Sheet Metal Fabrication Quality Control
How we use digital processes, documented work standards, and inspection reporting to manufacture quality parts and assemblies consistently.
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR Registered
Quality is in Our Work Standards, and our DNA
Our mission is to deliver great parts every time. To do that, we use clearly documented work standards and procedures. To minimize escapes, our team of skilled fabricators performs in-process quality checks on every unique geometry. Once the part is completed, our quality control experts take over to visually and dimensionally inspect the physical part to ensure consistency with your 3D model (or print, if necessary).
Inspection Documentation for Sheet Metal Projects
We offer multiple forms of quality inspection documentation and reports for sheet metal fabrication orders. Depending on your project requirements, you can choose from these reports within your online quote:
- Dimensional Inspection Report
- First Article Inspection (2D drawing required)
- Certificate of Conformance
- Material Certification
- Finish Certification
Here's more about each of these reporting options so you can determine which is the best choice for your project:
Sheet Metal Inspections
| Benefits | Measurements | Eligibility | Additional Features | Lead Time | Price | Sample Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Included in all shipments. No measurement results are provided | Protolabs quality control inspects parts to verify consistency with quoted dimensional and visual standards | Available on all orders. | None | None | None | After the parts are manufactured, one piece from the lot is inspected to verify quoted dimensional tolerances and visual standards. |
| Benefits | Measurements | Eligibility | Additional Features | Lead Time | Price | Sample Plan | Sample Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verifies numerous dimensional specifications without requiring a 2D drawing. | Protolabs quality control inspects approximately 10 dimensions to verify quoted tolerances. GD&T is excluded from inspection. | N/A | Formatted report with bubbled part image and results summary chart. | None | $250 | After the parts are manufactured, one piece from the lot is inspected to verify quoted dimensional tolerances and visual standards. | Download Sample DIR |
| Benefits | Measurements | Eligibility | Additional Features | Lead Time | Price | Sample Plan | Sample Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verifies the sample part conforms to all dimensions provided in a 2D drawing. | Protolabs quality control inspects 100% of dimensions provided on a 2D drawing, including GD&T. Quoted tolerances apply. | N/A | FAI produced using a template conforming to AS9102C standard. | Adds 1 day | $500 | After the parts are manufactured, one piece from the lot is inspected to verify quoted dimensional tolerances and visual standards. | Download Sample FAI |
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Analysis
When requesting a quote through our digital quoting platform, you will receive both manufacturability analysis and pricing. This important first step in the digital manufacturing process enables you to test multiple designs simultaneously, thereby achieving design validation sooner, which saves time in the development cycle.
Our manufacturing analysis can improve the quality of sheet metal parts by:
- Identifying non-uniform part thicknesses
- Validating a feature's (e.g. cutouts, holes) proximity to bends
- Verifying hardware insert and sheet metal material compatibility
- Analyzing flange length
- Evaluating bend radius tooling
Design Support from Sheet Metal Experts
Our experts are available to review your sheet metal design and discuss any questions you may have. Choose from the two design support options below:
Consultative Design Service
Work directly with a sheet metal applications engineer to improve the manufacturability of your design. It's like having a personal sheet metal fabrication consultant on your team. During the process, our applications engineer will collaborate with you in order to understand your design goals, review the manufacturing analysis provided in your online quote, and make any necessary changes to the CAD file.
Design Review
Discuss your design with a sheet metal applications engineer to answer any manufacturability questions your might have. Common design review topics include optimizing for cost, feature location and spacing, and questions about press brake forming.