Corrosion occurs when environmental conditions trigger a chemical reaction that converts refined metal into its hydroxide, oxide, or sulfide form. In ferrous metals, corrosion causes rust, the orange, powdery crust we’re all familiar with. In non-ferrous metals, corrosion causes pitting and the formation of a milky-white film. Corrosion impacts more than a part’s appearance; it also puts its structural integrity at risk. However, it is possible to prevent corrosion from occurring! These anti-corrosion practices will protect your sheet metal parts and ensure they maintain superior functionalit ..read more

Approved Sheet Metal fabricates a wide range of sheet metal assemblies for customers, from small sub-assemblies to massive frame assemblies—all without breaking the bank. Regardless of size, assemblies present quite a few unique challenges that not every fabricator is equipped to identify, let alone address. However, at ASM, we know how to help you avoid these challenges altogether with our expert sheet metal services. With these proven design principles and a few clever hacks, you’ll be set to design sheet metal assemblies that fit and function as needed: 1. Pay Attention to the Assembly’s ..read more

At Approved Sheet Metal, we have extensive experience fabricating high-precision sheet metal components and assemblies for aerospace industry customers. Whether you’re seeking quick-turn prototypes or low-volume productions, ASM works closely with engineers to ensure every aerospace part adheres to the field’s stringent requirements. When you need aerospace fabrications fast, ASM gets your project across the finish line. Could ASM be the right collaborative partner for your aerospace parts? Keep reading to find out! ASM’s Aerospace Customers and Capabilities When time is short, and quality i ..read more

We admit it. We’re guilty. Here at Approved Sheet Metal, our fabricators casually toss out terms like “DFM” and “oil canning”—we forget that not everyone speaks the language of sheet metal! But the good news is you only need to learn a handful of common fabrication phrases to communicate like a true sheet metal services expert. With these words, designers, engineers, and buyers can collaborate optimally and bridge the knowledge gap between the design desk and the shop floor. Add these top 10 sheet metal fab terms to your vocabulary to simplify your custom sheet metal fabrication experience ..read more

Any job shop can build a box, but only the experts at Approved Sheet Metal can deliver short-run and prototype sheet metal enclosures that meet your quality, cost, and lead time requirements! Keep reading to explore ASM’s approach to fabricating enclosures and discover the secrets of exceptional enclosure design. Sheet Metal Fabricated Enclosures at a Glance Fabricated enclosures are found in a wide array of industries and applications. Examples of fabricated enclosures include computer and smartphone cases, machinery surrounds, control panel compartments, telecommunications boxes, and water ..read more

Chamfers and radii are commonly requested features in custom sheet metal fabrication that can occasionally cause confusion. Whether your sheet metal parts need the angled edge of a chamfer or the rounded edge of a radius, there are a few things you should know. Chamfers and Radii: What’s the Difference? Adding chamfers or radii to a part’s edges is a smart way to improve fit, eliminate unsafe edges, and enhance the part’s aesthetic appeal. So, what’s the difference between the two features? Chamfers. A chamfer is a 45-degree bevel cut across adjoining right angles. Chamfers are often used to ..read more

HUDSON, NH — January 22, 2024 Approved Sheet Metal (ASM), a leading sheet metal fabrication company based in Hudson, New Hampshire, proudly announces the appointment of PJ Swett as its new Operations Manager. This strategic move aligns with ASM's commitment to maintaining operational excellence and fostering continued growth in the highly dynamic sheet metal fabrication industry. PJ Swett, a seasoned manufacturing professional with a robust background in sheet metal and machining, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his role as Operations Manager at Approved Sheet Metal. PJ entered ..read more

HUDSON, NH — January 15, 2024 Approved Sheet Metal (ASM), a leading sheet metal fabrication company based in Hudson, New Hampshire, is pleased to announce the appointment of Endy Lau as its new General Manager. The decision comes as part of ASM's commitment to further enhance its operational excellence and continue its trajectory of growth in the sheet metal fabrication industry. Endy Lau brings over a decade of diversified industry experience and a proven track record of strategic leadership to his new role at Approved Sheet Metal. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Enginee ..read more

Converting a solid part to a sheet metal part in software like SOLIDWORKS is important for several reasons: Material Efficiency: Sheet metal parts are typically designed to be fabricated from a single sheet of material, reducing waste and optimizing material usage. Converting a solid part to sheet metal allows for better utilization of the material, minimizing cost and environmental impact. Manufacturability: Sheet metal parts often undergo bending, forming, or cutting during manufacturing processes. By converting a solid part to sheet metal within SOLIDWORKS, you can simulate these fabrica ..read more

At Approved Sheet Metal (ASM), we're your ally in achieving first-rate results on each and every order. With design mistakes cropping up in about 50% of customer inquiries, we see a tremendous opportunity to help you get your parts faster and for less money—all with a few simple design changes. The design problems we encounter most fall into one of these four categories: Tolerancing Embossments and other design features Material Finishing Get a quick copy of our Design for Manufacturing eBook, then keep reading to learn why these callouts tend to trip up design engineers. Our insights can m ..read more