{"id":22633,"date":"2021-04-15T19:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mag.addmaker.tw\/2021\/04\/22\/tips-for-making-sheet-metal-parts\/"},"modified":"2021-04-23T09:52:51","modified_gmt":"2021-04-23T01:52:51","slug":"tips-for-making-sheet-metal-parts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mag.addmaker.tw\/en\/2021\/04\/15\/tips-for-making-sheet-metal-parts\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Making Sheet-Metal Parts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In sheet-metal fabrication, parts are formed from metal sheets by punching, cutting, stamping, and bending. 3D CAD files are created using a host of different CAD packages and then converted into machine code, which controls machines that precisely cut and form the sheets into the final parts. Sheet-metal parts are known for their durability, which makes them great for a wide variety of applications. Parts for low-volume prototypes and high-volume production runs are most cost-effective due to large initial setup and material costs.Below are some tips and guidelines for designing sheet-metal parts. If you follow the design advice and maintain the tolerances expressed in this article, you are more likely to end up with parts that meet the needs of your designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wall Thickness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parts should maintain a uniform wall thickness throughout their entirety, but this should be easy because parts are formed from a single sheet of metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sheet-metal brakes bend sheets into a part\u2019s desired geometry. Bends in the same plane should be designed in the same direction to avoid having to reorient the part during manufacturing, which will save money and time. Another trick is to keep the bend radius consistent to keep parts more cost-effective. Thick parts tend to become inaccurate, so they should be avoided if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Left example is the right ,and right one is wrong.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule of thumb: <\/strong>To prevent parts from fracturing or distorting, make sure to keep the inside bend radius at least equal to the sheet\u2019s thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Holes should be placed away from the curl at least a distance equal to the radius of the curl plus the material\u2019s thickness. Bends should be at least six times the material\u2019s thickness plus the radius of the curl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rule of thumb:<\/strong>Outside radius of curls must be at least twice the sheet\u2019s thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countersinks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Countersinks must be separated from each other by a distance of at least 8 times the material thickness, from an edge by at least 4 times the material\u2019s thickness, and from a bend by at least 3 times the material\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hems are folds to the edge of a part that create rounded, safe edges. Hems may be open, flat, or tear-dropped, and tolerances depend on the hem\u2019s radius, material thickness, and features near the hem. It should be noted that flat hems should be avoided because they risk fracturing the material at the bend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Open Hems<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Tear-droppred Herms<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rule of thumb:<\/strong>For open hems, the inside diameter should at least equal to the material thickness (larger diameters tend to lose their circular shapes); and the return length should be at least 4 times the material\u2019s thickness. Tear-dropped hems must maintain an inside diameter of at least equal to the material\u2019s thickness, an opening of at least \u00bc the material\u2019s thickness, and the return length should also be at least 4 times the material\u2019s thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n