Expert Sheet Metal Prototyping Services
Providing superior metal working for more than 100 years, Gieske offers custom, rapid sheet metal prototype fabrication in Kansas City and facilitates select projects nationwide.
Trust Gieske for Sheet Metal Prototype Fabrication
Leverage our decades of metal fabrication experience to help get your products to market.
- Quick turnaround
- Multiple iteration capabilities
- Design collaboration
Examples of Our Sheet Metal Prototyping Projects
Industries and Applications of Sheet Metal Prototypes
Industrial Manufacturing
Healthcare
Electronics
- Enclosures
- Protective housings
- Medical equipment
- Lab testing equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Parts & components
Benefits of Sheet Metal Prototypes
Design Flexibility
Sheet metal prototyping allows you to test multiple materials to assess weight, finish, etc. This flexibility makes it ideal for refining designs based on performance, customer feedback, or manufacturing feedback.
Fit & Function Validation
Dial in the aesthetics and function of your finished product with sheet metal prototypes, which offer accurate mechanical properties. This allows for performance testing—such as strength, thermal resistance, or stress tests—under real-world conditions before committing to mass production.
Affordability
Sheet metal prototyping doesn't require expensive molds or dies. This makes it ideal for low-volume or one-off projects, helping you control costs while still validating form, fit, and function. It also helps avoid costly mistakes by identifying issues before full production.
Fast Delivery
Sheet metal prototyping allows for rapid fabrication using various cutting, bending, and forming techniques. This speed helps teams iterate quickly, test designs earlier, and accelerate product development cycles without long lead times.
Supports Complex Geometrics
Intricate features like louvers, flanges, and embossed details can be fabricated in sheet metal. This makes it possible to prototype complex enclosures, brackets, or housings without sacrificing design intent.
Various Material Testing
Prototyping in sheet metal lets you test different materials—such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel—and surface treatments, so you can compare aesthetics, durability, & cost.
Get a quote today!
Or give us a call at (816) 471-2300
Techniques Gieske Uses for Sheet Metal Prototype Manufacturing
Cutting
Gieske utilizes several types of state-of-the-art equipment to make any cuts your prototyping project might require:
- CNC high-speed laser cutting
- CNC water jet cutting
- CNC plasma shape cutting
Forming
Using forming techniques like bending, rolling, and pressing, sheet metal is shaped into the form needed for your prototype. We use various types of equipment to form sheet metal, including:
- CNC brake
- CNC tube bender
- Powered slip rolls
Joining
After the sheet metal components have been cut and formed to the necessary specifications, we move on to joining or assembling the components. There are many joining techniques (both fusion and mechanical). Some of our joining techniques for prototyping fabrication include:
- Spatter welding
- TIG Welding
- Drill press
- Soldering & brazing
- Riveting
Finishing
We offer a variety of finishing options to meet your prototype’s requirements. In-house, we provide polishing services that can achieve brushed, mirrored, or angel hair finishes using different techniques, including:
- Hand finishing
- Custom grinder finishing
- Cloth buffing wheels
- Orbital sander
- 8’ Directional belt sander
- Drill press
Additionally, we frequently collaborate with external partners to offer other finishing options, such as powder coating, plating, anodizing, and more.
Materials We Use for Sheet Metal Prototypes
Steel
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Copper
Brass
Gieske’s Sheet Metal Prototyping Process
Getting Started
Complete our online contact form or call us at (816) 471-2300. We’ll review the details of your sheet metal prototyping project and provide a free quote.
Design & Planning
At a minimum, we need a drawing to start. Eventually, we’ll need to create a 3D step file. To limit back-and-forth communication and minimize revisions, we’ll work with you during the final design and planning phases of the project.
Fabrication
Our team of expert fabricators will execute your prototyping project to your exact specifications. We’ll keep you informed of our progress along the way.
We bring…
Expertise
High-Quality
Fast Turnaround
Amazing Design Work
Your Sheet Metal Prototyping FAQs Answered by Our Experts
What is sheet metal prototyping?
Sheet metal prototyping is the process of creating early-stage versions of parts and components using sheet metal fabrication techniques like cutting, bending, and welding. It allows you to test and refine a design before committing to full production.
How long does the prototyping process take?
Turnaround times vary based on the complexity of your project, but simple sheet metal prototypes can often be completed in as little as 3–7 business days with a finalized design. We prioritize fast lead times to keep your project moving.
How accurate are sheet metal prototypes?
We use precision equipment to ensure tight tolerances and consistent quality. Prototypes are typically manufactured using the same methods and materials as final production parts for accurate performance validation.
Can design changes be made during the prototyping process?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of prototyping is flexibility. We work closely with your team to make fast, cost-effective adjustments as your design evolves.
How much does sheet metal prototyping cost?
Sheet metal prototyping is a cost-effective process, but prices will vary greatly depending on the complexity of your project. Contact us with the details of your project and we’ll provide a free quote.
Let’s Make Your Metal Vision A Reality
Location
1724 Washington St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
