5 Best Practices for Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication Drawings (Updated for 2024)

Last updated on February 16th, 2024 at 09:21 am

At Approved Sheet Metal, we know many of our customers need their parts ASAP, so we’re always finding ways to speed up the rapid sheet metal fabrication timeline.

We’ve successfully implemented many time-saving initiatives in our shop, such as offering same-day shipping for flat laser-cut sheet metal parts. However, there are also steps customers can take to expedite their precision sheet metal fabrication projects—one of the easiest is to provide comprehensive drawings.

5 Ways to Optimize Drawings for Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

Follow these best practices next time you create a sheet metal fabrication drawing to help your shop turn the project around quickly:

1. List part numbers, not just the part name

Part names are great, but it’s helpful to provide part numbers, too. A shop works on many projects simultaneously, and your custom metal fabrication could very well have the same (or similar) name as another one on the shop floor. Listing a number in addition to the name helps avoid any confusion.

We advise our customers to write the name of the part in the part description section and list actual digits (and/or letters) in the part number section.

The numbering and lettering system you use to label your custom metal fabrications is entirely up to you—there's no right amount of digits or required sequence of numbers and letters, so don’t stress about it too much.

2. Use the exact hardware name when possible

Your shop will want to know exactly what hardware you’re requesting for your custom metal fabrication. Like many companies, you may have internal part numbers and names for hardware that differ from standard naming conventions. The easiest way to minimize confusion and help your shop source the right hardware is to provide the name of the hardware manufacturer and the number they’ve assigned to the specific component.

Cross-referencing hardware numbers provided by customers is possible, but these systems take a little longer to work with. At our shop, we’re focused on getting customers precision sheet metal parts as fast as possible, and supplying the exact manufacturer information for hardware helps us make that happen.

3. Provide details for revision control

Whenever you need a revision, whether it's simply a wording adjustment or a critical geometry change, make a habit of documenting it. If revisions aren't flagged, sheet metal fabrication shops can miss critical requests, costing customers time and money.

There are different locations for revision notes on a print: the title block, the revision block, or both. If you write your revisions in both places, you’ll want to make sure that the information is identical in each space. If you work with us, we’ll always double-check revision notes and call you with any questions. But consistent documentation minimizes back and forth and helps our team expedite your project.

4. Include grain direction as needed

If your part requires a #4 stainless finish or a cosmetic finish, please indicate the grain direction on your print.

We default to the industry standard of going left to right across the print, but highlighting the preferred grain direction yourself guarantees that we’re on the same page.

5. Provide powder coat instructions

If you ask a shop to powder coat parts with no indication of the color, finish, or other details, you may not get exactly what you need. When possible, include the manufacturer and product number of the powder you’re looking for. If that's not possible, listing the color is a sufficient alternative.

If the color itself isn't a crucial requirement, you can simply specify your preferred type of finish. Specifying between matte, textured, smooth, gloss, and semi-gloss will help your shop narrow the options down.

What happens if you skip any of these steps? In a worst-case scenario, a sheet metal fabrication shop will make and deliver parts that don't meet your requirements. We can't speak for all metal fabricators, but we have policies in place at Approved Sheet Metal to prevent that from happening.

For example, we created a best practice to ensure revision control. Our team always starts a project from scratch rather than running a repeat order based on the current drawing set. Additionally, if we don't see enough information about finishing details, we'll call you to confirm color, texture, and sheen to ensure you're satisfied with the final result.

The more information you give us up front, the faster we can fabricate your parts. If you're unsure which details are required, we're happy to help. Just give us a call and ask—we want to get your project right the first time.

Are you ready to work with a precision sheet metal fabrication shop that values your time? Let's tackle your next project together. Submit a quote to get started!