Custom Metal Fabrication FAQ: 25 Questions Answered by Engineers (2026)

General Questions

Q1: What is custom metal fabrication?

This custom metal fabrication FAQ begins with the fundamentals: custom metal fabrication is the process of cutting, bending, welding, stamping, or machining metal materials to produce parts or structures according to a customer’s specific design drawings. Unlike off-the-shelf parts, custom fabrication produces exactly the geometry, material, tolerance, and surface finish specified in your design.

Q2: What processes are included in metal fabrication?

Common metal fabrication processes include: CNC laser cutting, CNC press brake bending, progressive die stamping, deep drawing, TIG/MIG welding, robotic welding, CNC milling, CNC turning, and surface treatment (powder coating, anodizing, plating, sandblasting).

Q3: What is the difference between sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining?

Sheet metal fabrication starts with flat metal sheets and forms them through cutting, bending, stamping, and welding. CNC machining starts with solid metal stock and removes material to create the final geometry. Sheet metal is generally lower cost for thin-walled parts; CNC machining is preferred for high-precision solid components.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Q4: What is the minimum order quantity for custom sheet metal parts?

At Deeplink, there is no minimum order quantity. We accept single-part prototype orders and high-volume production runs of millions of parts using the same quality system.

Q5: Is there an MOQ for CNC machining?

No. Deeplink accepts single-piece CNC machining orders for prototypes. Pricing per part decreases at higher quantities due to setup amortization, but there is no hard minimum.

Q6: What is the minimum order for progressive die stamping?

Progressive die stamping requires tooling fabrication (one-time cost). This process becomes most cost-effective at quantities above 1,000-5,000 pieces. There is no MOQ on part quantity itself, but tooling cost must be included in the project budget.

Lead Times

Q7: How long does sheet metal prototype fabrication take?

Deeplink’s standard prototype lead time is 2-3 business days from DFM approval and order confirmation. Expedited options are available.

Q8: What is the typical lead time for mass production orders?

Simple laser-cut + bent parts (1,000-10,000 pcs): 7-15 business days. Stamped + welded assemblies (1,000-5,000 pcs): 15-25 business days. Complex multi-process assemblies: 20-35 business days.

Q9: Can Deeplink handle urgent/rush orders?

Yes. Expedited production scheduling is available. Indicate your deadline during initial inquiry.

File Formats and Quoting

Q10: What file formats does Deeplink accept?

STEP (.step, .stp), SLDPRT (SolidWorks), DXF (2D drawings), STL, CATPART, PRT, SAT, JT, IPT, 3MF, 3DXML, and IGES. STEP is strongly recommended.

Q11: How do I get a quote for custom metal parts?

Upload your CAD files via the quote form at deeplinkmetalfab.com or email to business@deeplinkpro.com. Include: quantity, target delivery date, material requirements, and surface treatment needs. Formal quotation within 24 hours.

Q12: What is DFM analysis and is it free?

DFM (Design for Manufacturability) is an engineering review of your CAD files before production. At Deeplink, DFM analysis is always free and completed within 24 hours.

Q13: Can Deeplink quote from 2D drawings without a 3D model?

Yes, for sheet metal parts with standard geometry. For complex 3D assemblies, a STEP or SLDPRT file is strongly recommended.

Materials

Q14: What metals does Deeplink work with?

Stainless steel (304, 316, 316L, 430), carbon steel (Q235B, Q345, SPCC), aluminum alloys (5052, 6061, 6063), galvanized steel (SGCC, DX51D), copper, and brass. Material composition is verified by XRF spectrometer.

Q15: What is the difference between stainless steel 304 and 316L?

Both are austenitic stainless steels. 316L (full material comparison guide) adds 2-3% molybdenum, significantly improving resistance to chloride corrosion and pitting. 316L is specified for marine environments, chemical processing, and medical devices. It costs 20-30% more than 304.

Q16: Which metal is best for outdoor structural applications?

Q235B or Q345 carbon steel with hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating offers the best cost-performance. For harsh environments (coastal, industrial), stainless steel 304 or 316L eliminates long-term maintenance costs.

Tolerances and Quality

Q17: What tolerances can Deeplink achieve?

CNC laser cutting: ±0.1mm linear. CNC press brake bending: ±0.5° angle. Progressive die stamping: ±0.2mm hole position. CNC milling: ±0.05mm. TIG welded assemblies: ±0.5mm overall.

Q18: What quality certifications does Deeplink hold?

ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System. ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System. ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety. SGS certified. RoHS compliant. REACH compliant.

Q19: What inspection equipment does Deeplink have in-house?

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), 2D vision measuring instruments, XRF spectrometers, hardness testers, salt spray chambers, and surface roughness testers. Every production run includes 39+ quality checkpoints.

Q20: Can Deeplink provide material test reports and first article inspection (FAI)?

Yes. Material certificates (EN 10204 standard), first article inspection reports with dimensional data, process control records, and surface treatment test reports.

Surface Treatment

Q21: What surface treatment options are available?

Powder coating: durable, color-matched, UV/corrosion-resistant; all RAL colors. Anodizing: aluminum only; Type II (decorative) and Type III (hard anodize). Zinc plating (electroplating): corrosion protection for carbon steel. Chrome plating: decorative and functional. Sandblasting: Sa1, Sa2, Sa2.5 grades. Polishing: mirror or brushed finish for stainless steel. Silk screen printing: logo, labeling on flat surfaces. Hot-dip galvanizing: heavy structural corrosion protection.

Q22: How thick is powder coating, and does it affect my part dimensions?

Standard powder coating thickness is 60-100 microns (0.06-0.10mm) per surface. For tight-tolerance interfaces, specify dimensions as “before coating” or “after coating” in your drawing.

Shipping and Delivery

Q23: Does Deeplink ship internationally?

Yes. Global delivery with complete export documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, quality certificate, and customs declaration. Delivered to USA, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Q24: What is the typical ocean freight transit time from China to the USA?

US West Coast ports (LA, Long Beach): approximately 14-18 days. US East Coast: 25-32 days. Air freight: 3-5 days (for urgent small shipments).

Q25: Does Deeplink provide export documentation for customs clearance?

Yes. Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, quality certificate, material certificates, RoHS/REACH declarations, and project-specific inspection reports.

Compare us with other platforms: Deeplink vs Xometry. Learn about our process: How Deeplink Works.

Have a question not answered here? Contact our engineering team at business@deeplinkpro.com or upload your project files at deeplinkmetalfab.com for a free DFM analysis.