Europe 
Türkiye 
United Kingdom 
Global 
Login with my Xometry account Minimum hole diameter vs sheet thickness 316L
F
Hello, I would like to produce a stainless steel 316L bracket, 3 mm thick, cut by fiber laser. I need to include several small holes for drainage and fastening, and I’ve heard there might be a rule that the minimum hole diameter shouldn’t be smaller than the material thickness. Is this a strict limitation in practice for 316L, or are there process adjustments (e.g. slower cutting, gas type) that allow smaller holes without compromising quality?
Suggested Topics
Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Ejector pin placement near snap-fit
I’m working on a small injection-molded housing for an automotive sensor, using PA6 GF30. There are two snap-fit arms inside (cantilever type), about 2 mm-thick walls. I’m not sure where to place the ejector... read more
5
43
Jul 18
Adding countersinks to formed stainless sheet metal
Hello, I'm working on a sheet metal enclosure (as in the image) that requires flush mounting for M6 countersunk screws. I need to add a countersink on a few holes, but the part is... read more
2
91
Jul 03
Fastener size choice for a through-hole in 4 mm anodized aluminum plate
Hi! Designing a lightweight enclosure for a small UAV component, using 4 mm thick anodized aluminum sheets. For the assembly, I need to fasten this plate to a 3D-printed ABS bracket underneath, which acts as... read more
3
205
Jun 30
Cracking at snap-fit hook base in SLS PA12
Hello everyone, I'm using SLS 3D printing (PA12, 0.12 mm layer height) to create a snap-fit enclosure for a handheld sensor device. The enclosure has three internal hooks that flex about 1.5 mm during... read more
2
206
Jun 24
Choosing sheet metal thickness for a lightweight bracket
Hey, working on a small mounting bracket for a consumer electronics housing, cut and bent from stainless steel sheet (304 or 316). The part needs to stay under 200g, but it also has to... read more
2
238
Jun 24