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Design Guide · Sheet Metal

Sheet metal DFM.
Bends. Holes.
Production rules.

Sheet metal design for manufacturability. Bend radii, hole spacing, edge conditions, weld preparations. Critical for production-friendly sheet metal parts.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Bend radius

1× thickness

Internal bend radius equal to material thickness. Tighter cracks material.

Hole spacing

2× thickness

Hole center 2× thickness from edge. Closer risks tearing.

Bend tolerance

±0.5 mm

Standard bend tolerance ±0.5 mm. Tighter via post-machining.

Weld preparation

Edge geometry

V-groove for thicker (>3 mm) butt joints. Allow penetration.

PEM hardware

Pre-installed

Threaded inserts pre-installed in sheet metal panels.

Powder coat

50-150 µm

Account for coating thickness in mating tolerance.

FAQ

Standard sheet thicknesses?

0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm common. Specify per strength/weight requirements.

Bend radius rules?

Internal bend ≥ material thickness for ductile metals. Tighter for special grades. Cracks if too tight.

Hole-to-edge distance?

2× thickness minimum. Tighter risks edge tearing during bending or service.

Tolerance achievable?

Cut ±0.1 mm. Bent ±0.5 mm. Welded ±1 mm. Tighter via secondary operations.

Material selection?

5052 aluminum standard for forming. 6061 stiffer. Mild steel cheap. Stainless 304/316L corrosion.

Cost factors?

Material, complexity, tolerances, finish, volume. Simple parts at production volume cheapest.

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