Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) can help local automotive industry businesses in the Midwest navigate the challenges and opportunities in sheet metal fabrication of automotive components. We service Minneapolis and many surrounding cities, such as Apple Valley, Bloomington, Lake Minnetonka, and Lakeville.
Metal Fabrication Services for the Automotive Industry in the Twin Cities, MN area
- Body Panels: Our precision forming and cutting techniques ensure the production of high-quality, durable body panels, crucial for vehicle structure and design.
- Bumpers: We fabricate robust and resilient bumpers, combining functionality with aesthetic design, to enhance both safety and style.
- Chassis & Frame: The backbone of any vehicle, our chassis and frame fabrication services ensure structural integrity and support, utilizing advanced materials and techniques for durability.
- Emblems: We craft intricate and detailed emblems, giving special attention to the unique branding needs of each automotive manufacturer.
- Exhaust Pipes: Our fabrication processes produce high-performance exhaust pipes, focusing on efficiency, durability, and compliance with environmental standards.
- Grilles: IMS designs and fabricates grilles that are not only visually striking but also functionally superior, ensuring optimal airflow and vehicle performance.
- Molding & Trims: We specialize in creating precise and aesthetically pleasing moldings and trims, enhancing the visual appeal of the vehicles.
- Structural Components: Our expertise extends to the fabrication of critical structural components, ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles.
Industries IMS Serves
- Precision Engineering: Leveraging the latest technology and skilled craftsmanship.
- Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to industry standards and client specifications.
- Timely Delivery: Understanding the importance of deadlines in the automotive industry.
- Customer-centric Approach: Working closely with clients to ensure every project meets their vision and requirements.
Take a Virtual Tour of our Metal Fabrication Facility
How Does Sheet Metal Fabrication Work?
The sheet metal fabrication process starts with a detailed design phase. Engineers use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create 3D models of automotive components. These models serve as the blueprint for the fabrication process, specifying dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements.
One of the initial steps in sheet metal fabrication is sheet metal laser cutting the raw material into the desired shape and size. IMS has two precision solid-state sheet metal laser cutting machines paired with an automated continuous loading and unloading tower, so we can run 24/7 if necessary.
- Lasers can cut 24-gauge to 1-inch plate.
- Lasers will cut at speeds above 2000 inches per minute.
The next step is bending and forming, which involves using specialized equipment, such as press brakes or rollers, to shape the flat sheet metal into three-dimensional forms. This process is crucial for creating components with angles, curves, and folds, such as brackets, enclosures, and chassis. IMS uses precision Bending & Forming sectionalized tooling to feed sheet metal through a series of dies to achieve different forms.
- Our 4 Cincinnati Press Brake machines can bend up to 135 tons on a 6-axis machine.
- We can V-bend, Fold, Coin, or shape any size or thickness of sheet metal into a precision part.
Sheet metal components are often assembled using various joining techniques. IMS has four different Welding stations.
- We primarily use TIG welding, but we can also do MIG and Spot welding.
- IMS employs some of the most highly skilled and experienced welders in the trade.
After fabrication, sheet metal components often undergo finishing processes to enhance their appearance and protect them from corrosion. IMS is one of the few sheet metal fabrication companies with an in-house Powder Coating finishing operation capable of handling even the most unique and challenging projects.
- IMS has two powder coating systems- an automated line system and a manual batch system- that can be utilized based on part size and weight, up to 8’x8’x20′.
Once the individual components are formed and joined, they are assembled into sub-assemblies and the final automotive component. IMS’ Assembly, Kitting, & Shipping services save you the time and expense of inventory management, staffing, storage, assembly, packaging, and logistics.
- We combine assembly and kitting services with top-notch personalized customer service to give you the unit-by-unit pre-assembled kits you want when you want them.
- We can even drop-ship them to the point of use in your direction!
IMS has the knowledge and experience to precision cut, bend and form aluminum, brass, cold or hot rolled steel sheet, copper, stainless steel, and titanium sheet metal to your custom specifications.
Why Sheet Metal Fabrication Services are Used Extensively in the Automotive Industry
Sheet metal is used extensively in automotive and vehicle manufacturing, from body panels and frames to exhaust systems and interior components. Among the many processes involved in automotive component manufacturing, sheet metal fabrication is a crucial element.
Sheet metal fabrication is essential in modern manufacturing for several reasons:
- Versatility: Sheet metal is ideal for shaping and formiing into various complex shapes, making it suitable for diverse applications.
- Strength and Durability: Sheet metal components offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and durability, ensuring longevity and reliability in various industries.
- Cost-Efficiency: Sheet metal fabrication processes are often cost-effective, especially for high-volume production, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers.
- Precision: Advances in technology have enabled high-precision sheet metal fabrication, allowing for tight tolerances and intricate designs.
- Sustainability: Sheet metal is highly recyclable, contributing to environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
Our company combines cutting-edge technology and services with one-on-one attention to deliver high-quality services and a precision finished product that exceeds your expectations.
The Benefits of Partnering with Integrated Manufacturing Solutions
To maintain a competitive edge, automotive manufacturers seek reliable sheet metal fabrication partners who can meet their specific requirements and expectations.
Quality Assurance
Quality is paramount in the automotive industry. Automotive component manufacturers expect their sheet metal fabrication partners to adhere to strict quality control standards and certifications and have rigorous inspection processes to identify and rectify defects or inconsistencies in the fabricated components.
Precision and Accuracy
Precision and accuracy are non-negotiable in sheet metal fabrication for automotive components. Manufacturers rely on fabricated parts that fit perfectly, ensuring seamless assembly and optimal performance. Sheet metal fabrication partners must have the machinery and expertise to meet these specifications consistently.
Efficient Production
Efficiency is essential in the automotive industry, where production schedules are often tight, and just-in-time manufacturing principles are commonly employed. Sheet metal fabrication partners must be able to meet production deadlines, efficiently use materials, minimize waste, and maintain high productivity levels.
Cost Competitiveness
Automotive component manufacturers expect their sheet metal fabrication partners to provide competitive pricing without compromising quality. They appreciate partners who can offer value added solutions to reduce costs while maintaining performance standards.
Strong Communication and Collaboration
Communication and collaboration are essential for a successful partnership between automotive manufacturers and sheet metal fabricators. Manufacturers expect their partners to be responsive, transparent, and open to feedback.
Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) has served the Twin Cities, Minnesota area for over 18 years, providing metal fabrication solutions to a diverse array of businesses in several manufacturing Industries, including the automotive component manufacturing industry. What sets us apart from competitors?
- Excellent customer service. We listen intently to your questions and concerns and work with you diligently to create a product that exceeds your expectations.
- Highly Skilled employees. Our metal fabricating employees are highly trained in their areas of expertise.
- Knowledge of metal fab materials. Knowing the essential differences between steel forms is critical because it can significantly impact the result for any product.
- Our precision CNC methods. IMS’ precision bending & forming, and sheet metal laser cutting methods maintain the high performance of sheet metal while minimizing the risk of damaging the material.
- Quality Control is a paramount concern in manufacturing. IMS is ISO9001:2015 certified and strongly emphasizes on maintaining high-quality standards at every stage of the fabrication process.
- Saving our customers time and money. IMS’ Sheet metal bending & forming technology allows for cost-efficient part consolidation. We practice value engineering to enhance efficiency, spot potential issues early in the process, reduce waste, and save customers time and money.
At Integrated Manufacturing Solutions, we proudly serve as your business’s complete metalworking and fabrication so your business can focus on creating new products and better serving your customers.
The Integrated Manufacturing Solutions Difference
Business Customers choose IMS because…….
- IMS has the know-how, experience, and technology to manufacture the components, equipment, parts, and end-use products you require at the precise specifications provided when you need them.
- Our skilled engineering team is equipped to manage an entire sheet metal fabrication process, from laser cutting to assembly.
- We hand select experts in CNC metal bending and forming techniques to become part of our team.
- Creating high-quality precision products that add value to your business is our mission.
- Manufacturing Solutions has been providing CNC metal fabrication services to businesses in the Agriculture, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Industrial, Medical, and Retail industries for over 18 years.
At IMS, we are expert industrial sheet metal fabricators who make it simple for businesses to streamline their processes and get the parts they need when they need them.
Our Customers Have Great Things To Say
Ready for a Free Quote?
We proudly serve the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. It only takes a minute! Select the service you’d like, upload your designs, and a member of our team will respond with a free quote as soon as possible. If you don’t have design mockups, or need some help figuring out a design, we’d love to help! Simply give us a call and a member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Lead Time
3 days
Parts Completed
22,000
Manufacturing Footprint
60,000 sq ft.
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