R56400 | 3.7165 | Ti-6Al-4V |
| 2 | UNS R50400 | 3.7035 | CP Titanium |
| 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | UNS R56401 | 3.7165 | Ti-6Al-4V ELI |
| 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) | UNS R56320 | 3.7195 | Ti-3Al-2.5V |
| 7 (Ti-0.2Pd) | UNS R52400 | 3.7235 | Ti-0.2Pd |
| 12 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) | UNS R53400 | 3.7105 | Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni |
Tool Steel
Tool steels are hard, stiff, and resistant to abrasion, making them perfect for manufacturing industrial tools. Their robustness is essential for cutting, drilling, and molding applications in various industries.
| Tool Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | UNS T30402 | 1.2379 | X155CrVMo12-1 |
| M2 | UNS T11302 | 1.3343 | HS6-5-2C |
| A2 | UNS T30102 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1 |
| S7 | UNS T41907 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 |
| O1 | UNS T31501 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 |
| H13 | UNS T20813 | 1.2344 | X40Cr |
Material selection affects bend radius, springback, forming force, and the risk of cracking. Share your material grade, thickness, and part drawings to discuss a suitable forming approach. Discuss Your Material Requirements
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Applications of Custom Sheet Metal Assemblies
Integrated metal components for industrial equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and custom products.
Enclosures & Cabinets
Panels, doors, hinges, latches, mounting plates, and fasteners integrated into functional enclosures.
Frames & Supports
Joined frames, brackets, supports, and formed components for machinery and equipment.
Machine Guards & Covers
Protective structures, access panels, and removable covers assembled for equipment applications.
Mounting & Hardware Assemblies
Mounting structures, rails, plates, and hardware-integrated components for industrial installations.
From Drawings to Finished Assemblies
A coordinated workflow helps align part manufacturing, joining methods, assembly requirements, and final inspection.
Submit Assembly Files
Provide the top-level assembly model, component drawings, material specifications, BOM, and critical requirements where available.
Design & Manufacturability Review
Review component interfaces, tolerances, fastener access, joining options, and potential assembly constraints.
Confirm Materials & Joining Methods
Evaluate material compatibility, welding or fastening requirements, hardware selections, and the finishing sequence.
Fabrication & Assembly
Manufacture the individual components and coordinate the agreed joining, hardware installation, and finishing operations.
Inspection & Delivery
Review the specified fit, dimensions, appearance, and assembly requirements before coordinating packaging and delivery.
Why Choose Koham for Fabricated Assemblies?
Coordinate fabricated parts, hardware, joining methods, and finishing around your assembly requirements.
Integrated Component Sourcing
Review fabricated components and specified hardware together to support a more complete assembly solution.
Assembly-Focused Design Review
Consider interfaces, fastener positions, fit requirements, and manufacturing constraints early in the project.
Process Coordination
Evaluate fabrication, joining, hardware installation, surface treatment, and assembly as connected operations.
Global B2B Partnership
Support project communication and manufacturing coordination for custom assemblies and industrial components.
FAQ
Fabricated Assemblies FAQs
What are fabricated sheet metal assemblies?
Fabricated sheet metal assemblies are components joined into a functional unit through methods such as welding, riveting, mechanical fastening, and hardware installation. They may include panels, brackets, enclosures, frames, and other custom-manufactured parts.
What is the difference between welded and riveted assemblies?
Welding creates a permanent joint through a fusion or welding process, while riveting mechanically joins components using rivets without welding heat. The appropriate option depends on material compatibility, joint strength, appearance, maintenance requirements, and production considerations.
Can purchased hardware be included in an assembly?
Depending on the project scope and sourcing capabilities, purchased components such as hinges, handles, latches, fasteners, and standoffs may be incorporated into the assembly. Required components should be identified in the BOM or assembly documentation.Common options include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, copper, and brass. The suitable material depends on its formability, thickness, bend radius, strength requirements, and intended application.Dimensioned engineering drawings and suitable 2D profiles, such as DXF files, are useful for defining the required geometry. CAD files may also be helpful for review. Confirm supported formats and include material, thickness, dimensions, and tolerances.
What files are needed for a sheet metal assembly quote?
A top-level STEP assembly or a SOLIDWORKS assembly with referenced component files can help communicate the overall design. Dimensioned 2D drawings, a BOM, material requirements, joining details, and finishing specifications are also useful.
Can an assembly include multiple materials or surface finishes?
It may be possible, depending on material compatibility, connection methods, operating conditions, and finishing requirements. Dissimilar metals, coated materials, and components exposed to heat or corrosion should be reviewed before the joining method and finish are finalized.
What affects the cost of fabricated assemblies?
Cost depends on the number and complexity of components, material selection, individual fabrication processes, joining method, purchased hardware, surface treatments, assembly labor, inspection requirements, and order quantity. A complete assembly model and BOM can help support a more accurate quotation.