Contract Fabrication
Sheet-metal forming: cut it, then bend it
Forming is the trade term for turning flat sheet into a finished part. At CMD that means laser cutting, CNC punching, and press-brake bending, all in one shop in Central Florida, so a part does not move between vendors between operations.
In summary
Forming covers the cutting and bending that turns flat sheet metal into a finished part. Custom Metal Designs does all three core processes in-house in Central Florida: CNC laser cutting, CNC punching, and press-brake forming. A part is cut, then formed, without leaving the building.
Which cutting process fits depends on the geometry and the quantity, and CMD advises on that rather than defaulting to one machine. Each process has its own page below with the detail a fabrication buyer looks for.
Key facts
- CNC laser cutting, CNC punching, and press-brake forming
- Cutting and bending in one shop, no vendor handoffs
- Process matched to your geometry and volume
- ISO 9001:2015 certified
Laser or punch
Choosing the right process
Laser and punch both cut flat parts, but they suit different work. Laser gives clean edges and fine detail, and it is efficient for low volumes, one-offs, and complex outlines. Punching is faster and cheaper per part once you are making the same shape in quantity, and it can form louvers, dimples, and countersinks that a laser cannot.
Brake forming comes after cutting. Once a flat part is cut, the press brake bends it into its finished shape, and the bend sequence and tooling are planned so the part comes out in tolerance. For most jobs CMD advises on the mix rather than forcing everything onto one machine.
Low volumes and complex outlines
Laser cutting
- Clean edges and fine detail
- Efficient for one-offs and short runs
- No tooling to make first
The same shape in quantity
Punching
- Faster and cheaper per part once in quantity
- Forms louvers, dimples, and countersinks a laser cannot
- Suits many identical holes or vents
Brake forming
Once a flat part is cut, the press brake bends it into its finished shape, with the bend sequence and tooling planned so it comes out in tolerance.
The three forming processes
Cut with a laser or a punch, then bend on the brake. Each has its own page.
- 01
Brake Forming
Press-brake bending that turns flat, cut parts into their finished 3D shape.
Explore Brake Forming - 02
Laser Cutting
CNC laser cutting for clean edges, fine detail, and low-volume or one-off parts.
Explore Laser Cutting - 03
Punching
CNC turret punching for repeated holes, louvers, and forms, at volume.
Explore Punching
Forming in the shop
Laser cutting Press-brake forming A bend in progress
Proud to run
Next step
Not sure whether laser or punch fits your part?
Upload the PDF drawing and the quantity, with the 3D model if you have it. We'll tell you which process is right and quote it.