Sheet Metal Fabrication

Our Fabrication Capabilities and Processes

The sheet metal parts fabrication process includes a range of different manufacturing processes that are used to transform flat metal sheets (of various materials) into an almost unlimited number of products components in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Custom sheet metal fabrication is used for creating custom built parts and products to a customer’s specific requirements and prints.

After reviewing the customer’s design, our engineering department will validate the design providing recommendations to reduce costs or improve the design while determining the appropriate steps and process to achieve the final product.

Geater offers a wide array of sheet metal fabrication processes including punching machines coupled with laser cutting abilities gives us the versatility to turn parts around very quickly.

Cutting

Cutting is the first step in the sheet metal fabrication process. It involves separating the material into desired shapes and sizes. Common cutting methods include shearing, laser cutting, and punching.

Forming

This step involves changing the shape of the sheet metal without removing any material and can be accomplished with CNC press brakes with multi axis back gauges, time saver, multiple hand brakes, drill presses, rollers, shears to form parts and components.

Joining

Once the parts have been cut and formed, they may need to be joined in order to create a larger part. Common joining methods include resistance welding, riveting, and screwing and or bolting.

Fabrication Equipment

Geater continues to invest in the latest fabrication equipment and management software to provide the highest quality of workmanship and to increase our capacity and ensure on time delivery of our work to our clients.

Our Equipment Includes:

Punch Laser Cutting Machines 01

Punch Machines

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Tru Punch 2020

Qty 2

20 ton hydraulic punching head; 50″ x 100″ work area without reposition; (7) 10 station multi-tools; (1) 5 station multi-tool; 19 available tool stations (19-190 tools can be loaded on a full rail); complete 360° bi-directional rotation on all tools; position accuracy +/- .004

Trumpf

Tru Matic 1000 punch/laser

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18 ton punching head; TruDisk 2001 (3 kW) laser output; 50” x 100” working area without reposition; 20 available tool stations

Press Brake Machines 02

Press Brake Machines

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TruBend 7036

Qty 2

40 ton capacity
6-axis CNC
4 ft. width capacity

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TruBend 5085 SX

Qty 1

96 ton capacity
6-axis CNC
8 ft. width capacity

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TrumaBend V850S

Qty 1

90 ton capacity
6-axis CNC
8 ft. width capacity

TruBend

7000 Cell w/ Trubend 7036

Qty 1

40 ton capacity; 6 axis; automated tooling system; automated load master; automated parts conveyor; thickness controlled bending; 24 job capacity production plan

Fabrication Materials

Metal fabrication can use a variety of materials, but a single material is commonly selected for its properties and characteristics in its application environment. Below is a comparison table of the materials and sizes we offer.

Material	Size
Aluminum	0.020 - 0.25
CRS	0.020 - 0.25
HRS	0.020 - 0.25
Copper	0.015 - 0.125
Brass	0.015 - 0.125
Plastic	0.010 - 0.1875
Stainless Steel	0.015 - 0.125

Accurshear capacity: 1/4 in. ; 10 ft.
Maximum sheet size: 50 in. x 120 in.
Maximum cutout area: 45 in. x 120 in.
Locational tolerances: Turrets/Laser +/- 0.004
Hole size: +/- 0.001

Sheet metal fabrication uses various types of metals to produce components and parts. Some common materials and their advantages are as follows:

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular choice due to its low cost and high resistance to rust. It has good formability since it is softer than stainless steel. However, it requires more care during manufacturing processes because it is more reactive to heat and chemicals.

CRS

Cold rolled steel (CRS) is a type of sheet metal that undergoes the cold rolling process, which involves rolling a plank of steel between rollers at a lower temperature than hot rolled steel. The result is a stronger and more expensive sheet metal with a smoother surface finish.

HRS

Hot Rolled Steel (HRS) is formed into a sheet in a molten state and rolled flat while still hot. This processing results in a coarser grain structure compared to Cold Rolled Steel (CRS), so HRS is usually of less quality but more formable. Hot Rolled Steel is widely used for various applications due to its high strength, formability, and availability.

Copper and Brass

Copper and its alloy brass, are often used for their electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as their resistance to corrosion. However, they are more expensive than other metals like steel and aluminum.

Steel

This is the most used material in sheet metal fabrication due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and suitability for a broad range of applications. It is generally stronger than aluminum and has better formability than stainless steel.

Plastics

Plastics including acrylic, ABS, polycarbonate, and PVC are often used in sheet metal fabrication because they are easy to handle and machine and have dimensional stability. Plastics also have other advantages over metals, like: Lightweight compared to metal, Cost effective, Design Flexibility, and Corrosion Resistance.

Advantages for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication offers many benefits to manufacturers, making it a popular choice for various industries. Here are a few of the top benefits for manufacturing:

Customization

Sheet metal fabrication allows for the creation of custom-built parts and products to meet specific requirements.

Strength and Durability

Sheet metal is strong and able to withstand heavy pressure and extreme temperatures.

Economical

With minimal tooling and equipment requirements, sheet metal fabrication is an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing method.

Scalability and Precision

Fabricating makes it possible to produce high-precision and large quantities of parts.

Variety of Finishes and Custom Designs

The finishes and designs available make it a versatile choice for various industries.

Finishes and Finishing

Geater’s additional capabilities in fabrication finishing and secondary operations allow for delivery of value-added precision metal products to our customers.

Prep for Paint

Geater’s prep department prepares parts for the paint application. Prep technicians apply various types of tape, plugs and custom fixtures to parts per the customer’s requirements.

Deprep for Paint

Our Deprep department removes masking, paint burrs and touches up any areas that require it. Technicians also apply filler and inks into engraving on painted or bare metal surfaces.

Painting Capabilities

Geater’s painters mix, prepare and apply atomized paint, ink or other coating agents to products per customer’s and NADCAP requirements. We offer: Enamel, Lacquer, Epoxy, Urethane, Polyurethane, and CARC.

Powder Coating

This gives the part a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface finish that is available in many colors. It also offers a harder finish that protects against minor impacts that would cause chips, scratches in painted surfaces.

Additional Capabilities Include:

Conversion coatings / Chem Film and Metal Passivation
Assembly & Hardware Installation
Laser Engraving
Direct Part Marking
Silk Screening

Sheet Metal Fabrication Gallery

Explore our fabrication capabilities and expertise.

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News & Information

Stay up to date with the latest news and articles in the industry.

Press

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Oct 1 2024
5 min read

Senator Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Geater Machining and Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2023 CONTACT: Ernst_Press@ernst.senate.gov Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business

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Oct 1 2024

Manufacturing Today Feature | Geater Machining and Manufacturing

The manufacturing and machining business has changed a lot since Duane Geater founded Geater Machining and Manufacturing Co. in 1962.

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IFB’s Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month

Iowa Farm Bureau’s Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of Month Award Honors Independence Manufacturing Company Since 1962, Geater Machining & Manufacturing

Contact Us

Have a question or would like to talk with an expert about a project, call us at (319) 334-6026 or click here to contact us online!

Trusted by industry leaders for exceptional precision machining.

SBA, Veteran Owned company Geater Machining and Manufacturing, Co. (GMM) has been servicing the aerospace, electronics, and high-tech industries since 1962.

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