Base and Frame Geometry
U-shaped trays, folded bases, welded frames and stiffened returns are controlled for flatness, squareness and mounting datum repeatability.
OEM Chassis Fabrication
Custom Sheet
Custom Sheet
Metal Chassis
Manufacturer
Custom sheet metal chassis for telecommunications, electronics, industrial controls and OEM equipment. We fabricate U-shaped bases, tray chassis, vented modules and welded assemblies to released mounting datums, connector cutouts, hardware and finish notes. For standard 19-inch rack interfaces, use our rackmount chassis fabrication page; for network-equipment integration, see telecommunications sheet metal fabrication.
✓ Electronics and equipment chassis
✓ PEM inserts and assembly hardware
✓ Powder-coated or plated finishes
RFQ SKU program scope
RFQ
Example Order Size
Drawing
Critical Dimensions
RFQ
Configuration Count
Plan
Inspection Scope
01 / What We Fabricate
The Chassis Structure That Carries the Assembly
A chassis is the mechanical datum for boards, covers, wiring, airflow and service access. We fabricate the chassis structure around your drawing package so each base, frame and tray holds the same assembly geometry.
Board and Component Mounting
Standoffs, PEM nuts, studs, tapped holes and slot patterns are planned around component clearance and final assembly access.
Cover and Panel Interfaces
Mating edges, tabs, return flanges and latch zones are kept consistent so covers and panels install without forcing.
Grounding and Hardware Zones
Grounding points, masked finish areas and hardware seating locations are reviewed before finish and packout.
Our scope: the fabricated chassis structure
We fabricate the cut, formed, welded, hardware-inserted and finished chassis platform. Your team integrates circuit boards, power modules, wiring, labels and final system components.
02 / Chassis Types
Custom Chassis Built Around Your Assembly
A chassis has to make the whole product assemble correctly. We control flatness, hole position, bend angles, hardware seating and finish protection so the chassis can move directly into your build.
Electronics Electronics Chassis
Folded bases, tray chassis and ventilated frames for controllers, test equipment, power modules and embedded systems.
- Materials Galvanized / CRS / aluminum
- Features Vents, PEMs, slots
- Finish Powder coat, plating, anodize
Equipment Equipment Chassis Frames
Stiffer chassis frames with returns, gussets, welded tabs and reinforcement points for industrial machines and modular equipment.
- Processes Laser, bend, weld
- Hardware Studs, nuts, standoffs
- QC Fixture and CMM checks
Tray U-Shape & Tray Chassis
U-shaped chassis, L-shape bases and nested covers with accurate panel fit for electronics packages and instrument modules.
- Thickness Drawing- and material-defined
- Fit Panel and cover alignment
- Scale Prototype to production
Welded Welded Chassis Assemblies
Welded chassis frames, reinforced bases and hardware-ready assemblies for equipment that needs stiffness and controlled datums.
- Features Welds, ribs, PEMs
- QC Fixture and flatness checks
- Use Controls and equipment
03 / Technical Capabilities
Typical Sheet Metal Chassis Specification
| Materials | Cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, 5052 aluminum and 6061 aluminum |
|---|---|
| Processes | Laser cutting, CNC punching, deburring, forming, tapping, welding, hardware insertion and assembly |
| Common features | Vent slots, connector cutouts, cable pass-throughs, grounding tabs, PEM nuts, studs, standoffs and access panels |
| Finishes | Powder coating, zinc plating, nickel plating, passivation, chemical film and anodizing |
| Quality controls | First article inspection, flatness checks, hole-pattern fixtures, hardware pushout checks and protected packout |
04 / Manufacturing Process
From CAD Chassis to Repeatable Assembly
01
DFM & Stack Review
Review bend sequence, hole-to-bend clearance, cover fit, hardware access, grounding points and finish masking before first article release.
02
Cut, Form & Weld
Laser cut or punch blanks, deburr edges, form flanges, weld tabs and control distortion around long vents and connector cutouts.
03
Hardware & Fixture Fit
Install PEM nuts, studs and standoffs, then verify chassis datum points, panel alignment and critical mounting patterns with gauges or fixtures.
04
Finish & Protected Packout
Apply powder coat, plating or conversion coating, protect visible surfaces and pack chassis by SKU, hardware set and assembly sequence.
05
Inspection
Check datum holes, cover fit, hardware seating, grounding zones, coating thickness and flatness before release.
06
Packout & Release
Label chassis by SKU, hardware set and assembly sequence with surface protection for visible or plated areas.
05 / Why It Matters
What Makes a Chassis Program Work
Chassis parts determine how the full product assembles. These controls keep the mechanical platform stable as designs move from prototype to volume.
Datum Control
Mounting holes and formed references need to stay aligned after cutting, forming, welding and finishing.
Cover Fit
Covers, panels and access plates should land on predictable edges without slot chasing or fastener preload.
Hardware Seating
PEM hardware and welded tabs need thread quality, pushout strength and clearance for production assembly tools.
Finish and Grounding
Masked grounding zones and finish thickness must be controlled so electrical and mechanical interfaces both work.
Customer Project
Telecom Chassis: Rack Fit and Conductive Seams
Materials, fabrication decisions and results for an anonymous customer project.
Component reference image
The Customer Challenge
Radiated leakage, rack-fit errors, inadequate cooling and stiff board insertion affected assembly and operation.
Project Measurements & Details
EIA-310Rack interface
1U / 2U / 4UChassis heights
≤30 KTemperature rise
Results apply to the project configuration described on the linked page.
Read the Customer Project → 07 / Why Choose Us
Why OEMs Trust DRAmetal for Chassis Programs
01
Drawing-Based Project Review
Define the mating interfaces, critical dimensions, finish, inspection records and delivery requirements in the released drawing package.
02
Hole-pattern control
Critical mounting patterns can be fixture checked after forming and finishing so chassis fit stays repeatable.
03
Hardware-ready builds
PEM nuts, studs, standoffs, tabs and grounding points are installed and inspected before packout.
04
Protected production logistics
Chassis ship by SKU and hardware set with surface protection where powder coat or plated faces are visible.
08 / Related
Related Fabricated Products
09 / FAQ
Custom Sheet Metal Chassis FAQ
Can you build a chassis from only a 2D drawing?
Yes. A 2D drawing can be enough when the chassis is simple and all critical dimensions, material, finish and hardware are defined. A 3D CAD model helps us verify bend sequence and cover fit.
Which materials are common for chassis fabrication?
Cold-rolled steel is common for indoor powder coated chassis, galvanized steel adds corrosion resistance, stainless steel handles harsh environments and aluminum reduces weight.
Can you install hardware before finishing?
Yes. We install PEM nuts, studs, standoffs, rivets and welded tabs, then verify seating, pushout risk and thread condition before final finishing or assembly.
Get Started
Need a Chassis Built
Need a Chassis Built
Around Your Assembly?
Send your chassis drawing, CAD model, material, finish, hardware list and target quantity. Our engineering team will review the submitted information and, where the scope is complete, provide DFM feedback and a production quote.