Sheet metal prototyping refers to the process of producing functional samples from metal sheets—such as steel, aluminum, or stainless steel—using precise and efficient manufacturing methods including laser cutting, bending, and welding, prior to mass production.

Unlike sheet metal fabrication, which is a core part of broader sheet metal services and focuses on large-scale, repeatable production of finished components, sheet metal prototyping is primarily intended for early-stage design validation. It is used to evaluate whether custom sheet metal parts fit properly with other components, perform as intended, and meet dimensional and structural requirements.

As a “test version” in the product development process, the key value of sheet metal prototyping lies in identifying potential design or manufacturing issues early, without the need for upfront investment in production tooling, thereby reducing iteration costs and minimizing risks before mass production.