Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Precision Laser Cutting & Metal Fabrication Services in Nelson
Established in 1973, Richards Sheet Metal has built a reputation as a trusted provider of precision sheet metal fabrication services. Our expertise spans laser cutting, CNC fabrication, and welding, supported by state-of-the-art machinery including Trumpf Fiber Lasers and Bystronic systems. With over 40 years of industry experience, we serve diverse sectors such as aerospace, defense, and medical equipment, delivering high-quality components with fast turnaround times. Our ISO-certified processes ensure adherence to rigorous quality standards, while our in-house CAD team provides tailored design solutions. We pride ourselves on combining advanced technology with a skilled workforce to meet exacting client specifications.Our nationwide service coverage and commitment to innovation position us as a leading partner for complex metalworking projects. From one-off prototypes to large-scale production, we maintain transparency and reliability in every engagement. Our history of collaboration with major clients like Lucas Aerospace and British Aerospace underscores our technical capabilities and dedication to excellence. By continuously investing in cutting-edge equipment, we guarantee precision cuts up to 25mm mild steel and intricate welds for critical applications. This enduring focus on quality, speed, and customer satisfaction defines our approach to every project.
Services
Laser Cutting
CNC Fabrication
Welding Services
CAD Design
Sheet Metal Bending
Precision Profiling
Metal Enclosures
Prototype Development
Large Volume Production
Reverse Engineering
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in precision sheet metal fabrication.
- Our team operates state-of-the-art Trumpf Fiber Lasers and Bystronic systems.
- We hold ISO 9001 certification for quality management standards.
- Our nationwide service covers complex industrial projects across the UK.
- We offer in-house CAD design for custom profiling requirements.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
Services
Laser Cutting
Our laser cutting service utilises Trumpf Fiber Lasers to achieve high-precision cuts in metals up to 25mm thickness. This technology enables intricate profiling of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium components. With computer-aided programming, we maintain tolerances within 0.1mm while minimising material waste and eliminating post-processing requirements.
CNC Fabrication
Using Amada and Bystronic press brakes, we form complex sheet metal components with angles from 1 to 180. Our tool library supports standard bends, deep folds, and radius forming for enclosures and structural parts. This process integrates seamlessly with laser-cut components for complete fabrication solutions.
Welding Services
We provide TIG and MIG welding for structural integrity and aesthetic finish. Our welders handle complex assemblies requiring full penetration welds and tight tolerances. This service complements our fabrication work, particularly for aerospace and defense sector projects needing certified weld procedures.
CAD Design
Our CAD technicians create detailed 2D/3D models for laser cutting and forming operations. Using IGES, STEP, DXF formats, we develop production-ready files that optimise material usage and machine efficiency while ensuring dimensional accuracy for complex assemblies.
Sheet Metal Bending
With two high-capacity press brakes, we form sheet metal into precise angles and curves. This includes standard 90 bends, hemming, and radius folding for enclosures. Our tooling library supports both simple brackets and complex multi-bend components requiring tight tolerances.
People
Adrian Richards
General Manager
Adrian has led operations since 1986, combining hands-on workshop oversight with strategic direction. His technical expertise ensures production efficiency while maintaining quality standards across all projects.
Barry Room
Quoting Staff
With 30+ years in laser cutting operations, Barry transitioned to quotation management in 2004. His technical background enables accurate job planning and rapid resolution of production challenges.
Roy Whitaker
Quoting Staff
Roy brings welding expertise and industry knowledge to quotation processes. His background as a college tutor enhances technical communication with clients requiring specialised fabrication solutions.
David Deal
CAD Technician
Dave manages digital design workflows, translating client requirements into machine-ready files. His 15+ years of laser cutting experience informs efficient, production-optimised CAD solutions.
Questions
What laser cutting capabilities do you offer?
We operate Trumpf Fiber Lasers capable of cutting mild steel up to 25mm, stainless steel and aluminium up to 20mm, with precision tolerances.
Do you handle both small and large volume orders?
Yes, our systems support one-off prototypes and high-volume production runs with equal efficiency and quality control.
Can you work from customer-provided CAD drawings?
We accept DXF, DWG, and dimensioned PDF files for direct processing, or our CAD team can create custom designs.
What industries do you typically serve?
Our clients include aerospace, defense, medical equipment manufacturers, and industrial engineering firms across the UK.
Are your welding services certified to industry standards?
Our TIG and MIG welding processes meet ISO 9001 quality standards for critical applications.
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