HABA Research | technical guides

Resources for metal fabrication projects

Practical articles about laser cutting, CNC sheet metal bending, welding, materials, tolerances and CAD/CAM file preparation. The content is written for European projects, with dimensions in mm and metres.

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For a faster review

STEP, DXF or technical PDF
material and thickness in mm
quantity and required lead time
finish and visible surfaces
critical dimensions and tolerances

Manufacturing guides

CAD/CAM

How to prepare a file for sheet cutting

Accepted formats, 1:1 scale, closed contours, STEP for bending and a metric checklist.

Materials

How to choose sheet thickness for a metal enclosure

Rigidity, weight, bending, welding and cost for enclosures and panels.

Tolerances

Tolerances for laser cutting and sheet metal bending

What affects accuracy and how to mark functional dimensions.

Cost

How to reduce the cost of a sheet metal part

Design decisions that reduce material use, labour and secondary operations.

Welding

When to choose laser, TIG or MIG welding

Practical differences for stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium and welded assemblies.

DXF

How to prepare a DXF file for laser cutting

Cleaning 2D geometry for a faster quotation process.

We work in metric units

Dimensions, thicknesses, radii, distances and tolerances should be supplied in mm or metres. We do not use inches or feet to interpret European drawings.

Clear drawings

1:1 scale, critical dimensions marked, with material, thickness and finish stated explicitly.

Standards stated

If the project requires ISO 2768, EN ISO 9013, EN ISO 2553 or another standard, include it in the drawing or request.

Need a project reviewed?

Send the CAD file or technical drawing and we will reply with manufacturability notes, price and lead time.

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Guides for decisions before placing an order

Choose the guide relevant to your part, then send the drawing for a manufacturing review.