If your STEP/STP format file is having trouble uploading to SendCutSend’s website for a sheet metal or plate part, there are a few reasons why that might be. You’ll want to ensure that your design meets our 3D file guidelines for sheet and plate parts.
For a sheet or plate part’s STEP or STP file upload to be successful, it must meet these criteria:
Single, solid sheet metal body (no assemblies or mesh bodies)
- we need your STEP/STP file to contain a single, solid sheet metal body
- we cannot accept files with multiple bodies stitched together / assemblies
- we cannot accept files including mesh bodies
Part aligned flat to drawing plane
- we need the part in your STEP/STP file to be aligned flat to at least one drawing plane
- we cannot accept files with parts that are not aligned flat to any plane
Do not include dimensional features for sheet and plate parts
- we need your STEP/STP file to contain a part without dimensional features
- for sheet metal, plastic, composite, and wood parts, we cannot accept a body with a non-uniform thickness
- please see our design guidelines for countersinking, hardware insertion, and tapping services if needed
- we require simple through-holes in your uploaded file; after you have selected a material, you can add and configure services before checkout
Sheet metal body using correct sheet or plate thickness
- the part in your STEP/STP file must be a “sheet metal” body – not an extruded flat pattern
- please set up your design with a thickness offered in SendCutSend’s material catalog
- parts designed with a thickness greater than 0.500″ may be interpreted as designs that require machining
Sheet metal body using SendCutSend specifications for bending
- designs with bending/forming services must have SendCutSend’s specifications applied
- set up a sheet metal rule with SendCutSend’s K factor and bend radius for the material
- this ensures that your part will be bent accurately; you can find the bending specifications for the material and thickness needed for your part here: Bending Calculator
- Using Autodesk Fusion or SolidWorks? Download our gauge tables to easily apply the right specs!
Avoid complex designs with many cutouts and detail
- designs with many features should be exported to DXF
- these designs result in large file sizes in the STEP format
- if your part will be detailed, export your design to DXF for successful processing
Revise your file to meet our sheet and plate part 3D file requirements and design guidelines, then try uploading again.
If your file still doesn’t upload successfully, please contact our Support team. Let them know which program you’re using to design your part and attach your file so they can take a look!
