Technical Guides: From Drawing to Production
Practical guidance for RFQs, material selection, design, finishing and production validation.
Preparing a first project? Start with the first guide, “How to Prepare a Metal Fabrication RFQ.”
Start the first guide →Where Are You in the Process?
COMPLETE GUIDE LIBRARY
Find an Actionable Answer for Your Project
PREPARE
Drawings & RFQ
How to Prepare a Metal Fabrication RFQ
Organize drawings, materials, quantity, finish and delivery requirements.
Read guide → 7 MIN · DRAWINGSCustom Metal Products Without Complete Drawings
Use photos, samples, sketches and application notes to start a review.
Read guide → 6 MIN · DRAWINGSCommon Drawing Formats for Metal Fabrication
Know when to use PDF, DWG, DXF, STEP and IGES files.
Read guide →SELECT
Materials & Sizes
Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel vs Aluminum
Compare strength, weight, corrosion, appearance and cost.
Read guide → 8 MIN · MATERIALSHow to Select Sheet Metal Thickness
See how thickness affects rigidity, bending, weight and cost.
Read guide → 8 MIN · MATERIALSHow to Select Tube Wall & Section
Compare round, square and rectangular tube considerations.
Read guide → 8 MIN · MATERIALSHow to Choose Galvanized Steel for Outdoor Parts
Compare pre-galvanized steel, post-fabrication coating and edge protection.
Read guide →DESIGN
Structure & Fabrication
Metal Bracket Design Guide
Practical guidance for holes, bends, radii, reinforcement and mounting.
Read guide → 9 MIN · DESIGNSheet Metal Bending Design Considerations
Plan bend radius, hole distance, flat patterns and orientation.
Read guide → 10 MIN · DESIGNWelded Structure Design Considerations
Review joints, weld access, fixtures, distortion and inspection datums.
Read guide → 9 MIN · DESIGNTube Bending Design Guide
Plan bend radius, straight lengths, section change and tooling clearance.
Read guide → 8 MIN · DESIGNDesigning Holes, Slots & Fastener Interfaces
Make hole positions, tolerances, assembly clearance and fastening production-ready.
Read guide →FINISH
Protection & Appearance
Powder Coating vs Zinc Plating vs Hot-dip Galvanizing
Select a finish by environment, appearance, dimensional impact and cost.
Read guide → 7 MIN · FINISHESPowder Coating Color & Texture Selection
Coordinate color codes, gloss, texture, samples and batch variation.
Read guide → 8 MIN · FINISHESSurface Finishes for Outdoor Metal Products
Evaluate protection against trapped water, salt, UV and coating damage.
Read guide → 8 MIN · FINISHESStainless Steel Brushing & Polishing Guide
Define grain direction, roughness, visible faces and weld blending.
Read guide →PRODUCE
Quotation & Production
APPLY THE METHOD TO YOUR PART
Send Your Drawing for a Structure, Process & Acceptance Review
Send a 2D/3D drawing, sample photos or a dimensioned sketch and identify the decision you need. We will review material, load, forming/welding, finish, quantity and CTQs and return DFM comments. Load-bearing or regulated designs remain subject to approval by the responsible project engineer.
Helpful information to include:
- Part number, revision, PDF and STEP/DXF if available
- Sample photos, mating parts and interchangeable interfaces
- Material/thickness, environment, load and target life
- Finish, cosmetic faces, color/texture or approved sample
- Prototype, first-lot and annual volume plus target date
- Current issue: cost, manufacturability, tolerance, strength or corrosion