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 | CTQ Inspections | ISO 13485

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: 

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Certificate of Conformance
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.
Dimensional Inspection Report (DIR)
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
First Article Inspection (FAI)
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.

 

Additional Links and Resources

11 Tips to Reduce Injection Molding Costs

Stretch your budget with these injection molding design recommendations. Quick hint: Simplify!

How to Use Mold Flow Analysis

Flow analysis helps decide gate placement, locate knit lines, and find areas where gas can get trapped.

Glass Transition Temperature of Polymers

Glass transition temperature (Tg) affects moldability, strength, elasticity, transparency, and more.

Beginner’s Guide to Injection Molding

Learn what product designers must consider when designing a part for injection molding, including: warp, surface finish, stress, resin additives, and more.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Our address
Envato
Level 13, 2 Elizabeth
Victoria 3000
Australia