Design for manufacturing
Design guide
Ten rules that keep sheet metal parts accurate and affordable. Use them before you release a drawing, or download the PDF for your team.
| # | Rule | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Minimum flange length | ≥ 4 × t | The flange must span the V-die opening. |
| 02 | Inner bend radius | ≈ 1 × t | Standard tooling; tighter radii risk cracking. |
| 03 | Hole to bend line | ≥ 2.5 × t + R | Holes near bends deform into ovals. |
| 04 | Bend relief | width ≥ t, depth ≥ R + t | Prevents tearing at corners. |
| 05 | Minimum hole Ø | ≥ t (SS ≥ 1.5 × t) | Small holes in thick sheet lose roundness. |
| 06 | Slot / web width | ≥ 1.5 × t | Thin webs warp from heat input. |
| 07 | Press-in nut to edge | per fastener table, ≥ 2 × Ø | Sheet needs material to flow into the nut. |
| 08 | One radius per part | same R on all bends | Fewer tool changes, more stable angles. |
| 09 | Tolerances | 2768-m + functional | Fine values only where they matter. |
| 10 | Files | STEP + PDF | 3D for geometry, drawing for tolerances and finish. |
Files we can read
What to send
- STEP (.step, .stp): a sheet metal body, not a mesh. One file per part or an assembly.
- DXF: flat patterns for parts without bends, or with bend lines on a separate layer.
- PDF drawing: tolerances, threads, finish, cosmetic faces, revision.
The PDF guide is a demonstration document of a fictional company.