What is the typical tolerance range for bandsaw cutting, sheetmetal shearing, and sheetmetal bending?

• A. +- 1/32- 1/16 in
• B. +- 1/16- 1/8 in
• C. +- 1/8- 3/16 in
• D. +- 1/4- 3/8 in

Answer: (B)

Part dimensions after these common fabrication steps are typically held within a fairly broad, practical range. Bandsaw cutting, sheetmetal shearing, and sheetmetal bending usually achieve tolerance on the order of about plus/minus 1/16 inch to plus/minus 1/8 inch. This accounts for blade drift and kerf in cutting, burrs and springback from shearing, and springback plus tooling limits in bending. If you need tighter sizes, you’d rely on secondary finishing or precision machining.