Custom aluminium sheet cut to size: the details we need from you

A precisely fitting aluminium cut starts with the right information. So that your order can be implemented precisely, we need some technical details. This guide helps you to specify all the necessary details correctly and completely. This way you avoid queries, speed up processing and receive a result that exactly matches your requirements.

What details are required for aluminium sheet cutting?

For a custom cut, we need details from you on the exact dimensions, the desired material, the material thickness and the quantity. In addition, extra details such as tolerances, surface protection, edge finish or corner rounding can be useful. Particularly for precise applications – for example in machine or enclosure construction – all relevant parameters should be clearly defined from the outset. Only then can it be ensured that the cut can ultimately be integrated seamlessly into your construction or your product.

When submitting the details, it is helpful to follow a structured order: dimensions, material designation, thickness, quantity, followed by processing options such as edge deburring or surface protection. This way the cut can be carried out in a technically correct manner and without room for interpretation.

How to specify the dimensions correctly

Please always state the length and width in millimetres. It is important to clearly distinguish between the long and the short side – particularly with coated or laminated sheets. For rectangular cuts, the long side is to be understood as the length and the short side as the width.

If you require special shapes, a technical drawing is necessary. This can be submitted as a PDF or DXF file. If dimensions are submitted without a tolerance specification, we work with the standard tolerance of ±1 mm. If the dimensions need to be particularly exact, this should be marked in advance and supplemented with a suitable technical drawing.

In addition, for several cuts with different dimensions you should provide a clear labelling, e.g. by means of item numbers. This makes allocation in production easier and prevents mix-ups.

Material selection: which aluminium sheets are suitable for which purpose?

The choice of the right aluminium depends heavily on the intended use. For applications in mechanical engineering or vehicle construction, alloys with high strength and good weldability such as EN AW-5083 are suitable. This grade is characterised by very good corrosion resistance and reliably withstands mechanical stress as well.

For decorative purposes or visible surfaces, anodisable qualities such as EN AW-5005 come into question. This alloy is excellently suited to all applications where not only function but also appearance counts.

Simpler applications with lower requirements can often also be realised with pure aluminium such as EN AW-1050A. This grade is particularly easy to form and is suitable e.g. for covers, reflectors or simple housings. If you are unsure which alloy is suitable for your application, we will gladly help you with technical advice.

Thickness & tolerance: what you should look out for

The material thickness influences both the stability and the weight of the cut. Available standard thicknesses range from 1 mm up to 10 mm. For certain technical applications, a greater thickness may also be required – in this case we check availability individually or suggest suitable alternatives.

If your application depends on exact fit dimensions, you should state the permissible tolerances straight away. For standard cuts, the tolerance is usually ±1 mm. Tighter tolerances can be realised on request and at an additional charge.

Please note that the thickness of the material generally refers to the raw thickness. Slight deviations due to manufacturing processes are technically inherent. If your project depends on particularly precise material thicknesses (e.g. for milling or fitting), please let us know this directly.

Options for corners, edges & protective films

Alongside the dimensions and materials, processing details are also decisive for the end result. For visible surfaces, a protective film is recommended, preventing scratches during processing and transport.

Edge processing can either be deburred or leave sharp edges, depending on whether the component is to be further processed or used directly. By default, we supply deburred edges unless otherwise agreed.

For corners, both right angles and rounded versions are possible – in the latter case you should state the desired radius. If a uniform corner processing is to be carried out on several sheets, we ask for corresponding sketches or specifications. Drilled holes, milled features or cut-outs are also possible on request – however, a technical drawing is essential for this.

Overview: properties of common aluminium sheets

Alloy	Properties	Areas of application
EN AW-5083	High strength, corrosion-resistant, weldable	Vehicle construction, mechanical engineering
EN AW-5005	Anodisable, decorative, good formability	Visible parts, architecture, design
EN AW-1050A	Soft, easy to form, inexpensive	Simple technical or visual purposes

Avoiding typical mistakes – your checklist

Many queries can be avoided if the following points are checked before sending your enquiry:

1. Do the dimensions, material thickness and alloy match your requirements?
2. Are tolerances, protective film and special requests clearly stated?

Particularly with individual requirements, a complete and technically clean specification is decisive for smooth processing. Stating a fixed contact person for queries can also significantly speed up the process – especially with more complex projects involving several variants or drawing items.

Conclusion: how your custom aluminium sheet cut succeeds

An exact cut begins with exact details. The clearer your specifications regarding dimensions, material, surface and processing, the more smoothly production proceeds. Use our configurators or send your enquiry directly with all the details mentioned.

Make sure your details are complete and technically correct – this saves time, reduces costs and ensures a result that meets your expectations. For queries or special requirements, we are at your side with technical expertise – personally, reliably and dependably.