Key Design Guidelines for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Our sheet metal fabrication guidelines are designed to optimize part manufacturability, enhance the cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time. By following these key design considerations, you can achieve high-quality results while maintaining cost efficiency and streamlined production processes.

Size

Maximum Dimensions

 USMetric
Size39 in. x 47 in.990.6mm x 1,193.8mm
Bend Length47 in.1,193.8mm

Minimum Dimensions

 USMetric
Flat Part0.250 in. x 0.250 in.6.35mm x 6.35mm
Formed Part0.500 in. x 0.500 in.12.7mm x 12.7mm
Key Design Guidelines for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Tolerances

Single Surface

 USMetric
Bends+/- 1 degree+/- 1 degree
Offsets+/- 0.012 in.+/- 0.304mm
Hole Diameters+/- 0.005 in.+/- 0.127mm
Edge to edge/hole; hole to hole+/- 0.005 in.+/- 0.127mm
Hardware to edge/hole+/- 0.010 in.+/- 0.254mm
Hardware to hardware+/- 0.015 in.+/- 0.381mm
Bend to edge+/- 0.010 in.+/- 0.254mm
Bend to hole/hardware/bend+/- 0.015 in.+/- 0.381mm

Multiple Surface

 USMetric
Features separated by two or more bends+/- 0.030 in.+/- 0.762mm
 

Tolerances vary on depending on part feature such as bends, offsets, holes, and inserted hardware.

Sheet Metal Surface Finish Selection Guide

Check out our sheet metal guide for a quick snapshot of our Standard and Cosmetic finishing options available for various sheet metal materials.

Choosing the Right Materials

  • Aluminum (1)
  • Brass (2)
  • Copper (3)
  • Stainless Steel (4)
  • Steel: CR Non-treated (5)
  • Steel: CR Galvanneal and CR Galvanized (6)
Choosing the Right Materials

A Complete Guide to Sheet Metal Surface Finishes

Because sheet metal parts are manufactured from a single sheet of metal, the part must maintain uniform wall thickness. Sheet metal thickness ranges from 0.024 in. (0.609mm) to 0.250 in. (6.35mm).

SteelStainlessAluminumCopperBrass
CRS/HRPO*GalvannealGalvanized304-2B304-#4316-2B5052-H326061-T6C101C110C260
0.0240.0280.0280.0240.0240.0240.0250.025 0.0250.025
0.0300.0340.0340.0290.0290.0290.0320.0320.0320.0320.032
0.0360.0400.0400.0360.0360.036     
0.042     0.0400.0400.0400.0400.040
0.0480.0520.0520.0480.0480.0480.0500.0500.0500.0500.050
0.0600.0630.0630.0600.0600.0600.0630.0630.0640.0620.063
0.0750.0790.0790.0750.0750.0750.0800.0800.0800.0800.080
0.0900.0930.0930.0900.0900.0900.0900.0900.0930.0930.093
0.1050.1080.1080.1050.1050.1050.1000.100   
0.1200.1230.1230.1200.1200.1200.1250.1250.1250.1250.125
0.135*0.1380.1380.1350.1340.135     
0.164*  0.165  0.1600.160   
0.179*  0.187  0.1900.190   
0.239*  0.250  0.2500.250   

 

*These thicknesses are available as Hot Rolled, Pickled & Oiled (HRPO) only

Since sheet metal components are produced from a single sheet of metal, the part must have a consistent wall thickness.

Sheet metal thickness varies between 0.024 inches (0.609 mm) and 0.250 inches (6.35 mm).

Z Frame Structure Design Guidelines

Looking to transform flat sheets of metal into fully formed, three-dimensional parts? Our functional design aid, the Z Frame, provides comprehensive guidance for creating designs incorporating countersinks and punch-outs to powder coating and silk screening. It delves into fabrication techniques specific to sheet metal while also focusing on design elements that enhance your parts’ structural integrity and aesthetics. It is a practical desktop organizer, adding utility and style to your workspace.

Finishing Techniques and Options

We provide various finishing services to enhance the quality and appearance of your sheet metal parts, including welded assemblies, standard mill finishes, edge breaking, and orbital-sanded surfaces. Additionally, we offer a range of other sheet metal finishing options:

  • Welding: Seam, tack, and stitch welding
  • Hardware Insertion and Riveting: Standard PEM sheet metal hardware
  • Powder Coating: Available in a wide range of colors, including RAL shades, with both textured and non-textured finishes
  • Silk Screening (One- and Two-Color): Custom colors mixed to match most Pantone numbers closely
  • Assemblies: POP-riveted and welded
  • Plating: Options include anodizing, chromatin, zinc plating, and passivation

 

These finishing options ensure that your parts meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

In-house powder coating is available to streamline production, and parts are powder coated in compliance with government regulations.

Finishing

We maintain a +/- 1-degree tolerance on all bend angles to ensure precision in sheet metal parts. While we offer a variety of bend radii, our standard options are as follows:

  • 0.030 inches (0.762 mm)
  • 0.060 inches (1.524 mm)
  • 0.090 inches (2.286 mm)
  • 0.120 inches (3.048 mm)

 

These four standard bend radii are available with a quick 3-day lead time. Additionally, the minimum flange length for sheet metal parts must be at least four times the material thickness.

We recommend using the same bend radius across all bends for optimal results. Remember that flange length should always meet the minimum requirement of four times the material thickness.

Fabric Hems

We offer both open and closed hems for sheet metal parts. The tolerance of a hem depends on factors such as the hem’s radius, material thickness, and nearby features.
For optimal results, we recommend that the minimum inside diameter of the hem equals the material thickness, with a hem return length of at least six times the material thickness. This ensures both structural integrity and proper fit during the manufacturing process.

Offsets in Position

Offsets are commonly used to create Z-shaped profiles in sheet metal parts. We maintain a height tolerance of +/- 0.012 inches (0.304 mm) from the top of the sheet to the top of the form. We recommend an offset of 0.030 inches (0.762 mm) for standard designs.

 

Additionally, we offer a variety of standard offset options, including:

  • 0.060 inches (1.524 mm)
  • 0.093 inches (2.362 mm)
  • 0.125 inches (3.175 mm)
  • 0.187 inches (4.749 mm)
  • 0.213 inches (5.410 mm)
  • 0.250 inches (6.35 mm)
  • 0.281 inches (7.137 mm)
  • 0.312 inches (7.924 mm)

These options provide flexibility to suit various design needs while maintaining precision in sheet metal fabrication.

Holes and Slots Design

For optimal sheet metal fabrication, holes and slots should have a minimum diameter equal to the material thickness.

  • If the material thickness is 0.036 inches (0.914 mm) or thinner, holes should be placed at least 0.062 inches (1.574 mm) from the material edge.
  • For materials thicker than 0.036 inches (0.914 mm), holes should be positioned at least 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) from the edge to prevent distortion during fabrication.

The spacing should follow the manufacturer’s specifications when hardware inserts are needed to ensure proper fitting and functionality.

Grooves and Tabs

  • Notches: The minimum length must be at least the material’s thickness or 0.04 inches (1.016 mm), whichever is greater. The maximum length of a notch can be no longer than five times its width.
  • Tabs: The minimum length of tabs must be at least twice the material’s thickness or 0.126 inches (3.200 mm), whichever is greater. The maximum length of a tab can also be no longer than five times its width.

These guidelines ensure that notches and tabs maintain structural integrity while fitting within the design constraints.

Countersunk Holes

We offer both machined and formed countersinks—conical holes that allow screws, nails, or bolts to be inserted flush with the surface of a manufactured object.

For optimal performance, we recommend that the significant diameters of countersinks range between 0.090 inches (2.286 mm) and 0.500 inches (12.7 mm) using one of the following standard angles: 82°, 90°, 100°, and 120°.

The tolerance for formed countersink primary diameter is +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm), ensuring precise and consistent results in your designs.