Our Folding Sheet Metal Services
At Yigu Technology, our Folding Sheet Metal Services deliver unmatched precision, flexibility, and efficiency for all your metalworking needs. Whether you require small-batch custom parts or large-scale production runs, we combine advanced press brake technology, expert material selection, and strict quality control to meet tight tolerances and exceed industry standards. From automotive components to medical equipment, our tailored solutions ensure durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness—making us your trusted partner in sheet metal fabrication.
What Is Sheet Metal Folding?
Sheet metal folding is a core metalworking technique that involves shaping flat sheet metal into three-dimensional forms through controlled bending or forming. Unlike cutting processes that remove material, folding reshapes the metal along predefined axes, preserving its structural integrity while creating angles, curves, or complex geometries.
Key Elements of the Folding Process Overview
| Element | Description |
| Core Action | Applying force to bend sheet metal along a specific line (bend line) |
| Primary Equipment | Press brakes (manual, hydraulic, or CNC-controlled) |
| End Result | 3D parts with consistent angles, folds, or edges (e.g., brackets, enclosures) |
| Material Compatibility | Works with most ductile metals (aluminum, steel, copper, etc.) |
This process is critical for manufacturing parts where precision and material efficiency matter—from simple brackets to intricate aerospace components.
Our Folding Sheet Metal Capabilities
At Yigu Technology, we pride ourselves on a versatile range of capabilities to meet diverse client needs. Our services offered cover every aspect of sheet metal folding, from prototype development to high-volume production.
Core Capabilities Breakdown
| Capability | Details |
| Range of Folding | Handle parts from 50mm (small brackets) to 6,000mm (large enclosures) |
| Thickness Capacity | Process sheet metal from 0.5mm (thin aluminum) to 25mm (thick mild steel) |
| Machine Capacity | 10+ CNC press brakes (up to 300 tons of force) for high-precision bending |
| Custom Folding | Create unique geometries (e.g., offset folds, hems, roll forms) via CAD/CAM integration |
| Precision Folding | Achieve angles as tight as ±0.1° and dimensional accuracy of ±0.05mm |
| Production Scalability | Support small batch production (1–100 units) and large-scale production (10,000+ units/month) |
Whether you need a one-off custom part or a continuous supply of components, our team adapts to your timeline and quality requirements.
The Sheet Metal Folding Process: Steps & Workflow
The folding process at Yigu Technology follows a structured, repeatable workflow to ensure consistency and quality. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of our standard procedure:
- Design & Planning: Convert client CAD files into machine-readable code (G-code) to define bend lines, angles, and bending sequence.
- Tooling Setup: Select and install appropriate dies (V-dies, U-dies) and punches on the press brake—critical for matching material thickness and desired folds.
- Material Preparation: Cut the sheet metal to size (via laser cutting or punching) and clean surfaces to remove debris (prevents tool damage).
- Press Brake Operation: Load the metal onto the press brake; the machine applies controlled force to bend the metal along the predefined line. We use both automation (CNC press brakes for high volume) and manual folding (for delicate or custom parts).
- Quality Control & Inspection: Check dimensions, angles, and surface finish using calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)—a key step to meet quality control standards.
- Post-Processing: Send parts to surface treatment (e.g., powder coating) or assembly (if required) before final delivery.
This workflow reduces errors, shortens lead times, and ensures every part meets your specifications.
Materials for Sheet Metal Folding
Choosing the right material is critical for folding success—different metals have unique properties that affect bendability, strength, and cost. Below are the most common sheet metal types we work with:
Common Materials & Their Properties
| Material | Thickness Range (mm) | Key Properties | Ideal Applications |
| Aluminum | 0.5–12 | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to bend | Aerospace parts, consumer electronics |
| Stainless Steel | 0.8–20 | High strength, rust-resistant, durable | Medical equipment, food processing machinery |
| Mild Steel | 1.0–25 | Low cost, high ductility, strong | Automotive frames, construction brackets |
| Copper | 0.3–8 | Excellent conductivity, malleable | Electrical components, heat exchangers |
| Brass | 0.5–10 | Aesthetic appeal, corrosion-resistant | Decorative parts, musical instruments |
| Titanium | 1.0–15 | Ultra-strong, lightweight, biocompatible | Aerospace, medical implants |
Our team provides material selection guidance to balance performance, cost, and manufacturability for your project.
Surface Treatment for Folded Sheet Metal Parts
After folding, surface treatment enhances the part’s durability, aesthetics, and resistance to environmental damage. We offer a full range of surface finishing options to meet your needs:
Surface Treatment Options
| Treatment Type | Purpose | Advantages | Ideal Materials |
| Powder Coating | Corrosion protection, color customization | Durable, scratch-resistant, eco-friendly | Mild steel, aluminum |
| Painting | Aesthetics, basic corrosion resistance | Low cost, wide color range | Most metals (pre-treated) |
| Plating | Improve conductivity, prevent rust | Enhances surface hardness, decorative | Copper, steel (zinc/nickel plating) |
| Anodizing | Hardens surface, adds color | High corrosion resistance, no chipping | Aluminum |
| Polishing | Create a smooth, reflective finish | Aesthetic appeal, easy to clean | Stainless steel, brass |
| Galvanizing | Heavy-duty corrosion protection | Withstands outdoor/harsh environments | Mild steel, iron |
Corrosion protection is a top priority for parts used in automotive, marine, or outdoor applications—our treatments extend part lifespan by 5–10 years on average.
Tolerances & Precision in Sheet Metal Folding
Tolerances and precision are non-negotiable in sheet metal folding—even small deviations can render parts unusable. At Yigu Technology, we adhere to strict quality standards to ensure dimensional accuracy for every project.
Our Tolerance Capabilities vs. Industry Averages
| Metric | Our Capability | Industry Average |
| Angle Tolerance | ±0.1° | ±0.5° |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.05mm (for parts <500mm) | ±0.15mm |
| Bend Radius Tolerance | ±0.02mm | ±0.08mm |
| Flatness Tolerance | 0.1mm/m | 0.3mm/m |
We use advanced measurement tools (e.g., CMMs, laser scanners) and inspection methods (100% batch checks for critical parts) to maintain these tight tolerances. This precision makes our parts suitable for high-stakes applications like aerospace and medical devices.
Advantages of Professional Sheet Metal Folding Services
Choosing professional folding services offers numerous benefits over in-house or low-quality alternatives. Here’s why clients trust Yigu Technology:
- Precision: Achieve consistent, repeatable folds that meet even the strictest design requirements—critical for assembly and part functionality.
- Cost-effectiveness: Minimize material waste (folding preserves metal) and reduce labor costs via automated processes. Our clients save 15–20% on average compared to traditional methods.
- Speed: CNC press brakes enable fast turnaround—small batches (1–50 units) take 2–3 days, while large-scale production (1,000+ units) takes 1–2 weeks.
- Flexibility: Accommodate custom designs (e.g., complex angles, unique geometries) and switch between materials/parts quickly.
- Strength & Durability: Folding preserves material integrity, resulting in parts with higher tensile strength than welded or cast alternatives.
- Aesthetics: Smooth folds and consistent finishes enhance the visual appeal of parts—ideal for consumer products or visible components.
Weight Reduction: Create lightweight yet strong parts (e.g., aerospace brackets) by using thin-gauge metals folded into rigid structures.
Applications & Industries for Folded Sheet Metal
Folded sheet metal is ubiquitous across industries—its versatility makes it suitable for countless applications. Below are the key industries we serve and their common applications:
| Industry | Typical Applications | Materials Used |
| Automotive | Chassis brackets, door frames, battery enclosures | Mild steel, aluminum |
| Aerospace | Wing components, engine mounts, avionics enclosures | Titanium, aluminum alloy |
| Electronics | Server racks, smartphone cases, heat sinks | Aluminum, stainless steel |
| Construction | HVAC ducts, structural brackets, roofing panels | Mild steel, galvanized steel |
| Furniture | Chair frames, table bases, cabinet hardware | Steel, aluminum, brass |
| Medical | Surgical instrument housings, MRI machine parts | Stainless steel, titanium (biocompatible) |
| Appliances | Refrigerator shelves, washing machine frames | Mild steel, aluminum |
| Industrial Equipment | Conveyor parts, pump housings, control panels | Stainless steel, mild steel |
Our team has deep experience in these industries and can tailor solutions to meet sector-specific standards (e.g., ISO 13485 for medical, AS9100 for aerospace).
Manufacturing Techniques: How Folding Fits Into Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal folding is part of a larger ecosystem of manufacturing techniques that work together to create finished parts. At Yigu Technology, we integrate folding with other processes for end-to-end fabrication:
| Technique | Purpose | How It Complements Folding |
| Cutting | Trim sheet metal to the correct size | Prepares raw material for folding (e.g., laser cutting for precise shapes) |
| Punching | Create holes, slots, or notches | Adds features to folded parts (e.g., mounting holes in brackets) |
| Welding | Join multiple folded parts together | Assembles complex structures (e.g., machine frames) |
| Assembly | Add fasteners, hardware, or electronics | Turns folded parts into finished products (e.g., electronics enclosures) |
| CNC Machining | Add precision features (e.g., threads) | Enhances folded parts with detailed machining (e.g., threaded holes) |
| Stamping | Create shallow forms or embossments | Complements folding for parts with both bends and stamped features |
This integrated approach streamlines production, reduces lead times, and ensures consistency across all manufacturing stages.
Case Studies: Success Stories in Sheet Metal Folding
Our case studies demonstrate how we solve complex challenges for clients across industries. Here are two notable examples:
Case Study 1: Aerospace Component for a Leading Aircraft Manufacturer
- Challenge: The client needed 500 custom titanium brackets with tight tolerances (±0.05mm) and corrosion resistance—critical for engine mounting.
- Solution: We used CNC press brakes with titanium-specific tooling, followed by anodizing for corrosion protection. Our quality control team performed 100% CMM inspections.
- Results: Delivered parts 1 week ahead of schedule, with zero defects. The brackets met AS9100 standards and reduced the client’s assembly time by 30%.
Case Study 2: Medical Equipment Enclosures for a Healthcare Tech Firm
- Challenge: The client required 2,000 stainless steel enclosures for diagnostic machines—needing smooth finishes, biocompatibility, and quick turnaround.
- Solution: We folded 1.5mm stainless steel, applied electropolishing (for a bacteria-resistant finish), and integrated punching for cable entry holes.
Results: Completed production in 10 days, with all parts passing ISO 13485 certification. The client reported a 25% cost savings compared to their previous supplier.
Why Choose Yigu Technology for Folding Sheet Metal Services?
When you partner with us, you gain access to a team of experts dedicated to your success. Our unique selling points set us apart from competitors:
- Expertise & Experience: 15+ years in sheet metal fabrication, with specialized knowledge in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
- Quality Commitment: ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485 certifications—we follow strict quality control processes at every stage.
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art CNC press brakes, automation software, and measurement tools to ensure precision and efficiency.
- Customer Service: Dedicated account managers provide real-time updates, and our engineering team offers design for manufacturability (DFM) advice to optimize your parts.
- On-Time Delivery: 98% of orders are delivered on or ahead of schedule—we use lean manufacturing to minimize delays.
- Cost Savings: Our automated processes and material optimization reduce waste, lowering your per-unit costs by 10–25%.
- Innovation: We invest in R&D to adopt new techniques (e.g., AI-driven quality control) and stay ahead of industry trends.
Reputation: 500+ satisfied clients, including Fortune 500 companies—our testimonials highlight our reliability and technical expertise.