Robotics Sheet Metal Parts: RFQ and Inspection Guide

Robotics sheet metal parts are often treated as ordinary covers and brackets until a hole shift changes sensor alignment, a welded base twists, or a service panel blocks battery removal. The mechanical parts may not contain the control system, but they establish the datums around motors, sensors, wheels, payloads and safety devices.

This page is the RFQ and inspection checklist. For commercial sourcing, review the robotics sheet metal parts product scope; for the wider application and manufacturing capability, use the robotics OEM industry hub.

A strong RFQ tells the fabricator which interfaces affect robot performance and which dimensions are cosmetic.

Divide the Mechanical Scope

Typical groups include:

• welded frame or chassis
• drive and caster brackets
• sensor and camera mounts
• battery tray and retention
• controller and electronics enclosure
• covers and service panels
• cable guides and protective guards
• production kits with installed hardware

Assign a drawing and revision to every released part. For kits, use a controlled bill of material so an obsolete bracket cannot be packed with a revised chassis.

Identify Performance-Critical Datums

Not every tolerance deserves the same cost. Mark features that affect:

• wheel or track alignment
• motor and gearbox mounting
• sensor orientation and field of view
• payload position
• docking interface
• battery insertion and restraint
• cover clearance around moving components

Use geometric controls where they communicate function clearly. Avoid tightening every sheet edge to solve one interface problem. Machined pads, post-weld machining or adjustable brackets may be more reliable for the small number of high-accuracy features.

Welded Frame Control

Weld sequence, fixture restraint and heat input affect frame geometry. The RFQ should define:

• pre-weld and post-weld critical dimensions
• allowed weld process and qualification requirements
• datum targets accessible in the fixture
• inspection state before and after finish
• machined features and timing
• acceptable weld appearance and cleanup

The supplier should propose a fixture and inspection plan, but the OEM should define the functional load cases and acceptable deformation.

Covers Are Part of the Service Design

Robot covers need to clear moving components, protect wiring and remain removable in a practical sequence. Define:

• panel removal order
• captive fasteners
• hinge or quick-release hardware
• cable and connector keep-outs
• airflow and fan interfaces
• edge safety
• ingress requirement
• cosmetic and labeling zones

If a cover acts as a machinery guard, the robot integrator must include it in the risk assessment. ISO 10218-2

addresses safety requirements for industrial robot applications and cells, including integration and commissioning. Mobile, service and medical robots may fall under different requirements.

Battery and Electronics Interfaces

The OEM owns electrical, thermal and battery safety. The sheet metal RFQ should still identify:

• battery mass and restraint load
• insertion path and connector clearance
• grounding or bonding points
• ventilation or thermal interface
• leak or contamination concerns
• service isolation and access

Do not ask the fabricator to infer battery clearances from a simplified block model.

Prototype to Production Control

Prototype brackets are often hand-adjusted. That hides drawing gaps. Before pilot production:

1. record every approved fit correction
2. update the CAD, drawing and BOM
3. define inspection datums
4. freeze approved hardware
5. validate assembly order
6. create a deviation process
7. identify serial or lot traceability needs

The golden sample should support, not replace, controlled documentation.

First-Article Inspection

Use an assembly-level plan:

• chassis flatness and twist
• drive and sensor interfaces
• battery and controller fit
• cover gaps and removal
• installed hardware and torque, where specified
• cable keep-outs
• finish and masked grounding zones
• kit completeness

RFQ Checklist

Send controlled 3D and 2D files, BOM, critical-interface map, load cases, weld requirements, approved hardware, finish, inspection plan, revision history, packaging and forecast quantities. Identify whether the supplier delivers loose parts, welded structures, installed hardware or complete mechanical kits.

Start with our broader robotics sheet metal fabrication capabilities, then review the focused robotics sheet metal parts and robotics frame fabrication pages. To discuss a program, send the controlled mechanical package.

Standard Scope

• ISO 10218-2
  - safety requirements for industrial robot applications and robot cells

The robot manufacturer or integrator owns the applicable safety assessment and final machine validation.