Brackets, plates and shims are some of the most commonly ordered custom metal parts. They look simple, but a missing dimension or the wrong material can delay a whole project. This guide explains what to include in your request and why precision fiber laser cutting produces better parts.
Why fiber laser cutting?
A fiber laser focuses intense laser light into a very small spot, melting and cutting metal along a programmed path. For flat parts like plates, shims and bracket blanks it offers clear advantages:
- Accuracy: holes, slots and outlines are cut exactly where the drawing places them.
- Clean edges: a narrow cut and small heat-affected zone mean less grinding and cleanup.
- Fine detail: small holes, tight corners and intricate shapes are possible.
- Repeatability: part number 1 and part number 500 come out the same.
- Speed: parts are nested on the sheet to reduce waste and turnaround time.
Fiber lasers work well on carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum, which covers most bracket, plate and shim applications.
Your ordering checklist
1. Drawings or files
DXF or DWG files are ideal for laser cutting because they can be programmed directly. STEP files work well for formed brackets. PDFs and hand sketches are fine too, as long as all dimensions are shown. Our in-house team can create the shop drawing for you.
2. Material and thickness
State the material (for example A36 carbon steel, 304 or 316 stainless steel, or 5052 aluminum) and the thickness. For shims, thickness is the most important number, so tell us the exact size you need and any allowable variation.
3. Holes and slots
Give hole diameters and locations measured from a clear reference edge. If bolts must line up with existing equipment, mention it. We can also add slots to allow adjustment during assembly.
4. Bends
For formed brackets, show the inside bend radius and which dimensions are measured inside or outside the bend. If you are not sure, tell us how the bracket will be used and we will recommend a practical design.
5. Quantity and finish
Include the quantity you need now and any repeat orders you expect. Mention finishes such as painting, powder coating or galvanizing, and whether edges must be deburred.
6. Deadline
Share your required date so we can plan cutting, forming and welding in the right order.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out the material thickness.
- Mixing inches and millimeters on the same drawing.
- Placing holes too close to a bend line, which can distort the hole.
- Forgetting to mention that parts must match an existing bolt pattern.
From flat part to finished assembly
Many orders start as laser-cut plates and become welded brackets or assemblies. Because cutting, forming and MIG, TIG and stick welding all happen in our Chicago shop, you get one point of contact and one schedule for the whole job.
Ready to order? Upload your drawing and request a quote, or see our full list of fabrication capabilities.