Laser cutting
A focused beam cuts profiles, holes and slots. Material, thickness and cut-edge requirements determine suitability.
Process details ↗Sheet metal fabrication
From flat drawings to cut panels, brackets and enclosures. Share the material grade, thickness and quantities to discuss cutting, forming and finishing.
Request a quote ↗
Cutting processes
Plasma cutting
An arc cuts electrically conductive metals. For steel blanks and structural parts, agree on stock for secondary machining.
Process details ↗Waterjet cutting
A high-pressure stream, often with abrasive, limits heat input. Specify any limits on taper, squareness and roughness.
Process details ↗| Process | Evaluate first |
|---|---|
| Laser | Small holes, narrow slots and visible edges |
| Plasma | Heat distortion, edge quality and finishing allowance |
| Waterjet | Edge taper, abrasive marks and cut time |
Feasibility, thickness, tolerances and lead time are confirmed for each drawing.
Materials
Carbon steel
Specify grade, thickness, service conditions and any paint, plating or edge protection.
Stainless steel
Specify grade, finish, grain direction and surfaces that need protection during handling.
Aluminium alloys
Specify grade, temper and cosmetic requirements, including dimensions after finishing where needed.
Design & inspection
Cut files and drawings
Send a 1:1 DXF with units, closed profiles and no duplicate lines. Include a dimensioned PDF for tolerances and notes.
Bent parts
Provide the finished drawing or STEP model with bend angles, inside radii, bend direction and dimensions that must hold after forming.
Holes near bends and edges
Identify narrow tabs and features likely to deform. Agree whether critical holes need machining after forming.
Inspection and finishing
Agree on envelope dimensions, hole positions, bend angles, burr limits, coatings and inspection records.
Applications
Enclosures and covers
Equipment housings, control panels, covers and guards.
Brackets and mounting plates
Gussets, mounting tabs, fixture plates and machine brackets.
Prototypes and production batches
Check fit on prototypes before approving the drawing revision for a batch.
FAQ
Can you quote from a DXF alone?
A DXF defines cut geometry. Include material, thickness, quantity and finish. Bent parts also need a finished-part drawing.
How do I choose a cutting process?
Consider material, thickness, accuracy and acceptable heat input. Tolerix can discuss options after reviewing the drawing.
Can I request deburring or coating?
Specify where to remove burrs and include coating type, colour and masking requirements.
Share your sheet metal drawings
Open an email draft and attach DXF, PDF and STEP files as available.