Fathom delivers high-quality parts to its valued customers by using the latest in sheet metal prototyping. Whether your project is high-precision or complex, short production run related, or time-sensitive, Fathom can meet your requirements.
Rapid prototyping is the quick production of a model or part using additive or 3D manufacturing technologies. Rapid prototyping was previously accomplished by using the same methods as the final part, which proved to be costly and time-consuming. Due to developments in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping is now quick and cost-effective. Various technologies are used during rapid prototyping, including:
Multiple factors influence how metal 3D printing quotes are estimated. The design, material selected quantity ordered, and turnaround time can all affect the cost.
Metal 3D printing facilitates the production of parts with complex geometries. When designing for 3D printing, include self-supporting angles to eliminate the need for support and reduce the amount of raw material needed. The focus of the design should be on performance and reducing the number of parts necessary to complete a larger piece, reducing assembly time.
A variety of metal materials can be used for metal 3d printing including aluminum and titanium. Raw metal materials with better performance properties, like chemical resistance, are more expensive. To reduce costs, pick a material based on how the part should perform and the environment in which it will operate.
Metal 3D printing is excellent for low-volume jobs that call for a variety of customizations. Because metal 3D printing does not require a tool to be developed for every part, there is more design flexibility. For example, a project that calls for ten versions of a single design can be made cost-effectively using 3D printing.
Finishing, assembly, or other secondary processes are often not necessary for parts made using metal 3D printing, which helps to lower costs. When a higher quality finish is desired, post-processing services are available including abrasive blasting, electroplating, shot peening and more. To reduce the turnaround time, select an all-in-one manufacturing company offering metal 3D printing and secondary finishing services.
Fathom can handle your next sheet metal prototyping project. Our services include waterjet cutting, laser cutting, Microcut™, photochemical machining and wire EDM. Finishing and post-processing services include bead blasting, welding, deburring, etc. Sheet metal prototyping is just one of 28 manufacturing services offered by Fathom.
Standard lead times are below, but 24hr expedite options are available.
| Parts | Delivery time |
|---|---|
| 1-50 flat part pieces | 2 days |
| 50-1,000 flat part pieces | 5-7 days |
| 1-500 formed parts | 6-8 days |
| 1-5 drawn part pieces | 10-15 days |
| 4 slide tooled parts | 4-6 weeks |
Fathom’s global network utilizes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom has sheet metal prototype fabrication equipment, including lasers, waterjet machines, finishing tools, autodeburring, 4 slide machines, multi-slide machines, press brakes, 300-ton presses, and 22-ton presses, wire EDM machines, seely slide forming tools and 35-ton blanking presses.
In addition to sheet metal prototyping, Fathom also offers hybridized services that leverage prototype fabrication. Fathom’s team of experts can handle your complex project. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including metal prototype fabrication services:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom’s nationwide coverage includes 3 US-based locations that offer sheet metal prototyping. Fathom’s manufacturing and prototyping services include CNC machining, injection molding, metal 3D printing, chemical etching, etc. Leading US companies have received over 200,000 quotes from Fathom. Our team is ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
COLORADO
7770 Washington Street
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR
NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR
401 W. Shore Boulevard
Newark, NY 14513
ISO 9001:2015
AS910:2016
ITAR
A: Yes, Fathom offers metal prototype fabrication.
A: Metal prototype manufacturing is creating a sample or “rough draft” part that can be used to test the form and function before mass production.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Fathom is capable of a same-day turnaround for sheet metal parts.
A: Rapid prototyping is the quick production of a model or part using additive or 3D manufacturing technologies.
Do you need a quote on a sheet metal prototype? Are you ready to calculate costs for your next project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote application for a fast quote.
