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How Much Is Custom Metal Work?
Budget planning starts with one question: how much does custom metal work really cost?
Custom metal work pricing depends on material, design complexity, volume, and finish. Costs range from \$50 for simple parts to over \$5,000 for complex assemblies.
Read on for a breakdown of all cost drivers — and how to reduce them.
Table of Contents
- How Expensive Is Metal Work?
- How Much to Charge for Sheet Metal Work?
- How Much Do Fabricators Cost?
- How Much Does Steel Fabrication Cost?
- FAQs
- Contact Prime
How Expensive Is Metal Work?
It depends on what you’re building — size, shape, metal type, and quantity all affect pricing.
Basic metal work starts at around \$50 per part. Complex welded or machined parts can cost hundreds.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
| Cost Factor | Impact Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | High | Stainless and copper are expensive |
| Thickness | Medium | Thicker parts take more time |
| Tolerance | High | Tight specs increase labor |
| Surface Finish | Medium | Polishing, painting add cost |
| Quantity | High | Unit price drops with volume |
At Prime, we provide transparent pricing after reviewing your drawings. We support both low-volume prototypes and high-volume production.
How Much to Charge for Sheet Metal Work?
Sheet metal is one of the most cost-efficient ways to build enclosures, covers, and trays.
Small sheet metal jobs cost \$80–\$300 depending on shape, cuts, and bends. Larger assemblies range from \$500 to \$2,000+.
Sheet Metal Cost Breakdown
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Cutting Only | \$30–\$150 | Flat panels, covers |
| Cutting + Bending | \$80–\$250 | Brackets, boxes |
| Full Enclosure Build | \$300–\$2,000 | Cabinets, machinery covers |
We quote based on:
- Material grade (aluminum, mild steel, stainless)
- Number of bends
- Required welding and assembly
- Packaging and logistics
Looking to lower cost? Combine multiple parts into one cut or reduce unnecessary bends. Prime’s engineers help optimize designs for budget and function.
How Much Do Fabricators Cost?
Custom fabricators charge by hour, part complexity, or fixed project rate.
Hourly rates range from \$60 to \$150 depending on skill, location, and shop setup.
Pricing Models You Might Encounter
| Model Type | How It Works | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Based on labor hours spent | Custom one-off builds |
| Per Part | Fixed price per unit | Repeating components |
| Project Basis | Flat rate for total scope | Large assemblies |
Prime offers factory-direct pricing. Instead of hourly billing, we quote by part or project — making it easier to plan your costs.
How Much Does Steel Fabrication Cost?
Steel is strong and affordable — but the final cost depends on type, treatment, and fabrication steps.
Mild steel fabrication starts at \$100 per part. Stainless steel costs more due to material and finishing.
Steel Part Cost Examples
| Part Type | Cost Estimate (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Base Plate | \$50–\$100 | Flat with drilled holes |
| Bracket with Bends | \$80–\$200 | Bending and holes |
| Welded Frame Structure | \$300–\$1,500+ | Cutting + welding + coating |
Finish types like powder coating or galvanizing add \$30–\$100 per part. For tight tolerances or export-grade packaging, we include QC and protective foam.
Prime also offers laser-etched logo options and ISO-certified steel welding parts — especially for clients in the automotive, machine tool, and furniture industries.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the fastest way to get a quote for custom metal work?
Send us a drawing or even a photo with specs. We respond in 12–24 hours.
Q2: Can I get just 5 or 10 parts made?
Yes. We support small batches and prototyping.
Q3: Is laser cutting or stamping cheaper for flat parts?
Laser cutting is cheaper at low volume. Stamping is better for 1,000+ units.
Q4: How do I reduce fabrication costs?
Keep tolerances reasonable, avoid sharp internal corners, and minimize welds.
Q5: Can Prime help optimize my design for lower cost?
Yes. We offer free DFM (Design for Manufacturability) advice for every quote.
Contact Prime
Need a real quote for your custom metal project? We’ll price it fast and accurately.
📞 Request your free estimate now:
👉 Visit: https://primecustomparts.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
With Prime, you get expert advice, clear pricing, and certified quality — shipped worldwide.
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