How to Optimize Sheet Metal Part Production with Smart Design Choices
Product engineers and designers from all over the world work with us to create a sheet metal prototype. Whether you require just one or 100,000 assemblies, brackets, enclosures, housings, or cabinets, our in-house experts at HLH Prototypes can deliver on time and cost-effectively. We can also help you make informed choices to optimize sheet metal part production and keep your costs down. Here are some of the strategies we may recommend when designing your sheet metal parts for a smoother fabrication process:
Hole size
- Ensure that the diameter of any holes is at least equal to the thickness of the sheet metal you’re using. This minimizes the risk of damage or tool breakage and, therefore, reduces production costs and time.
- Aim for consistent hole sizing throughout the sheet metal prototype. This diminishes the need for frequent tool changes.
- Position the holes sufficiently far from curls and ensure they are not placed closer than six times the material’s thickness to avoid compromise in structural integrity.
Bend radius
To keep production streamlined, aim for a uniform bend radius across all bends. This simplifies setup and reduces labor time. Ideally, the inner radius of any bend should match the thickness of the sheet metal, preventing undue strain on the workpiece. Avoid excessively small radii to ensure the durability and integrity of the final product.
Bend orientation
Aligning all bends in the same direction streamlines the manufacturing process, cutting down on time and costs while eliminating the need for constant reorientation of the part.
Hems
The edge of a metal sheet can be folded onto itself, creating a hem to keep the edges safe. When incorporating a hem into your sheet metal prototype, choose a teardrop or open hem instead of a flat hem. This lowers the risk of material fracture.
Do you want more sheet metal prototyping design tips? Talk to our specialists here at HLH Prototypes. Get a free product review with a quote today.