Markets We Serve

Consumer Electronics

Metal Supply for Consumer Electronics Suppliers and Manufacturers

As a Bay Area metal supply and services company, Reliance Metalcenter provides a wide range of metals and processing services to the consumer electronics supply chain. From enclosures and chassis to internal components and finishing hardware, consumer electronics rely on precision-fabricated metal parts that must meet demanding specifications for form, function, and finish.

Located in Union City, California, Reliance Metalcenter operates a 165,000-square-foot steel service center supporting consumer electronics manufacturers throughout northern California, with shipping available across North America and into Asia. With access to extensive aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel inventories, we are a key metal hardware supplier to regional OEMs and consumer electronics parts fabricators.

We supply cut-to-length sheet and coil, processed bar and tubing, as well as custom blanks and sawn-to-size stock. Our team also provides metal processing services such as blanking, coil leveling, shearing, and PVC coating to ensure that raw material arrives ready for secondary processing, assembly, or finishing.

Types of Metal Hardware for Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics products require consistent access to high-quality metal hardware in both structural and cosmetic roles. The specific types of metal hardware used vary depending on the device and application, but generally include:

  • Aluminum sheets for device housings, back panels, and chassis components
  • Stainless steel plates and bars for internal structural components and fasteners
  • Carbon steel coil and sheet for bracketry, frames, and mounts
  • Expanded metal and perforated sheet for ventilation and shielding
  • Tubing and extrusions for structural or aesthetic enclosures

As a Bay Area metal supply company, Reliance Metalcenter supports this diversity with ready-to-ship inventory, responsive quoting, and specialized cutting services. Our position as a regional and international steel distributor enables us to provide continuity of supply for high-volume projects and short production cycles.

Aluminum and Stainless Steel for Electronics Housings

Aluminum is widely used in consumer electronics due to its strength-to-weight ratio, machinability, and attractive finish. We offer several options for OEMs and consumer electronics suppliers:

  • Aluminum sheet and coil in common alloys such as 5052 and 6061
  • Anodized aluminum sheet for clean appearance and corrosion resistance
  • Painted aluminum sheet for custom branding and finish applications
  • Precision sawing and blanking for housing panels and component inserts

We also supply stainless steel sheet and plate in grades like 304 and 316 for internal brackets, mounting surfaces, or external components that require wear and corrosion resistance. Our experience as a metals processor means we can supply this material in mill finish, 2B finish, #4 brushed, or other custom options as needed.

Carbon Steel and Processed Sheet for Internal Components

For brackets, internal supports, and EMI shielding, carbon steel sheet and coil offer a cost-effective and formable option. Reliance Metalcenter stocks a range of:

  • Cold-rolled carbon steel sheet for smooth surface and tight tolerance
  • Hot rolled pickled and oiled steel sheet for welding and forming
  • Galvanized sheet and coil for corrosion resistance in humid or mobile applications

We offer coil leveling, sheet shearing, and custom blanking so that material arrives ready to process on stamping lines or press brakes. As a steel suppliers in northern California, we provide both truckload and small-volume orders with rapid delivery timelines.

Sheet Metal Processing and Surface Protection

Our Union City facility is an active metal processing services center designed to reduce lead times and improve product consistency. Services include:/p>

  • Precision sheet metal blanking
  • Coil shearing and leveling
  • PVC coating for sheet metal, white, black, or clear for cosmetic applications
  • Paper interleaving for finish protection
  • Saw cutting and circle cutting for custom geometry

Metal boards and accessories for specialized computers and professional medical equipment

Metal boards and accessories for specialized computers and professional medical equipment

This level of processing allows consumer electronics manufacturers to move material directly into machining, stamping, or forming operations without requiring in-house prep work. It also reduces scrap and shortens turnaround times on custom projects.

Supporting the Consumer Electronics Supply Chain

From smartphones to appliances to wearable technology, the consumer electronics industry relies on a robust and flexible supply chain. As a metal hardware manufacturer and distributor, we support:

  • OEMs building in-house components
  • Contract manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers
  • Fabricators specializing in enclosures, frames, and mounting hardware
  • Vendors supporting power supply, data port, and mechanical assemblies

Reliance Metalcenter is equipped to scale with production demand, supplying blanket orders, Just-in-Time (JIT) releases, and recurring material requirements for domestic and offshore assembly operations.

Serving Local and International Markets

Reliance Metalcenter supports consumer electronics suppliers and manufacturers throughout northern California, including Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area. As a steel and aluminum metal supply company for the Bay Area, we provide daily deliveries and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) options for fast-paced production environments.

In addition to our local reach, we ship throughout northern Nevada, Mexico, and select international markets. Reliance Metalcenter coordinates logistics for customers across East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, as well as Southeast Asia, serving Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, India, and Malaysia.

We meet compliance expectations for international shipments and support material tracking and certifications. Our Asia-Pacific division provides specialized service and delivery across Southeast Asia to electronics fabricators and global manufacturers.

Asia-Pacific Capabilities for Regional Electronics Suppliers

Our Asia-Pacific facility, based in West Singapore, supports regional electronics manufacturers with responsive access to aluminum and other material stock. This 40,000-square-foot location has been operational since 2008 and supports:

  • High-volume aluminum plate and coil sales
  • Cutting services for aluminum up to 24 inches thick
  • Coil and sheet blanking
  • Regional delivery across Southeast Asia

This operation enables us to support Southeast Asia-based consumer electronics manufacturers with the same service level and inventory depth available in California. By maintaining localized processing and warehousing, we minimize lead times while maintaining alignment with customer production schedules.

Compliance and Certifications

As a metals distributor working with sensitive applications, we recognize the importance of documentation, sourcing transparency, and quality assurance. Reliance Metalcenter provides:

  • Full mill test reports and heat lot traceability
  • Conflict-free material compliance
  • DFARS certification for defense-related projects
  • ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management

Our long-standing relationships with top-tier mills and processors ensure product consistency and sourcing confidence.

Why Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Choose Reliance Metalcenter

With more than 300 locations across the U.S. and abroad, Reliance is one of the largest metal distributors in the world. Our Union City location stands out due to:

  • Responsive local service with national and international scale
  • Extensive inventory of aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless products
  • In-house processing capabilities for faster turnaround
  • Knowledge of consumer electronics parts specifications and compliance requirements
  • A proven track record of supporting major brands and Tier 1 electronics manufacturers

Our experienced sales and operations teams work closely with clients to understand their product schedules, tolerances, and documentation needs, ensuring that we deliver on time and according to spec.

Contact Us

Ready to partner with a metal hardware supplier that understands the consumer electronics industry? Contact Reliance Metalcenter to:

  • Request a quote
  • Check material availability
  • Set up ongoing supply agreements
  • Coordinate international delivery or local fulfillment

As a Bay Area raw material suppliers team with international reach, we are ready to support your next electronics production run with the material, services, and logistics to help you stay on schedule.