Sourcing custom sheet metal parts in 2026 is easier than ever, but the increasing number of platforms, marketplaces, and sourcing models makes it difficult to determine where to get metal sheet fabrication online in 2026, and which channel fits each project.

Some of the best metal sheet fabrication platforms provide quotes from verified suppliers, while others offer turnkey services that look after the entire process. Others simply provide the contact details of capable suppliers on open marketplaces that internal procurement teams must vet before placing orders.

To make your comparison easier, this guide breaks down the four major online sourcing models, compares top platforms side-by-side, and answers the core questions engineers and procurement teams ask most often regarding custom sheet metal fabrication services.

What are the ideal use cases for each of the four best platforms?

• Haizol: Best for ordering custom metal sheet fabrication parts or products directly from verified Chinese factories with lower risk and no price markup.
• Xometry: Best for fast, high-quality, low-risk metal sheet fabrication where speed is more important than low costs, and everything from production through to shipping is handled for you.
• Alibaba RFQ: Best for accessing a large pool of Chinese/Asian suppliers from an open marketplace, with a “bidding war” ensuring custom parts production at very low cost. 
• Made-in-China: Best for teams looking to place repeated mass production orders with Chinese factories or deep-tier factories producing parts for heavy industry.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. It is provided for general informational purposes to outline differences among major metal sheet fabrication platforms. Details may change, and readers should verify information directly with each company. This is not an endorsement or definitive evaluation of any platform.

Where to Get Metal Sheet Fabrication Online?

he leading online metal sheet fabrication services connect engineers and procurement teams with dependable manufacturers capable of delivering precision-made components. For teams unfamiliar with how raw metal moves from flat sheet to finished part, it helps to first understand the core metal fabrication process before evaluating sourcing platforms.

To help you compare metal sheet fabrication sourcing platforms, we considered factors such as the supplier database, Request for Quotation (RFQ) response times, supplier verification processes, the support offered, IP protection measures, and more.

Our review breaks down the core strengths of each platform, so that you can compare your options and determine which one aligns best with your needs.

Comparison Table: The Leading Online Sheet Metal Platform

Feature	Haizol	Xometry	Alibaba RFQ	Made-in-China
Best Fit For	Custom sheet metal parts from verified Chinese factories	Fast-turn sheet metal quotes and production	Price comparison across multiple suppliers	Direct factory sourcing for recurring production
Business Model	Verified custom-manufacturing marketplace	Reseller with turnkey service	Open marketplace	Manufacturer directory
Transparency	Factory profiles visible	Factory identities hidden	Direct contact with suppliers	Direct contact with suppliers
Pricing	Factory direct (no markup)	Markup included	Competitive bidding	Negotiated factory pricing
RFQ Lead Time	Multiple quotes in ~24 hours	Instant automated quote	Replies typically in 3–4 hours	Replies in 24–48 hours
Verification	100% supplier vetting	Partner audit program	Varies by supplier	SGS audit reports available
DFM Support	Available depending on supplier	Basic manufacturability checks	Available depending on supplier	Available depending on supplier
Typical Tolerances	Around ±0.05 mm	Around ±0.127 mm	Typically ±0.3–0.5 mm	Typically ±0.3–0.5 mm
IP Protection	NDA and NNN support	NDA available	Self-managed	Self-managed
Geographic Coverage	China	Mostly US/EU	Global	China
Support Model	Account manager	Standard support	Supplier direct	Supplier direct

 

Haizol for Metal Sheet Fabrication Quotes Online

Haizol is a verified custom-manufacturing marketplace that connects international engineers with vetted sheet metal fabrication factories in China. The platform specialises in build-to-print parts, including sheet metal components. The company was founded in 2015 and is today a well-established online sourcing marketplace connecting procurement professionals and engineers from around the world with verified metal sheet fabrication suppliers across China.

By submitting CAD drawings and precise requirements (material, thickness, tolerances, surface finish, volume, etc.), companies sourcing metal sheet fabrication parts and products will receive multiple quotes from qualified suppliers, typically within 24 hours.

For sheet metal fabrication, Haizol offers laser cutting services that can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.05 mm. Production lead times on Haizol depend on part complexity, quantity, and finishing requirements. However, a typical turnaround for general fabrication is quoted as 14–21 working days, including shipping.

Overall, Haizol offers a structured, transparent sourcing environment: you upload your design, get matched with verified factories, receive multiple quotes from verified suppliers quickly, and can view suppliers’ capabilities (processes, materials, tolerances) before committing. This helps companies reduce the risks involved with meeting engineering tolerances, maintaining production quality, and delivering within tight lead times. Plus, the dedicated account manager provides a high level of hands-on support for extra peace of mind.

Haizol Metal Sheet Fabrication: Key Facts

• Category: Verified custom-manufacturing marketplace
• Core Function: Connects engineers with vetted factories for build-to-print parts
• Founded: 2015
• Geographic Focus: China
• Supplier Verification: 100% factory vetting by Haizol’s engineering team
• RFQ Method: Structured RFQs with clear technical data
• RFQ Speed: Multiple factory quotes typically within ~24 hours
• Tolerance Capability: Laser cutting tolerances around ±0.05 mm
• Production Lead Times: Typically 14–21 working days, depending on complexity
• Pricing Model: Direct-to-factory (no hidden markups)
• Support Model: Dedicated account manager
  
  

Examples of Haizol User Experiences Shared Publicly

Positive Experience:

“Great platform to outsource parts you can't make yourself. Customer support is also kind and helpful.Will definitely quote future parts here…”

Jan Borren (The Netherlands) Trustpilot Review 

Critical Experience:

“I got constantly harassed (phone calls) by the company for submitting parts. I guess this is their strategy to give a false impression to their suppliers that their platform is popular.”

Kensai (France) Trustpilot Review

Xometry for Metal Sheet Fabrication Quotes Online

Xometry is another of the best metal sheet fabrication platforms. Based in the U.S., the platform enables engineers to upload CAD files and receive instant, AI-driven quotes via a network of verified metal sheet fabrication suppliers.

The quoting system provides pricing, manufacturability feedback, and estimated lead times within minutes, making it well-suited for teams that need fast, reliable sourcing from a large, vetted global supplier network.

The pricing on Xometry includes a markup for its premium turnkey operation, covering everything from tooling, production, and inspection to logistics and shipping. If you’re looking for the lowest-cost option, therefore, this is probably not your best bet.

Xometry’s sheet-metal service covers laser cutting, waterjet cutting, bending, punching, tapped features, welding, hardware installation, and basic assemblies, with access to a wide range of materials, finishes, and production capacities.

Standard sheet-metal tolerances are as tight as ±0.127 mm, with more complex formed features typically falling within broader ranges unless a manual review is requested. Designs that include hems, welded assemblies, or other specialised features may require a manual quote to ensure accurate pricing and feasible manufacturability.

Lead times vary depending on complexity, but Xometry publishes options starting as fast as three business days for simple sheet-metal jobs, with longer timelines for more intricate or higher-volume work.

Xometry’s quality assurance program provides inspection options before shipping and additional verification available for higher-value projects.

Xometry Metal Sheet Fabrication: Key Facts

• Category: Reseller platform offering turnkey production
• Core Function: Provides instant, automated sheet metal quotes through a hidden supplier network
• Founded: 2013
• Geographic Focus: US, EU, and global supplier partners
• Supplier Verification: Internal partner qualification and audit program
• RFQ Method: Automated quoting system with manufacturability checks
• RFQ Speed: Instant AI-generated pricing (manual review for complex parts)
• Tolerance Capability: Standard sheet metal tolerances around ±0.127 mm
• Production Lead Times: Options starting from 3–10 days for simple parts; longer for complex assemblies
• Pricing Model: Markup included for turnkey production, quality control, and logistics
• Support Model: Standard customer support with enterprise account management options

 

Examples of Xometry User Experiences Shared Publicly

Positive Experience:

“The team is amazing. They were very collaborative and made exactly what was designed.”

Robert (US) TrustPilot Review 

Critical Experience:

Asked for a manual quote for injection molding...that was almost 3 months ago. Sent them an inquiry/ email and never heard back. 

Brian Owens (US) TrustPilot Review

Alibaba RFQ for Metal Sheet Fabrication Quotes Online

Alibaba’s well-established ecommerce marketplace—hosting over 200,000 active suppliers—includes an RFQ service that many procurement professionals use to source custom metal sheet fabrication, sheet-metal parts, and machined/OEM parts.

As a major global B2B sourcing platform, Alibaba remains one of the most accessible channels for obtaining metal sheet fabrication quotes online.

With Alibaba RFQ, engineers and procurement teams can upload drawings and specify materials (e.g., cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys), tolerances, finish requirements, and quantities. Suppliers then respond with pricing and lead-time estimates—enabling buyers to compare factories for both prototyping and production runs.

Many “rapid response” suppliers reply within a few hours of receiving an RFQ. Sample parts for simple jobs can often be delivered within around a week or two. After order confirmation, lead times for sheet-metal fabrication typically run from a couple of weeks or less for simple parts up to around a month (or slightly more) for more customized work.

Tolerance levels generally depend on the supplier and tooling quality: for standard sheet-metal components, tolerances around ±0.3-0.5 mm are commonly quoted but tolerances will vary depending on supplier.

Supplier capabilities vary widely, from small job shops to large factories, so procurement teams should carefully define requirements in their RFQs and independently verify supplier quality before committing. While Alibaba offers tools like Trade Assurance for payment protection, this does not replace due diligence when selecting a metal-fabrication partner.

Alibaba RFQ Metal Sheet Fabrication: Key Facts

• Category: Open B2B marketplace with multi-supplier bidding
• Core Function: Allows engineers to submit RFQs and receive quotes from numerous sheet metal fabrication suppliers
• Founded: 1999
• Geographic Focus: Global supplier base (strong concentration in China and Asia)
• Supplier Verification: Varies by supplier; platform provides basic verification badges
• RFQ Method: Buyers upload drawings and specifications; suppliers submit quotes directly
• RFQ Speed: Rapid response suppliers often reply within 3–4 hours
• Tolerance Capability: Commonly ±0.3–0.5 mm for general sheet metal parts; tighter tolerances depend on individual factories
• Production Lead Times: General production: 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity and supplier capacity
• Pricing Model: Multi-supplier competitive bidding with wide price variation
• Support Model: Direct communication with suppliers; optional Trade Assurance for transactions

Examples of Alibaba User Experiences Shared Publicly

Positive Experience:

“Communication was excellent, packaging was pristine, shipment was on time, and the quality was exceptional.”

Tim Triolo (US) TrustPilot Review

Critical Experience:

“Main complaint: once you open an RFQ there is no way to cancel it manually. I have tapped and clicked everywhere. 2nd: vendors just don’t read the text of the RFQ and just ask questions that are already in the RFQ.”

Reddit User (Argentina) Review

 

Made-in-China for Metal Sheet Fabrication Quotes Online

Made-in-China is one of the largest China-focused B2B sourcing platforms, featuring a vast directory of export-ready manufacturers, including many suppliers offering metal sheet fabrication quotes online.

The platform allows engineers and procurement professionals to compare capabilities and pricing for custom sheet-metal parts—posting RFQs with drawings, materials, thicknesses, and quantity requirements, then reviewing responses directly from factories.

Because Made-in-China functions mainly as a marketplace, procurement teams work directly with suppliers after receiving quotations. The platform provides detailed supplier profiles—covering certifications, production equipment, factory scale, and stamping or fabrication processes—so users can evaluate whether a vendor is a true metal-fabrication specialist. Audit reports are also downloadable.

Many suppliers offer sample parts. Lead times published by suppliers for sheet-metal fabrication commonly fall in the 15–30-day range for simple parts, with longer timelines for custom jobs that require dedicated tooling.

Tolerances vary by factory, but general sheet-metal fabricators often list ranges around ±0.3–0.5 mm, while more specialised stamping operations may provide tighter precision when supported by suitable tooling.

For companies sourcing larger production batches, Made-in-China’s broad manufacturing base and competitive pricing make it a useful platform for finding cost-efficient, scalable sheet-metal fabrication partners—provided buyers conduct proper supplier vetting.

Made-in-China Metal Sheet Fabrication: Key Facts

• Category: Manufacturer directory and sourcing portal
• Core Function: Lists export-ready Chinese factories and enables direct RFQ submissions to sheet metal suppliers
• Founded: 1998
• Geographic Focus: China
• Supplier Verification: Supplier profiles include certifications, equipment lists, factory scale; SGS audit reports available for many manufacturers
• RFQ Method: Buyers post drawings, materials, thicknesses, and quantities; factories respond directly
• RFQ Speed: Typical supplier responses within 24–48 hours
• Tolerance Capability: Generally ±0.3–0.5 mm for standard sheet metal parts; tighter tolerances depend on factory tooling and specialization
• Production Lead Times: Custom or tooling-dependent parts: longer timelines based on stamping or forming requirements
• Pricing Model: Negotiated directly with manufacturers
• Support Model: Direct communication with factories; platform provides supplier data but does not manage production

 

Examples of Made-in-China User Experiences Shared Publicly

Positive Experience:

“I had a great experience purchasing through Made-in-China.com. The platform is easy to use and communication was smooth. My supplier was professional, responsive, and kept me updated at every step. Customer service also helped resolve a small issue quickly and fairly.”

黄金金 (Germany) TrustPilot Review 

Critical Experience:

“Although China deal with a majority of the world’s manufacturing, this platform is complicit and negligent to its platform users in Europe.”

James (GB) TrustPilot Review 

 

How to Choose the Right Metal Sheet Fabrication Platform

Selecting a sheet metal fabrication platform requires comparing measurable factors such as:

• Supplier network size
  
• Verification depth
  
• Tolerance capability
  
• RFQ speed
  
• Pricing transparency
  
• Material and process coverage
  
• Inspection and QA options
  
• Support model
  

Different platforms perform differently across these criteria. For example, Xometry focuses on turnkey manufacturing with automated quotes, while Haizol provides access to vetted Chinese factories through structured RFQs. Open marketplaces like Alibaba RFQ and Made-in-China require buyers to evaluate suppliers directly.

Ultimately, choosing the best metal sheet fabrication platform for your company comes down to your project requirements and the skill level of your sourcing team. Platforms such as Xometry focus on turnkey manufacturing, while Haizol relies on tightly vetted supplier networks. More open marketplaces like Alibaba RFQ and Made-in-China place a greater responsibility on engineers and procurement professionals to evaluate factories themselves.

Businesses often need to balance competing priorities—accepting slightly wider tolerances, paying a higher unit price, or increasing order quantities to achieve faster delivery. If tooling is required, as with stamped parts, this becomes the main time-driver, and quoted lead times must build in this requirement.

Below, we highlight the key factors that teams with different sourcing experience levels should consider when selecting a metal sheet fabrication platform.

• Beginner: Focus on reducing risk and getting quick, simple quotes. Look for large supplier pools, low MOQs, clear sample options, and easy RFQ/communication tools.
• Intermediate: Aim for better consistency and cost control. Prioritize pre-verified factories, comparable quotes for medium volumes, predictable lead times, and optional QC or inspection services.
• Advanced: Manage complex parts with tighter tolerances. Seek platforms offering engineering support, DFM input, standardized tolerance data, predictable pricing, and access to high-volume stamping suppliers.
• Strategic: Build long-term, multi-supplier strategies. Prefer platforms with global networks, integrated quality systems, traceability tools, SLAs, and ERP-friendly workflows.

 

FAQs on Metal Sheet Fabrication Sourcing Platforms

Does Metal Sheet Fabrication Work Require Tooling?

As a general rule, no dedicated custom tooling is required for prototype or small-batch metal-sheet work involving laser cutting, CNC bending, or welding. However, tooling may be required for high-volume orders, detailed stamped shapes, deep drawing, embossing, or precision forming, depending on the sheet metal fabrication techniques used.

Do Online Metal Sheet Fabrication Platforms Support Tight Tolerances? 

Many online metal sheet fabrication services can achieve tight tolerances but the actual capability differs between platforms and the suppliers who complete the work. It’s essential to verify whether tight tolerances are possible during the quoting stage, as the final results depend on factors such as tooling condition, part design, material choice, and the particular facility manufacturing the parts.

How Do I Know if the Supplier I Work With Has Been Verified by the Platform?

The visibility level of verified metal sheet fabrication suppliers depends on the platform. Haizol, Alibaba, and Made-in-China make supplier verification visible on profiles, while Xometry verifies suppliers internally without exposing individual factory pages to procurement professionals.

Can I Get Instant Pricing for Sheet Metal Parts?

Xometry offers instant quotes from its automated quoting tool—but be aware that complex geometries, tight tolerances, or uncommon materials may still require manual review before a final price is confirmed. Haizol, Made-in-China, and Alibaba RFQ rely on supplier-driven responses to RFQs, so response times vary.

What Information Should I Provide to Get an Accurate Quote?

You’ll generally need a complete CAD file, material specifications, thickness, surface finish requirements, quantity, and tolerance expectations. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the quote will be.

What Are Typical Production Lead Times for Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Haizol provides lead times as fast as three days for sheet metal fabrication but 14-21 days is more typical, with production starting within one day after quoting. Xometry highlights rapid options, like 3-10 days, while sheet metal fabrication lead times on Alibaba and Made-in-China vary according to the supplier.

Conclusion: The Best Place to Get Metal Sheet Fabrication Quotes Depends on Precise Requirements

Choosing the best metal sheet fabrication platform depends on your part complexity, tooling needs, target lead times, and how closely you want to manage the shop or die maker. It also hinges on the level of engineering, technical guidance, and quality oversight your team expects during production.

All four platforms outlined above can deliver multiple sheet-metal fabrication quotes online in 2026, but they vary widely in how much support, verification, and risk reduction they offer to sourcing teams. For teams that want to compare quotes from verified Chinese sheet metal fabrication factories with clear technical requirements and transparent supplier profiles, submitting a metal sheet fabrication request for quotation on Haizol is one practical starting point.