How to use the DFM check
Most rules are multiples of the material thickness, so check the detected thickness before you rely on the result.
Upload the part
STEP, STP or SLDPRT, modeled with a 3D sheet metal module.
Check the thickness
The tool shows the thickness (T) read from the model. Correct it if the detected value is wrong.
Run the DFM check
You get ten design rules and two process limits, each marked Pass or Fail, plus any warnings or errors.
Boda sheet metal design rules
The check runs ten design rules, named as they appear in the analysis. The table lists the conditions for four of them. T is material thickness.
| Rule | Condition |
|---|---|
| Hole to Edge | ≥ 2 × T |
| Hole to Hole | ≥ 5 × T |
| Bend to Hole | Holes under 25.4 mm (1 in): ≥ 2 × T from the bendLarger holes and slots: ≥ 2.5 × T |
| Bend to Radius | Inside bend radius ≥ T and ≤ 5 × T |
Process limits the analysis also checks
The second group checks Max Bend Length and Min/Max Thread Size. An instant quote on Boda also checks the four other limits below. All limits and tolerances are on theprocess tolerancespage.
| Check | Boda limit |
|---|---|
| Max Bend Length | Up to 2400 mm length × 600 mm width × 10.0 mm thickness |
| Min/Max Thread Size | M2 to M12; up to 3 thread types per part; up to 200 mm between threads; part up to 400 × 400 mm unfolded; material 1.6 to 20.0 mm |
| Also checked on a Boda instant quote | |
| Max Product Size (Laser Cutting) | Max sheet size by material (mm): Q235, Q355 1500 × 3000 · SAPH440 1260 × 2500 · SPCC, SGCC 1250 × 2500 · aluminum, stainless steel 1220 × 2440. Thickness up to 20.0 mm |
| Max Surface Finishing | Part size by finish (L × W × H mm): powder coating 2400 × 1800 × 1200 · anodized 1500 × 1000 × 400 · e-coating 1500 × 600 × 300 · brushed 1500 × 300 × 200 · zinc 1200 × 400 × 400 · passivation 900 × 800 × 400 |
| Min/Max Chamfer Size | Angle 30°, 45° or 60° (±2°); up to 2 chamfer angle types per part; length up to 300 mm; part up to 400 × 400 mm unfolded; material 1.6 to 20.0 mm |
| Min/Max Countersink Size | M2 to M12; up to 2 countersink types per part; up to 200 mm between countersinks; part up to 400 × 400 mm unfolded; material 1.6 to 20.0 mm |
Warnings & Errors
The third group lists any warnings and errors found in the model, for example “Small radius detected”.
What a failed rule means
Fail means a feature is outside the rule’s limit. The result shows the measured value against the limit and highlights the feature on the 3D view. Change it in the model and run the check again.
Once the part passes, check how the flat blank nests on a stock sheet with theSheet Metal Nesting Calculator.
Bend to Hole
Move the hole at least 2 × T from the bend line (2.5 × T for larger holes and slots).
Hole to Edge
Move the hole at least 2 × T from the edge.
Hole to Hole
Space the holes at least 5 × T apart.
Bend to Radius
Keep the inside bend radius between T and 5 × T.
Frequently asked questions
What does DFM mean for sheet metal parts?
Design for manufacturing: checking a part design against the limits of the process that will make it. For laser-cut and bent sheet metal, that means hole sizes and distances between holes, edges and bends, bend radius, hems, countersinks and corner fillets.
Which file formats does the DFM check accept?
STEP, STP and SLDPRT, modeled with a 3D sheet metal module. These are the same formats as the.
How do I find the feature that failed?
Each failed check shows the measured value against the limit. If several features fail the same rule, use the arrows to step through them. The selected feature is highlighted on the 3D view.
Can I change the thickness?
Yes. The tool fills in the thickness it reads from the model. Enter a different value and run the check again. Most rules are multiples of the thickness (T).
What does “This part can’t be checked” mean?
The analysis could not run on the file. The message under the result gives the reason. Model the part with a 3D sheet metal module and upload it again.
What bend radius does the check accept?
An inside bend radius between T and 5 × T. Boda’s published bend radius range is 1.0 to 16.0 mm, with air bending as the standard process. Seesheet metal bending.