Precision CNC Machining, Rapid prototyping, and Custom parts
Punching2025-11-05T17:28:58+08:00

Flexible Custom Punching Services

Achieve scalable production and personalized customization through stamped parts and components.
Delivery in as fast as 5 days — start your custom journey today!

  • On-demand customization – from Rapid Prototyping to Production

  • Fast, precise, and cost-effective sheet metal forming.

  • Achieve consistent shapes, high material efficiency.

  • Versatile processing for a wide range of metals.

  • Broad application across industries

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Sheet metal machining process producing precision metal components with tight tolerances and smooth finishes.

STEP  STP  SLDPRT  IPT  PRT  SAT  IGES  IGS  CATPART  X_T  OBJ  STL

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Punching – Fast & Cost-Effective Sheet Metal Processing

Punching is a high-speed sheet metal process that uses a punch press to create holes, cutouts, and special shapes with great accuracy. It is widely used for functional and decorative features in prototypes and low-to-medium volume production. With punching, complex patterns can be achieved in seconds, offering:

  • Efficiency: Ideal for repetitive features and large quantities.

  • Precision: Consistent hole size and shape, even for intricate designs.
  • Versatility: Works with a variety of sheet metals including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.

  • Cost Savings: Less material waste compared to other cutting processes.

Whether you need simple perforations or complex geometries, our punching service ensures high-quality results with fast turnaround.

How Punching works?

Punching is a metal forming process that uses a punch press to force a tool (called a punch) through a sheet of metal to create a hole or shape. The punched-out piece is usually scrap (called a slug), while the remaining sheet becomes the part.

  • Punching – Punch moves down.
  • Shaping – Metal is pressed into the die.

  • Finished Part – Precise cut or hole.

How to Work With Us

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Upload a CAD File

To start, simply select a manufacturing process and upload a 3D CAD file.

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Get Quote with DFM

Within a few hours we’ll send you design for manufacturability(DFM) analysis andreal-time pricing.

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Manufacturing Begins

Once you review your quote and place your order, we’ll start the manufacturing process. We also offer finishing options.

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Parts are Shipped!

Our digital manufacturing process allows us to produce parts in as fast as 1 day.

Put your punching parts into production today

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Punching Material

Punching Design Guide

The design of stamped sheet metal parts is often complex. To help integrate them smoothly into your next project, the following outlines key manufacturability considerations to keep in mind during the design process. These guidelines will help reduce project costs, improve production efficiency, and ensure consistent, high-quality parts.

  1. All forming features should be oriented consistently. Designs that incorporate both upward and downward forming features are prone to quality issues.
  2. The distance between holes should generally be 1.5 times the material thickness. For soft materials or when using a multi-hole (cluster) punch, the hole spacing can be reduced to 1.2 times the material thickness. However, when using a single-hole punch, a larger spacing is required to ensure consistent hole quality.
  3. The minimum hole diameter should be designed as 1.2 times the material thickness.
  4. The number of unique punch features with different sizes or shapes in the design should be minimized. Using features of the same size can reduce mold setup and adjustment time, potentially lower tooling costs, and improve both production efficiency and the consistency of part quality.
  5. The tolerances for stamped features should be maintained within ±0.127 mm. It is important to note that the dimensional tolerances in the flat state differ from those in the formed state. Therefore, design considerations should account for both conditions to ensure part assembly accuracy and manufacturability.

Assembly service

Although sheet metal parts with stamped features can be used as independent components, in practical industrial applications they are more commonly integrated into assemblies, subassemblies, or welded units to form fully functional components. To streamline the implementation of your project, we offer the following professional assembly services, ensuring that delivered components can be immediately used in subsequent operations:

  • Precise hardware installation

  • Welding services

  • Riveted assembly

The assembly process typically adds 1–3 days to the base production cycle. The exact duration will depend on factors such as the number of components, assembly complexity (e.g., multi-step operations, high-precision positioning requirements), and other project-specific details. We will confirm the precise timeline with you in advance based on the specifics of your project.

Surface Finish and Post-Processing Options

Custom CNC machined aluminum container showing surface finish details

As machined

The machined or deburring finish is the standard finish where unwanted attach chips are removed with deburring tools, and sharp edges are chamfered to smooth the surface (3.2 μm).

Sandblasted surface finish on metal part showing uniform matte texture and improved surface adhesion.

Bead Blasted

Bead blasting produces a matte texture, removing all the marks of machining tools. It applies to ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, and Steel parts.

Anodized surface finish on aluminum part showing durable oxide layer, enhanced corrosion resistance, and decorative appearance.

Anodizing

Anodizing involves adding an aluminum oxide coating to aluminum and its alloys. The layers, which come in various colors, increase strength and shield the surface from corrosion.

Alodine surface finish on aluminum part showing chromate conversion coating for corrosion resistance and enhanced paint adhesion.

Alodine

Provides excellent corrosion resistance property to the aluminum parts with greenish-gold color. It is the low-cost and quick surface finishing approach.

Metal part with polished surface finish, showing smooth, reflective texture, precision manufacturing, and high-quality finish.

Polishing

Physical rubbing of a metal surface to create a shiny surface is called a polishing surface finish. It increases the reflectivity and does not affect the dimensional stability of parts.

Metal part with brushed surface finish, showing uniform texture, enhanced aesthetics, and precision finishing.

Brushing

Brushing is achieved by applying an abrasive brush to the metal surface, which produces a unidirectional satin finish. And it is not recommended for highly corrosive materials.

Aluminum alloy sheet and rods samples

Sanding

Provides a random, non-linear texture with a shiny, high gloss finish. However, it might be unable to create sharp corners and pockets

Metal parts with black-oxide surface finish, showing corrosion resistance, matte appearance, and precision manufacturing.

Black-Oxide

Black oxide finish reduces surface reflectivity and offers mild corrosion protection. It involves adding a thin layer of magnetite to the surface.

Sheet metal fabricated part with surface finish, showing precision manufacturing, custom metal forming, and advanced surface treatment.

Electroplating

Electroplating increases the hardness of the steel &aluminum parts. It offers excellent corrosion, wears, and abrasion resistance.

CNC machined metal part with chrome plating finish for high hardness, corrosion protection, and mirror-like surface appearance.

Electroless Nickel Plating

A thin layer of Nickel is created on the surface from a nickel-containing solution without electrolysis. Electro-less nickel plating provides a shiny appearance, excellent hardness, abrasive, wear, and corrosion-resistance to the substrate material.

CNC machined metal part with chrome plating finish for high hardness, corrosion protection, and mirror-like surface appearance.

Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is widely used in various industries, which not only enhances the beautiful appearance of the product, but also improves the performance of the product, such as corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, abrasion resistance, hardness, etc.

CNC machined metal part with passivation finish for corrosion resistance and improved stainless steel protection.

Passivation

Enhance the appearance and functionality of the parts. After Passivation, parts of Steel and its alloys become super resistive from corrosion.

Sheet Metal Fabrication resources

Sheet metal press brake machine used for precision bending of metal sheets in fabrication and manufacturing.

Avoid When Designing Sheet Metal Parts

Sheet metal components are widely used in industries such as electronics, automotive, machinery manufacturing, and household appliances. Although they may seem simple, designing sheet metal parts that are both reliable and cost-effective is far from easy.

What is Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. From the sleek body of a car to the sturdy casing of electronics, and even the structural components in buildings, countless everyday items rely on precisely fabricated sheet metal parts.

Rapid sheet metal prototyping process producing high-precision metal components quickly for testing and functional validation

Guide to Sheet Metal Materials

Through this article, you will gain a clear understanding of the most widely used sheet metal materials and how to evaluate them for your specific needs. Instead of getting lost in technical jargon, you’ll discover which properties really matter—strength, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and appearance—and how they influence your project outcomes.

FAQs

What Is The Typical Lead Time For Sheet Metal Fabrication?2025-10-17T10:37:32+08:00

The lead time for sheet metal parts depends on several factors, including part complexity, order quantity, and the specific fabrication processes required.

For simple parts, delivery can typically be completed within 5 days after order confirmation and final design approval, making it ideal for prototypes or quick-turn projects.
For complex components or large-volume orders, lead times may be longer. When providing a quotation, we also include an estimated lead time, taking into account production capacity and the specific requirements of your project.

We always strive to minimize delivery times while maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring that you receive your parts quickly without compromising on precision or craftsmanship.

How Much Does Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost?2025-10-17T10:37:48+08:00

The cost of sheet metal fabrication varies depending on several factors, including part complexity, material type, quantity, and the specific fabrication processes required. For simple, straightforward parts, costs can be very competitive, especially when utilizing efficient production techniques and advanced machinery.

For larger or more complex orders, costs may increase due to additional processing and labor requirements. Our goal is always to provide the best value, balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality results.

What Are The Common Processes Used In Sheet Metal Fabrication?2025-10-17T10:38:11+08:00

Sheet metal fabrication involves a series of processes that transform flat metal sheets into finished components. The main processes include:

  • Laser Cutting – Provides high precision and smooth edges for complex shapes.
  • Stamping & Punching – Ideal for producing holes, slots, and repetitive features efficiently.
  • Bending & Forming – Uses CNC press brakes to shape metal sheets into desired angles or profiles.
  • Welding & Assembly – Includes TIG, MIG, and spot welding for joining and assembling metal parts.
  • Riveting & Fastener Insertion – Ensures strong structural connections and reliable assembly.
  • Surface Finishing – Options such as powder coating, electroplating, anodizing, polishing, and brushing enhance appearance and corrosion resistance.

By combining these processes, we can deliver precision, strength, and aesthetic quality for a wide range of sheet metal products.

Do You Have A Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) For Sheet Metal Fabrication Services?2025-10-17T10:38:46+08:00

At Horizon, we accommodate projects of all sizes—from single prototypes to full-scale production runs. Whether you need small-batch customization or mass manufacturing, our production process is designed to be flexible and responsive.
We do not impose a strict minimum order quantity, allowing both startups and established companies to take advantage of our sheet metal fabrication services based on their specific needs, budget, and project scale.

What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?2025-10-17T10:39:00+08:00

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of transforming flat metal sheets into customized parts and structures through techniques such as cutting, bending, welding, and assembly.
This process typically involves the use of precision machinery such as laser cutters, press brakes, and stamping equipment to create enclosures, brackets, cabinets, and other metal components.
To enhance durability and appearance, surface finishing treatments—such as powder coating, electroplating, or anodizing—are often applied to the final products.

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