Dimensioning Sheet Metal Parts

For instance in a a guide block fits into a slot in a base.

Dimensioning sheet metal parts.

When designing parts for laser cutting one should not make holes smaller than the thickness of the material. I still believe inside dimensioning is preferable for producing quick non critical drawings of sheet metal components and find it easier myself to read these drawings when i am folding up something for myself and a lot of tradesmen agree but also now believe outside dimensioning. Fabrication tolerances for dimensional variance in sheet metal and machined parts overview protocase takes great care to manufacture your electronic enclosures parts and components as accurately as possible. When producing drawings of sheet metal components i dimension from inside the flange walls.

Intent of the sheet metal component. Sheet metal parts with a minimum of 0 9mm to 20mm in thickness can be manufactured. These mating dimensions should be given on the multiview drawings in the corresponding locations as shown in b and c. Since each metal fabricator has its own tooling bend factors and equipment to develop the flat blank it is better to fully dimension to formed views for that manufacturer.

Therefore exceptions can be there for complex features design. Bends in sheet metal are manufactured using sheet metal brakes. Your manufacturer may not be able to match dimensions when creating the actual sheet metal part due to tooling and equipment limitations. I think this is the better way because you can acquire your cutting length without a flat pattern by adding the inside lengths fold allowance.

But testing these exceptions before design release is a good practice. In dimensioning a single part its relation to mating parts must be taken into consideration. Controlled dimension bend tolerances are standalone and therefore do not need to be considered in relation to any other bend. Following all sheet metal design guidelines is very difficult in the complex part.

And also find you fold centers more easily. Those dimensions common to both parts are mating dimensions. In this article we will discuss sheet metal design guidelines for manufacturing parts using sheet metal press bending. Fabrication tolerances for dimensional variance in sheet metal and machined parts.