Sheet metal cut to size

Short answer

A sheet-metal cutting brief needs the final outline, material grade, thickness and quantity of each part. Mark holes, visible edges and mating surfaces on the drawing. Confirm the cutting method, sheet supply, achievable tolerance and finishing before ordering.

Cutting to size turns a sheet into a defined part: a rectangle, circle, detailed outline or a set of mating components. Alongside overall dimensions, identify how the part will be used and which surface will remain visible. Send Craftarea a drawing or dimensioned sketch and state whether you already have the sheet or need material sourcing. Acceptance or sourcing of stock, cutting feasibility and timing are agreed in the quotation.

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Key facts

Drawing: Outline, dimensions and hole positions
Material: Grade, thickness and surface condition
Sheet supply: Customer stock or sourcing by prior agreement
Tolerance: Mark critical dimensional tolerances
Quantity: Count for each distinct part
Holes: Diameter and edge distance for review
Files: DXF, DWG, AI, vector PDF
Completion: Agree edges, coating and handover terms

How does cutting to size differ from buying a sheet?

A trade sheet size and a finished-part size are different requirements. For example, a 1000×2000mm or 1250×2500mm sheet may accommodate several smaller pieces. These examples do not confirm stock availability or machine-bed capacity. Give the finished dimensions rather than only the sheet format, and define acceptable variation for repeated parts.

What determines material and thickness selection?

Steel, stainless, aluminum and copper alloys have different thermal and reflective properties. A thickness confirmed for one material does not automatically apply to another. Technical review includes the grade, thickness, small holes, narrow features and required edge condition.

Steel — intended use and later corrosion protection
Stainless — exact grade and visible surface
Aluminum — alloy, flatness and coating
Copper/brass — alloy and surface condition

Should you supply the sheet or request material sourcing?

Before bringing your own stock, agree its dimensions, flatness, identification and coating condition. Unknown alloy, distortion or protective film can affect cutting preparation. If sourcing is needed, distinguish material, cutting, transport and ownership of remaining stock in the quote. Acceptance of customer material and availability of a particular grade require confirmation.

Holes, nesting and edge quality

Small-hole feasibility depends on thickness, grade and cutting method. For mounting holes, show center distances and required tolerance. Nesting several outlines on a sheet can improve material use, but visible faces and grain direction may constrain placement. Thermal cutting can leave oxide or burrs; agree their removal and inspection criteria separately.

What goes into the cost assessment?

Cost depends on material grade and thickness, contour length, piercing points, part count, nesting and finishing. A larger batch does not automatically lower unit cost: material utilization and preparation also matter. The quote should identify stock supply, required operations, quantity and handover terms. Agree quotation timing and production timing separately.

Preparing a sheet-metal cutting brief

Preparing a sheet-metal cutting brief
Requirement	Information to provide	Point to agree
Outer contour	Finished dimensions and closed paths	Cutting method and acceptable tolerance
Holes	Diameter, centers and edge distance	Feasibility and secondary operations
Stock	Grade, thickness and sheet dimensions	Sourcing or acceptance of customer stock
Surface	Visible side, grain and protective film	Protection and edge requirements
Batch	Quantity of each outline	Nesting, remaining stock and inspection

How It Works

1
Prepare the outline
Send DXF/DWG, AI or vector PDF; a dimensioned sketch can support the initial discussion.
2
Describe the stock
Specify grade, thickness, sheet dimensions and the material source.
3
Agree technical requirements
Confirm the cutting method, tolerance, small holes and edge finishing before ordering.
4
Review scope and price
Check material, quantity, included operations and exclusions in the quotation.
5
Plan inspection and handover
Agree readiness, critical-dimension checks, packaging and collection or delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own metal sheet for cutting?

Agree acceptance of customer stock in advance. Send its grade, thickness, dimensions and surface photos; the quote should clarify preparation, cutting and other operation charges.

What's the minimum order quantity?

State the quantity you need, including a prototype if relevant. Acceptance of small orders, preparation charges and batch terms are confirmed after drawing review.

What file do I need for cutting to size?

DXF or DWG with closed outlines is preferred; AI and vector PDF can also be useful. For a sketch, agree drawing preparation, dimensional clarification and its cost separately.

How long does an order take?

Timing is agreed after reviewing the drawing, stock source, quantity and finishing. Provide your preferred date; it becomes a confirmed deadline only by agreement.

Why does the cut edge darken, and does it need extra finishing?

Depending on the thermal process and assist gas, an edge may show oxide, discoloration or burrs. Agree removal requirements for painting, welding or surfaces that people will handle.

How small a hole can be cut in the sheet?

Feasibility depends on grade, thickness, geometry and method. Show the diameter and tolerance; review may identify a need for secondary drilling.

Can several parts be cut from one large sheet?

Nesting outlines on a sheet is common practice. The layout depends on part spacing, sheet dimensions, visible surfaces and grain direction; any saving is assessed in the quotation.

Do you deliver outside Tbilisi?

Provide the destination and part dimensions and weight. Delivery feasibility, packaging, cost and timing need agreement before ordering; also confirm collection arrangements if preferred.

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Send your artwork, quantity and preferred deadline — we will confirm pricing and production details after reviewing the project.

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