Demystifying Precision Sheet Metal Tolerances (Updated for 2024)

Last updated on January 9th, 2024 at 03:35 pm

Have you ever noticed that standard tolerancing in precision sheet metal fabrication is not as straightforward as in precision machining?

Sheet metal tolerancing is a bit more complicated because of the fundamental differences in raw materials and manufacturing processes. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors…

Raw materials

Traditional machining projects always begin with a solid piece of material, either bar stock or round stock. In precision sheet metal fabrication, our material is supplied in sheets.

Sheet stock usually runs thinner than the stated gauge thickness. Do you know how the 2″ x 4″ wood planks found at your local hardware store actually measure about 1.5″ x 3.5″? Sheet metal thicknesses have similar variances.

For instance, 16 gauge cold-rolled steel might have a stated thickness of 0.057,” but more often than not, the actual thickness is 0.056.” If we’re working with a tolerance of +/- 0.005″ and the sheet thickness is 0.056,” we’ve already lost 30% of our allowable tolerance before we start.

Manufacturing processes

The other factor to consider is the manufacturing process used to create a specific feature. Different equipment has different tolerancing capabilities.

If features are located on the same surface, we can reliably achieve standard tolerances of +/- 0.005″ because the equipment we use (typically a punch press or laser) can hold tolerances down to +/- 0.002″.

However, if we are adding formed features to the part-such as flanges-those features will need looser tolerances due to equipment constraints.

A flange is held against a back gauge at the required dimension, and a punch and die are used to create the formed feature. The punch forces the material into the die, stretching the material at the apex of the bend. This process renders the material thinner at the bend. Due to the stretching, a tolerance of +/- 0.010″ bend to edge is required.

As we add more formed features to a part, we’ll also need to add more tolerance. We account for +/- 0.02″ bend to bend, with a maximum allowable tolerance of +/- 0.03″-the maximum cumulative tolerance of a part with multiple formed features.

Sheet Metal Part Design for Manufacturing Tip

DESIGNING FEATURES TOO CLOSE TO THE BEND

Standard press brake tooling requires that any feature be 3-4x the material thickness away from the edge of a bend. Anything under that will deform or pull the material, stretching and causing the feature to not be useable or functional in the end product.

Get more DFM Tips

A Note on Tolerance Stack-Ups

At Approved Sheet Metal, our team has decades of experience designing and making precision sheet metal parts. We know how to accommodate for tolerances of formed features and added features.

Typically, we can anticipate and mitigate any tolerance stack-up issues before they arise. However, if tolerance stack-ups do become a concern, there are alternative measures we can employ to complete the job successfully.

For example, for a welded enclosure with a cover, we might recommend using a PEM® floating fastener, which allows the threaded portion to “float” at 0.03″ radially.

Another option is to completely form the part and then perform a secondary machining operation. While we can hold tighter tolerances using this approach, additional machine time is required, which can increase costs.

If you’re looking for a team of experts to manufacture your precision sheet metal parts, let’s work together. Request a quote to get started!

Precision Sheet Metal Tolerance FAQ

Why is tolerancing in precision sheet metal fabrication more complex than in precision machining?

Tolerancing in precision sheet metal fabrication is more complex due to two key factors: raw materials and manufacturing processes. Unlike precision machining, sheet metal fabrication begins with sheet stock, which can have variations in thickness, and the manufacturing processes for forming features also have specific tolerancing constraints.

What are the variations in sheet metal thickness, and how does it affect tolerancing?

Sheet metal thickness often has slight variations compared to its stated gauge thickness. For example, a 16-gauge cold-rolled steel sheet may have a stated thickness of 0.057″, but the actual thickness can be around 0.056″. These variations can impact tolerances, as a portion of the allowable tolerance is consumed just by the inherent thickness variations of the sheet.

How do different manufacturing processes affect tolerances in sheet metal fabrication?

The manufacturing process used for specific features in sheet metal fabrication impacts tolerances. While features located on the same surface can achieve standard tolerances of +/- 0.005″, formed features like flanges have looser tolerances due to stretching during forming. For instance, flanges typically require a tolerance of +/- 0.010″ bend to edge. More formed features on a part may necessitate increased tolerances to accommodate the cumulative effects.

What are tolerance stack-ups, and how are they managed in precision sheet metal fabrication?

Tolerance stack-ups occur when multiple features with individual tolerances are combined in a part. At Approved Sheet Metal, our experienced team can anticipate and mitigate tolerance stack-up issues. However, if they arise, we have strategies like using floating fasteners or performing secondary machining operations to ensure the job’s successful completion while managing tolerances effectively., pulvinar dapibus leo.

Can tighter tolerances be achieved in sheet metal fabrication, and what are the trade-offs?

Tighter tolerances in sheet metal fabrication can be achieved, but it often requires additional processes, like secondary machining operations. While this can result in tighter tolerances, it also increases costs due to the added machine time. It’s essential to balance the desired tolerances with cost considerations when choosing fabrication methods.