This image was created with artificial intelligence – marked under Art. 50 of the AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. It is a placeholder until the company's photos arrive.Aluminium sheet cut to size with drilling – what is possible?
Ordering aluminium sheets with drilled holes or cut-outs? Find out which machining options are available and when an individual enquiry is worthwhile.
Not every aluminium sheet is the same. Particularly in technical applications, millimetre-precise holes or accurately fitting cut-outs often matter. But can something like this even be configured online? The good news: yes, many special requests can be implemented directly in the online configurator – if you know what to look out for.
These machining operations can be implemented in the online configurator
Many suppliers now offer the option of selecting holes, rectangular cut-outs or even complex machining operations directly in the configurator. The most important functions:
- Individual holes: round, freely positionable
- Rectangular cut-outs: e.g. for cable glands or connections
- Slots: also selectable in some systems
- Positioning to size: entry of the exact X/Y positions
The feasibility depends on the chosen supplier and their technical implementation. High-quality systems offer a preview field in which the machining operations are displayed visually.
When is an individual request with a drawing more sensible?
Not every special shape can be realised with a few clicks. Complex machining operations, several cut-outs with special radii or CNC milling are often better implemented via an individual request. Here you can usually upload a technical drawing in DXF or PDF format. Advantage: greater flexibility, especially for series production or technical components.
Tip: If you need more than three machining operations per sheet, the route via a request with a drawing is recommended.
Holes, milling & cut-outs – which shapes are feasible?
As standard, the following shapes can be realised:
- Round holes (e.g. Ø 5 mm, Ø 10 mm, etc.)
- Rectangular recesses
- Slots (e.g. 10 x 30 mm)
- Edge machining operations (e.g. notches, chamfer)
More complex shapes, e.g. free-form shapes or internal contours, are only possible by CNC machining and almost always require a CAD drawing.
Tolerances & precision: what you should bear in mind with dimensions
Manufacturing tolerances generally apply to holes and cut-outs. Depending on the process and supplier, these range between ±0.2 mm and ±0.5 mm. It is important that you take the tolerances into account for sensitive applications (e.g. sensor mounts or fits).
Note: Many suppliers state the tolerance details directly in the configurator or in the technical data sheets.
How ordering with special machining works
- Select material (e.g. AlMg3, anodised, etc.)
- Enter dimensions (length x width, e.g. 300 x 200 mm)
- Add machining operations (e.g. hole at X: 50 mm / Y: 25 mm)
- Check the preview
- Select the quantity and order directly online
If required, a drawing can also be uploaded in the final step or a manual request made.
Comparison: online configurator vs. individual request
| Criterion | Online configurator | Individual request |
|---|---|---|
| Round holes possible | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Rectangular cut-outs possible | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Complex free-form shapes | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Drawing required | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Price immediately visible | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Suitable for | Simple machining operations | Series & special shapes |
Typical use cases for aluminium sheets with holes
- Device enclosures with openings for switches or cables
- Machine components with fitting holes
- Mounting plates for attaching components
- Brackets and panels with specific cut-outs
Whether one-off production or small series: online machining saves time when the requirements are clear.
Decision aid: configure directly or better to enquire individually?
When it comes to simple holes or cut-outs, the online configurator is the fastest solution. You retain full control and immediately see what the component will look like. For more complex machining operations, high quantities or technical drawings, however, an individual request is recommended. This way you ensure that all requirements can be implemented exactly.
FAQ
Which shapes of holes can I configure online? The standard is round holes, rectangular cut-outs and sometimes slots.
How many holes can I enter in the configurator? Most systems allow up to 3–5 machining operations per sheet.
What should I do for very special cut-outs? Then you should upload a technical drawing and request an individual quote.
How precise are the holes? The accuracy is usually ±0.2 to ±0.5 mm, depending on the supplier.
Can I also order several sheets with the same hole pattern? Yes, many configurators offer the option of series production with an identical machining pattern.