5920 Star Ln. Houston Tx, 77057
When it comes to building strong, durable, and lightweight components, aluminum sheet metal fabrication is one of the most versatile solutions available today. From architectural panels to industrial enclosures, aluminum can be shaped, cut, and welded into countless applications. At Performance Aluminum Fabrication, we combine advanced equipment with industry certifications to deliver projects that meet the highest standards of quality.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of aluminum sheet metal fabrication, from the initial design stage to the final finished product, while highlighting the essential role of aluminum welding in every project.
Aluminum has become a preferred choice across industries like energy, aerospace, automotive, and construction. Its unique benefits make it stand out:
Lightweight yet strong – Ideal for applications where reducing weight matters.
Corrosion resistant – Performs well in outdoor and harsh environments.
Highly workable – Can be cut, bent, and welded with precision.
Cost-effective – Long-lasting with less maintenance compared to other metals.
Because of these properties, aluminum is used in everything from electrical substations and industrial piping to custom enclosures and machine parts.
Every great project starts with a design. Our team works closely with clients to understand their needs and create detailed blueprints. The design stage includes:
Material selection – Choosing the right aluminum grade for strength and durability.
CAD modeling – Developing digital prototypes for accuracy and efficiency.
Project planning – Determining cutting, bending, and welding methods.
This careful planning ensures that every finished product aligns with the client’s specifications while staying cost-effective.
Once the design is finalized, the aluminum sheets move into the cutting stage. At Performance Aluminum Fabrication, we use CNC plasma cutting and water jet cutting to achieve precise shapes and edges.
CNC Plasma Cutting – High-speed, accurate, and efficient for a wide range of thicknesses.
Water Jet Cutting – A cold-cutting process that prevents heat distortion, perfect for delicate jobs.
Both methods allow for intricate designs and clean cuts, setting the foundation for quality fabrication.
After cutting, the aluminum sheets are shaped using press brake machines. This process allows us to create bends, angles, and curves to meet project requirements. Whether it’s industrial piping systems or architectural frames, our precision bending ensures structural integrity and a perfect fit.
No sheet metal fabrication project is complete without aluminum welding. Welding is the process that joins components together, turning flat sheets into functional products.
At Performance Aluminum Fabrication, our welders are certified under AWS D1.2 and ASME IX standards, guaranteeing that every weld meets strict industry requirements. From substation welding to custom fabrication, our team ensures strength, durability, and safety in every project.
Aluminum welding requires specialized skill due to aluminum’s unique properties, its thermal conductivity, oxide layer, and low melting point. Our expertise allows us to overcome these challenges with precision and reliability.
Once welding is complete, the product goes through finishing processes to ensure it’s ready for use:
Grinding and polishing for smooth edges and aesthetics.
Surface treatments to enhance durability and corrosion resistance.
Final inspection and testing to confirm strength and quality.
These finishing steps guarantee that every component leaving our facility is built to perform.
Custom aluminum sheet metal fabrication serves a wide range of industries, including
Energy & Utilities – Substation welding, power grid components.
Automotive & Aerospace – Lightweight parts for performance and safety.
Construction – Structural frames, panels, and enclosures.
Manufacturing – Custom brackets, housings, and equipment.
By combining design, precision cutting, bending, and aluminum welding, we create solutions that last.