Fabworks Faq

Here you'll find answers to commonly asked questions about our services, facilities, and policies. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.

Bending

How do you ensure the quality of the bent parts?

Quality is paramount at Fabworks. Each bent part undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets our high standards. We use advanced measurement tools to check for accuracy in angles and dimensions, ensuring every part aligns with your STEP file.

What bend radius is used for sheet metal parts?

We do all our bends with a standard 0.03" bend radius. This bend radius will work great for all our materials and thicknesses. To ensure perfect parity between your model and the final part, we recommend using a bend radius of 0.03" in your design.

What is the tolerance of sheet metal bends?

Most bends will be made to a angle tolerance of +/- 1 deg and a length tolerance of +/-.015 inches. Large bends over 24 inches can cause some warping to the part. Compound bends will have a larger tolerance of +/- .020 inches.

Is there a limit to thickness of sheet metal you can bend?

Our bending capabilities cover a range of sheet metal thicknesses. Generally, we can bend metal sheets up to a certain thickness, which varies depending on the material type. For specific thickness limits, please refer to our bending resources or contact our team for guidance.

Will my bent sheet metal parts show die marks?

Sheet metal parts bent by Fabworks will show small die marks, which are normal and don't affect functionality, but powder coating can be used to conceal them if needed.

What is the range of bend angles you can provide?

We can provide bend angles from 0 to 135 degrees, anything sharper than this is not possible.

What is the standard lead-time for bent laser cut parts?

Typically, our sheet metal bending service adds 1 business day to the total project lead time for laser cut parts. The actual lead time can vary depending on the complexity of your parts, the quantity ordered, and our current production volume.

Laser Cutting

Will my laser cut cut parts come with burrs or tabs?

All of our parts come with deburring and tab removal included. We use a combination of machines and hand tools to remove burrs and tabs from your parts. You can opt out of deburring for faster lead times if you choose. Our team is dedicated to shipping you the highest quality parts possible.

What design files do I need for Laser Cutting?

To get an instant quote for your parts you need to export your file as a STEP. If you have issues exporting your files you can send us a message with any native file format (.dxf, .step, .sldprt, .iges, etc) and we will help you repair and convert them.

What is the tolerance of laser cut parts?

Laser cut parts typically have tolerances ranging from +/- 0.002 inches to +/- 0.005 inches, with tighter tolerances for smaller features and slightly wider tolerances for larger parts due to heat distortion during the cutting process.

What is the edge quality like on laser cut parts?

Thinner parts (less than .125 inches) will have a very smooth and consistent edge quality. Thicker parts will have a slightly rougher edge quality due to the increased power required to laser cut the materials. The edge quality of laser cut parts is often better than parts cut with a plasma cutter or waterjet.

Do you ship outside the US?

At this time we only ship the US and Canada. We are happy to ship your parts to a freight forwarder within the US.

What is the max cuttable size for laser cutting?

We can cut sheets as big as 60" x 120" on our laser cutter. However the standard sheet size we stock is 48" x 120". If you need a part large than fits our standard sheet please reach out to our support team.

What is the standard lead-time for laser cut parts?

Our sheet metal bending service typically adds 1 business day to the total of your project lead time. Adding additional services to your parts such as powder coating, or hole operations will increase your lead time further.

Countersinking

What is the standard lead-time for the Countersinking Service?

Parts with countersinks typically have 1 extra day added to the lead time. They shipping date provided during checkout is accurate and includes all extra services.

Are there limitations on the material thickness for countersinking?

We can perform countersinking on most thicknesses of metals. However, the material's properties may influence the final outcome, and we advise consulting with us for the best approach for your specific material.

What types of countersinks can you provide?

We offer a range of countersinking options, including different angles and diameters, to suit various hardware and design requirements. Check out our resources for more information.

General

Do you offer deburring?

Absolutely! At Fabworks, we provide deburring and finishing services at no additional cost to our customers. This process is an integral part of our commitment to delivering high-quality, precision-cut parts.

What is your material thickness tolerance

You can check out our material tolerances on our resources page. Each alloy has different thickness tolerances, make sure to research your desired material.

My part is not what I expected, what do I do?

Our top priority is your satisfaction, which is why we provide a 100% guarantee for either a full refund or replacement of your parts. In some cases, we may request photographs of your component or a brief explanation of the aspects you were not satisfied with, so we can identify the issue and prevent it from happening in the future.

Hardware

What is the standard lead-time for the Hardware Service?

Parts with hardware typically have 1 extra day added to the lead time. They shipping date provided during checkout is accurate and includes all extra services.

Can PEM hardware be used on all types of metal?

PEM hardware is versatile and can be used on most types of metal, including aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Our configurator ensures your parts are compatible with the right PEM hardware.

Is there a minimum order size for projects involving PEM hardware insertion?

No, there is no minimum order size. We accommodate projects of all scales, from single prototypes to large production runs, with the same level of precision and quality.

Powder Coating

How durable is the powder coating finish?

Our powder coating provides a highly durable finish that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and corrosion, ensuring longevity and maintaining appearance over time.

What is the standard lead-time for the Powder Coating Service

Parts with powder coating typically have 5-7 extra days added to the lead time. They shipping date provided during checkout is accurate and includes all extra services.

Can powder coating be applied to all types of metal?

Yes, all of the metals we currently offer are compatible with our Poweder Coating Service.

Tapping

What is the standard lead-time for the Tapping Service?

Parts with taps typically have 1 extra day added to the lead time. They shipping date provided during checkout is accurate and includes all extra services.

Can tapping be done on different metal types and thicknesses?

Yes, we are equipped to tap a variety of metal types and thicknesses. Our configurator ensures compatibility giving you the best tapping approach for your specific material and project.

How do you ensure the quality of the tapped threads?

Our tapping process uses precision equipment and experienced technicians to ensure that each thread is accurately formed, providing optimal fit and strength.