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Custom perforated metal components must do more than look correct on a drawing. They must also move efficiently through perforating, fabrication, finishing, and repeat production. That is where design for manufacturing comes in. Reviewing a few main details early can help OEM engineers reduce revisions, control costs, and keep production schedules on track.
Use this five-point checklist when preparing your next custom perforated metal component.
1. Share Volume and Delivery Requirements
Start with how many components you need and when you need them.
Prototype quantities, initial order size, estimated annual volume, and release frequency can all affect how a part ought to be manufactured. They help your perforating partner plan material purchasing, tooling, production capacity, inventory, and packaging.
Delivery expectations are equally important. If components have hard delivery dates, let the estimator know those requirements when getting a quote. Warehousing and blanket orders may also be options for your custom perforated metal component needs.
Include the following information with your request:
- Quantity, including if you need samples for approval
- Estimated annual volume
- Required delivery date
- Expected release frequency
- Stocking or warehousing needs
- Packaging and labeling requirements
The earlier you communicate these expectations, the easier it is to build a reliable production and delivery plan.
2. Define What the Component Must Do
In your quote, it's best to explain, as clearly as you can, what the application is for. Is it designed to provide airflow, filter material, protect equipment, reduce weight, control sound, or improve appearance? The more particulars you provide, the better. Oftentimes, an estimating team may help with the pattern or open area, or, in some cases, recommend an alternative that could save money.
A good estimator will also ask you questions about the part. Don't let this scare you or annoy you. They really are in your best interest!
3. Specify the Pattern, Open Area, and Margins
Your drawing should identify the hole shape, hole size, center-to-center spacing, pattern arrangement, material type, and required open area.
Open area is the percentage of the component removed by perforations. It can affect airflow, drainage, visibility, weight, sound control, and structural performance.
Margins are the solid areas around or within the perforated pattern. They may be needed near edges, bend lines, mounting holes, weld locations, hardware, or cutouts. If the pattern must be centered or run in a particular direction, state that clearly.
Accurate maintains an extensive tooling and pattern library. An existing pattern may meet the design requirements without requiring new tooling.
4. Plan Secondary Fabrication and Finishing Early
Most custom perforated components require more than perforating. They may also need leveling, bending, welding, hardware insertion, powder coating, or assembly.
Consider these operations during the initial custom perforated metal component design process. Bend lines may require solid areas. Weld locations may need margins, and coating thickness can affect holes and mating surfaces. Our engineering team can help!
5. Identify Tolerances and Quality Requirements
Not every dimension requires the tightest possible tolerance. Identify the features that directly affect fit, alignment, safety, assembly, or product performance.
Your drawing should include some of the following:
- Size, Dimensions, Pattern Type
- Hole locations (if you need margins for mounting holes)
- Any flatness requirement or tolerances
- Testing requirements
- First-article approval requirements
Clearly defined criteria help eliminate confusion and keep manufacturing effort focused on the features that matter most. If a prototype or first article must be approved before the production run, let the estimating team know for scheduling purposes.
Custom Perforated Metal Components For Your Next Project
The best custom perforated metal component design connects the drawing with a practical production and delivery plan. Volume, function, pattern, fabrication, tolerances, and scheduling must work together.
Accurate Perforating supports OEM projects with prototyping, perforating, fabrication, finishing, assembly, packaging, warehousing, and fulfillment. Now that we are part of the Amico group, we can also offer expanded metal, which may be a better fit for your application. If you have an active drawing that needs a manufacturability review, contact our sales group today.