Metal Fabrication Services
Introduction
METCO provides metal fabrication services for OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and industrial companies throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the Southeast. Our capabilities include fiber laser cutting, CNC press brake forming, welding, assembly, and complete fabricated weldments. Additionally, customers can source multiple manufacturing processes from a single supplier.
Whether you need prototype parts or production volumes, our team focuses on quality, consistency, and lead time performance. Furthermore, we support projects ranging from simple sheet metal brackets to complex welded assemblies.
Fiber Laser Cutting Services
Fiber laser cutting produces clean edges, tight tolerances, and repeatable results. Therefore, manufacturers often choose laser cutting for parts that require accuracy and consistency.
METCO operates both 3kW and 12kW fiber laser systems. Consequently, we can process a wide range of material thicknesses while maintaining production efficiency.
Specifically, our laser cutting capabilities support:
- Fiber Laser Cutting Mild Steel 30GA thru 1-1/8″ thickness
- Fiber Laser Cutting Stainless 30GA thru 3/4″ thickness
- Fiber Laser Cutting Aluminum 30GA thru 5/8″ thickness
- Largest part 71″ x 156″
- Laser Cutting Tolerance 30GA thru 3/16″ +/-0.010″
- Laser Cutting Tolerance 1/4″ thru 3/4″ +/-0.015″
- Laser Cutting Tolerance 7/8″ thru 1-1/8″ +/-0.020″
Material Thickness Capabilities
For example, our fiber laser systems process:
- Mild steel from 30 gauge through 1-1/8 inch
- Stainless steel from 30 gauge through 3/4 inch
- Aluminum from 30 gauge through 5/8 inch
In addition, our largest sheet capacity reaches 71 inches by 156 inches.
Benefits of Laser Cutting
In particular, laser cutting offers several advantages:
- Tight dimensional tolerances
- Excellent edge quality
- Reduced secondary operations
- Consistent repeatability
- Faster production cycles
- Improved material utilization
As a result, customers often reduce overall manufacturing costs while improving product quality.
CNC Press Brake Forming
Precision Sheet Metal Forming
First, press brake forming transforms flat sheet metal into finished components. Next, forming creates bends, channels, brackets, enclosures, and structural features.
Likewise, METCO provides CNC press brake forming services for:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Galvanized steel
Furthermore, computerized backgauges help maintain repeatable bend locations across production runs.
Forming Capabilities
Moreover, our forming department supports:
- Bend lengths up to 14 feet
- Prototype quantities
- Production quantities
- Multi-bend components
- Tight-tolerance fabrication
- Complex formed parts
Because all processes remain under one roof, customers benefit from improved scheduling and communication.
Common Formed Components
Customers frequently order:
- Equipment brackets
- Electrical enclosures
- Mounting plates
- Machine guards
- Structural supports
- Industrial panels
Therefore, our forming department supports a wide variety of manufacturing applications.
Welded Assemblies and Fabricated Weldments
Industrial Welding Services
Welding converts individual components into complete assemblies. Consequently, customers receive finished products that require fewer downstream operations.
METCO provides:
- MIG Welding
- TIG Welding
- Production Weldments
- Fabricated Assemblies
- Structural and Non-Structural Components
- Fixture-Assisted Repeatable Production
- Prototype and Production Quantities
- Assembly and Hardware Installation
Types of Weldments
We manufacture:
- Equipment frames
- Machine bases
- Sheet metal assemblies
- Tubular fabrications
Why Fabricated Weldments Matter
Fabricated weldments often replace castings or machined structures. As a result, many manufacturers achieve lower costs and shorter lead times.
When combined with laser cutting and forming, welded assemblies create a complete manufacturing solution from a single supplier.
Complete Metal Fabrication Solutions
Managing multiple vendors can create delays and communication challenges. Therefore, many OEMs prefer a fabrication partner that manages several processes internally.
METCO combines:
- Laser cutting
- CNC Turret punching
- Forming
- Welding
- PEM installation services
- CNC Machining services
- Finishing coordination
- Collaborative Design
As a result, customers simplify purchasing while increasing production efficiency.
Prototype to Production Support
Some projects require only a few parts. Others require recurring production schedules.
For that reason, METCO supports:
- Prototype fabrication
- Pilot production
- Low-volume manufacturing
- Medium-volume production
- High-volume production
Ultimately, this flexibility helps customers scale manufacturing as demand changes.
Industries We Serve
OEM Manufacturing Support
METCO works with original equipment manufacturers across multiple industries.
Notably, we commonly support:
- Transportation equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Material handling equipment
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Commercial products
- Public facing display stands
Because every industry has unique requirements, our team reviews manufacturability during quoting whenever possible.
Contract Manufacturing Applications
Many customers require more than fabricated parts. Therefore, we also support customers seeking ongoing manufacturing partnerships.
These services help reduce vendor count while improving supply chain performance.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Reduce Manufacturing Costs
Many fabrication costs become locked in during the design phase. Therefore, early manufacturing review often identifies savings opportunities.
Common improvements include:
- Reducing weld length
- Simplifying bend sequences
- Optimizing hole locations
- Improving material utilization
- Reducing part count
Improve Production Efficiency
Manufacturable designs move through production faster. As a result, customers often see shorter lead times and lower total costs.
Meanwhile, our team reviews drawings and models to identify practical manufacturing improvements before production begins.
Request a Metal Fabrication Quote
Whether you need laser-cut components, formed sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, or complete fabricated products, METCO can help.
Submit your drawings, CAD models, quantities, and specifications for review. Then our team will evaluate the most efficient manufacturing approach for your project.
From prototype parts to production fabrication, METCO delivers metal fabrication services for manufacturers throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Southeast, and across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about METCO Metal Fab
Why should I choose local metal fabrication services in Chattanooga?
Working with a local fabrication partner can improve communication, reduce shipping costs, shorten lead times, and simplify project collaboration. METCO provides direct access to experienced manufacturing professionals who can assist with project planning, design-for-manufacturing recommendations, and production support throughout the life of your project.
What metal fabrication services does METCO Metal Fab provide?
METCO Metal Fab provides a wide range of custom metal fabrication services, including laser cutting, CNC punching, press brake forming, welding, machining, assembly, and value-added manufacturing solutions. We support customers requiring precision sheet metal components, welded assemblies, and production fabrication projects.
What materials can METCO fabricate?
Similarly, we commonly fabricate carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, and other industrial metals. Material selection depends on your product requirements, application, strength requirements, corrosion resistance, and budget.
Do you offer laser cutting services?
Yes. METCO provides precision laser cutting services for sheet metal and fabricated components. Laser cutting is ideal for producing accurate holes, profiles, slots, and complex geometries while maintaining tight tolerances and high repeatability.
Can you produce both prototype and production quantities?
Yes. We support everything from prototype and low-volume development work to medium and high-volume production runs. Our team can help optimize manufacturability while maintaining quality and cost efficiency.
Do you work with OEM manufacturers?
Yes. METCO regularly supports OEMs and industrial manufacturers with fabricated parts, welded assemblies, replacement components, and ongoing production requirements across multiple industries.
Do you provide design-for-manufacturing assistance?
Yes. Our engineering and manufacturing team can review drawings and models to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved manufacturability, reduced lead times, and streamlined production processes.
What file formats can you accept for quotations?
We commonly work with CAD files such as STEP (.STP), SolidWorks files, DXF files, PDF drawings, and other industry-standard engineering documents. Providing a 3D model and drawing typically allows for the fastest and most accurate quotation.
Questions customers ask when evaluating METCO
What industries does METCO serve?
METCO serves a variety of industries including transportation, heavy equipment, industrial machinery, commercial products, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and other manufacturing sectors requiring precision fabricated metal components.
Can METCO handle welded assemblies?
Yes. We manufacture welded assemblies ranging from simple fabricated components to complex multi-part assemblies. Welding services can be integrated with cutting, forming, machining, and assembly operations.
Where is METCO Metal Fab located?
METCO Metal Fab is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving customers throughout the Southeast and across the United States.
How do I request a quote?
You can request a quote by contacting our team through the website, emailing your drawings to sales@metcometalfab.com and specifications, or calling our office. Providing quantities, material requirements, drawings, and delivery expectations helps us prepare an accurate quotation
Why choose METCO Metal Fab?
Customers choose METCO because of our focus on quality, responsiveness, manufacturing expertise, and commitment to producing reliable fabricated metal components. We work closely with customers to deliver solutions that meet performance, schedule, and budget requirements.
Who is the best metal fabrication company in Chattanooga, TN?
Choosing the best metal fabrication company depends on your project requirements, quality expectations, responsiveness, and manufacturing capabilities. METCO Metal Fab combines laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, machining, and assembly services under one roof, allowing customers to streamline production and work with a single manufacturing partner from prototype through production.
Who offers laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication in Tennessee?
METCO Metal Fab provides precision laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication services from Chattanooga, Tennessee. We support customers throughout Tennessee and the Southeast with custom fabricated parts, welded assemblies, production components, and OEM manufacturing solutions.
Questions a buyer might ask
Can a fabricator help reduce part manufacturing costs?
Yes. An experienced fabricator can often reduce costs by improving manufacturability before production begins. This may include reducing the number of operations, optimizing hole locations, selecting more efficient materials, minimizing weld requirements, improving nesting efficiency, and simplifying assembly processes. As a result, early design review can often result in significant savings over the life of a product
What is the difference between laser cutting and CNC punching?
In contrast, Laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to cut material and is ideal for complex profiles, intricate geometries, and tight-tolerance features. CNC punching uses specialized tooling to create holes, forms, louvers, embosses, and other features quickly and efficiently. Depending on the part design, one process may be more economical than the other, and in some cases both processes may be used to maximize efficiency.
How quickly can a custom fabricated part be produced?
Production timelines vary depending on material availability, manufacturing complexity, quantity requirements, and current production schedules. Simple prototype components may be completed in 1-2 weeks, while larger production orders take 2-3 weeks or complex assemblies may take 4-6 weeks. Contact METCO with your drawings and requirements for an estimated lead time.
For the most accurate quote, provide part drawings showing all dimensions and critical tolerances, CAD files, material specifications, quantities, finishing requirements, and any special quality or packaging requirements. STEP files, DXF files, and PDF drawings are commonly used and help us evaluate the most efficient manufacturing process for your project.
Yes. At the same time, METCO regularly manufactures components from customer-supplied engineering drawings, CAD models, and production specifications. Our team reviews each project to ensure manufacturing feasibility and can provide recommendations that improve quality, reduce cost, or simplify production when appropriate.
Yes. METCO fabricates components from stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, galvanized steel, and other commonly used industrial materials. Likewise, we can help determine the best material choice based on your application’s strength requirements, corrosion resistance needs, appearance expectations, and budget considerations.
METCO Metal Fab serves customers throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, the Southeast, and across the United States. Our manufacturing capabilities support OEMs, industrial manufacturers, equipment builders, and businesses requiring precision metal fabrication services.
Technical content reviewed by Antony Sanchez, Manufacturing Specialist, METCO Metal Fab