- 1. How do you calculate a part's flat pattern?
- 2. What is the minimum flange height we can form on any given material?
- 3. Should I design parts that require using the mill width of the sheet?
- 4. What kind of files do i need in order to have something punched, laser cut or fabricated?
1. How do you calculate a part's flat pattern?: Add up all the outside dimensions and subtract one bend deduction for every bend 90 degrees or more. Bends less than 90 will require less than a full deduction. See our chart under tools for values.
2. What is the minimum flange height we can form on any given material?: The typical width of a V-die opening is 6 times the material thickness. Thererfore the minimum ID of the flange would be 3-1/2 the material thickness. There must be enough material to rest on the V-die in order that it won't slip off. Example: 16 gauge (.063") 3.5 x 0.63 = .220. There are exceptions to this rule. Please call us at 909.799.0088 for more help.
3. Should I design parts that require using the mill width of the sheet?: When shearing, punching, or laser cutting a part we require room for trimming, squaring, or set-back. Espeially with laser cutting, we cannot cut to the edge of the sheet. Allow 1/2" all the way around to be safe. Example: 48" wide sheet, maximum part size 47". Exceptions are made.
4. What kind of files do I need in order to have something punched, laser cut, or fabricated?: The best file formats to get your parts cut accurately and efficiently are: .dxf and .dwg. All CAD software will export these. We prefer 2-D files, not models or 3-D.