What are your prices?
Our prices are subject to change depending on supply and other market factors. We will send you an updated price list after your company contact us for further information.
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
Yes, we require all international orders to have an ongoing minimum order quantity. If you are looking to resell but in much smaller quantities, we recommend you check out our website
Can you supply the relevant documentation?
Yes, we can provide most documentation including Certificates of Analysis / Conformance; Insurance; Origin, and other export documents where required.
What is the average lead time?
For samples, the lead time is about 7 days. For mass production, the lead time is 20-30 days after receiving the deposit payment. The lead times become effective when (1) we have received your deposit, and (2) we have your final approval for your products. If our lead times do not work with your deadline, please go over your requirements with your sale. In all cases we will try to accommodate your needs. In most cases we are able to do so.
What kinds of payment methods do you accept?
You can make the payment to our bank account, Western Union or PayPal:
30% deposit in advance, 70% balance against the copy of B/L.
What is the product warranty?
We warranty our materials and workmanship. Our commitment is to your satisfaction with our products. In warranty or not, it is the culture of our company to address and resolve all customer issues to everyone’s satisfaction
Do you guarantee safe and secure delivery of products?
Yes, we always use high quality export packaging. We also use specialized hazard packing for dangerous goods and validated cold storage shippers for temperature sensitive items. Specialist packaging and non-standard packing requirements may incur an additional charge.
How about the shipping fees?
The shipping cost depends on the way you choose to get the goods. Express is normally the most quickest but also most expensive way. By seafreight is the best solution for big amounts. Exactly freight rates we can only give you if we know the details of amount, weight and way. Please contact us for further information.
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What machine is it typically used on?
METAL working machine industry/ MARBLE working machine/ FOOD processing machine/ AGRICULTURAL processing machine/ CLAY working machine/ WOOD working machine/ FABRIC working machine/3D printer machine
Can the materials be changed or recommended based on the usage scenario？
Fabrics suitable for the specific application environment will be selected based on functional requirements such as resistance to dust, water, cutting fluids, hot chips, and wood chips, as well as high-temperature resistance.
Do the materials or finished products have certificates？
CE certification and material reports can be provided.
I don’t have any drawings; is it possible to place a custom order?
Yes.
I only need one or two items as replacements; is that acceptable?
Acceptable.
How long does the customization process usually take?
Provided the drawing requirements are clear, shipment can generally be made within 7 days.
What is the operational process for bulk orders?
Once the drawing requirements are clarified, we proceed with sample production; we retain a sample for our records and send one to the customer. Mass production begins after the sample passes testing.
How is quality control carried out?
QC staff perform full-dimensional inspections on the first article and maintain records. Subsequent inspections are conducted on a sampling basis. Inspection records for every order are archived.
What machine is it typically used on?
Usually for CNC Machining equipment. VMC Machine/HMC Machine/CNC lathe machine/ CNC milling machine.
Can the materials be changed or recommended based on the usage scenario？
Usually steel.
I don’t have any drawings; is it possible to place a custom order?
Yes.
I only need one or two items as replacements; is that acceptable?
Acceptable.
How long does the customization process usually take?
Provided the drawing requirements are clear, shipment can generally be made within 7 days.
What is the operational process for bulk orders?
Once the drawing requirements are clarified, we proceed with sample production; we retain a sample for our records and send one to the customer. Mass production begins after the sample passes testing.
How is quality control carried out?
QC staff perform full-dimensional inspections on the first article and maintain records. Subsequent inspections are conducted on a sampling basis. Inspection records for every order are archived.
What machine is it typically used on?
Usually for Swiss-type lathe equipment. Citizen/ Star/ Tsugami/ Nomura/ DMG MORI etc.
Can the materials be changed or recommended based on the usage scenario？
Only aluminum option.
I don’t have any drawings; is it possible to place a custom order?
Yes.
I only need one or two items as replacements; is that acceptable?
Acceptable.
How long does the customization process usually take?
Provided the drawing requirements are clear, shipment can generally be made within 7 days.
What is the operational process for bulk orders?
Once the drawing requirements are clarified, we proceed with sample production; we retain a sample for our records and send one to the customer. Mass production begins after the sample passes testing.
How is quality control carried out?
QC staff perform full-dimensional inspections on the first article and maintain records. Subsequent inspections are conducted on a sampling basis. Inspection records for every order are archived.
How do you do repairing service?
Usually for domestic market. Global clients need send it into China.
Are there any additional services associated with the repair?
Reverse modeling is performed on the damaged spare parts. The resulting drawings are archived for future direct retrieval, enabling the production of replacement parts that can be shipped directly to the destination for installation.
What industries benefit from custom sheet metal fabrication services globally?
Custom sheet metal fabrication serves as a foundational manufacturing process across multiple global industries. Industrial automation and robotics rely on it for equipment frames and protective enclosures. The electrical and electronics sector uses sheet metal for control panels and electrical cabinets. Building and construction projects specify custom steel and aluminum structural components. Green energy systems such as solar mounting structures and battery enclosures are also key application areas for Hofen’s sheet metal fabrication capabilities.
Can sheet metal fabrication be combined with CNC machining processes?
Yes. Hybrid manufacturing combining sheet metal fabrication with CNC machining is a practical approach for parts requiring both structural form and precision features. At Hofen, sheet metal enclosures, brackets, and frames can be fabricated and then CNC machined or drilled to exact tolerances for mounting or assembly interfaces. This integrated capability is managed under one roof, simplifying supply chain coordination and ensuring dimensional compatibility between processes.
How do you ensure quality in sheet metal fabrication projects?
Hofen ensures sheet metal fabrication quality through a multi-stage inspection process. Incoming materials are verified against material test certificates (MTC). First Article Inspection (FAI) confirms all critical dimensions before batch production. In-process inspection checks bending angles, weld quality, and hole positions during fabrication. Final inspection covers dimensional verification, surface finish assessment, and packaging review. Inspection reports are provided with each shipment upon request.
What is the lead time for custom sheet metal parts manufacturing in China?
Lead times for custom sheet metal parts at Hofen typically range from 1-15 working days, depending on part complexity, number of bending operations, welding requirements, and surface finishing processes. Laser-cut flat blanks without finishing can often be delivered in 1-2 days. Fully welded and powder-coated assemblies typically require 2-15 days. Rush production scheduling is available, and Hofen’s PMC team provides weekly production status updates throughout the order
Can sheet metal fabrication support custom enclosures for electronics?
Yes. Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most versatile processes for producing electrical enclosures, control panels, instrument housings, and equipment cabinets. Hofen manufactures custom sheet metal enclosures with precise bending tolerances, EMC compatibility features, and IP-rated sealing provisions. Our engineering team works with customers to optimize enclosure design for manufacturability, cable routing, component mounting, and surface finish requirements.
What is the difference between stamping and laser cutting in sheet metal manufacturing?
Stamping and laser cutting both shape sheet metal but serve different production needs. Stamping uses hardened dies to blank, pierce, or form shapes at high speed and is highly efficient for large production volumes once tooling is made, but requires significant upfront tooling investment. Laser cutting requires no dedicated tooling, offering maximum flexibility for custom profiles, prototypes, and low-to-medium volume production with easy changeover between different part designs.
How do you control deformation during metal bending processes?
Controlling bending deformation in sheet metal fabrication requires careful attention to tooling selection, material spring back behavior, and bending sequence. At Hofen, tooling is selected based on material type, thickness, and bend radius, and CNC press brakes apply precise force and angle control to minimize dimensional variation. For high-strength steel with greater spring-back tendencies, bending programs are compensated to achieve the correct final angle
What surface finishing options are available for sheet metal parts?
Hofen offers a comprehensive selection of surface finishing options for sheet metal parts. Powder coating provides durable, corrosion-resistant finishes in standard and custom RAL colors. Electroplating (zinc, nickel, chrome) enhances corrosion protection and hardness. Anodizing is available for aluminum components. Brushed and polished finishes are provided for stainless steel applications. Painting, hot-dip galvanizing, and passivation are also available for specific application environments.
How does laser cutting improve accuracy in sheet metal parts manufacturing?
Laser cutting delivers significant accuracy advantages by using a focused high-energy beam to cut sheet metal with no tool contact, eliminating cutting force deformation. The result is clean, burr-free edges, consistent kerf width, and high repeatability across complex profiles. Hofen’s fiber laser cutting systems handle a wide range of material thicknesses and achieve tight profile tolerances, making laser-cut blanks the preferred starting point for precision sheet metal assemblies.
What is the typical tolerance for precision sheet metal fabrication?
Standard precision sheet metal fabrication at Hofen achieves dimensional tolerances of +/-0.1 mm for bending operations and +/-0.05 mm for laser-cut profiles, depending on material thickness, sheet size, and bend complexity. Tighter tolerances on critical assembly features can be achieved through additional fixturing and inspection. All fabricated parts are inspected against 2D engineering drawings using digital calipers, height gauges, and angle measurement tools to verify dimensional conformity.
What materials are commonly used in sheet metal fabrication services in the USA and Europe?
The most commonly specified materials for sheet metal fabrication in North American and European markets include stainless steel grades SS304 and SS316 for corrosion resistance, aluminum alloys AL5052 and AL6061 for lightweight applications, carbon steel Q235 and Q345 for structural components, and galvanized steel for outdoor environments. At Hofen, material selection is guided by application requirements, with full material traceability documentation available for all orders.
What is sheet metal fabrication and when is it used in industrial manufacturing?
Sheet metal fabrication encompasses laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, punching, stamping, and surface finishing to transform flat metal sheets into functional structural components. It is widely used in industrial manufacturing for enclosures, brackets, frames, panels, and assemblies. Hofen provides precision sheet metal fabrication services from single prototypes to batch production, supporting aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, and other metals.
What certifications are available for materials?
Hofen provides Material Test Certificates (MTC) for all metallic raw materials used in production, verifying chemical composition and mechanical properties against the specified grade. For compliance-sensitive applications, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH compliance documentation is available for both materials and finished parts. Customers requiring specific material certifications such as ASTM, DIN, or EN standards can request these at order placement.
How do you do CNC machining service?
The components produced are generally for our own products. We also accept custom order from some customers.
What equipment do you have?
3-axis machining center, 5-axis machining center, multi-station slant-bed lathe machine, Swiss-type lathe machine and wire EDM.
What inspection equipment do you have?
Besides common tools such as vernier calipers and protractors, our company is also equipped with Zeiss CMM.
How do you do for machining parts surface?
Besides standard aluminum anodizing and chromate treatment, we offer electroplating for various metallic and non-metallic materials. Surface finishing is processed by an outsourced supplier 15 km away from our site.
Do you offer prototype service?
Yes.
Free sample option?
Sampling for specified products is chargeable. For non-specified samples used solely to verify tolerance control and surface treatment quality, we offer free samples.
What’s the lead time for quote and sample?
Quote in 24h. Sample usually take 1-3 days.