{
  "schema": "cad-agent-references/1",
  "built": "2026-11-04T22:52:31-08:00",
  "revision": "3a4ec137a2a7cf52fa6072b5bc81b7e320d49701",
  "area": {
    "slug": "sheet-metal",
    "title": "Sheet metal",
    "domain": "manufacturing",
    "scope": "Bent metal parts."
  },
  "fields": {
    "status": "`source`: read, with a dated `verified` note, and may be cited. `catalogued`: listed from a survey and not yet read; never cite one",
    "kind": "what the source is (research/references/vocab.yaml `kind`); a read source from before schema 2 has none",
    "evidence_class": "its rung on the evidence ladder, lowest first: snippet-only, read, verified-at-source, encoded, measured",
    "confidence": "#143: {level, estimate, sources}, derived from the evidence; `unknown` when the record has no evidence block",
    "licence": "{spdx, class, read, note}: `read: false` means the licence text was not read, only stated by the survey",
    "placed": "the docs/areas.yaml areas the record is listed in (`unplaced` when its areas match none)",
    "placed_note": "its row on the site, which [ref:<id>] in any page links to, is /references/<first placed area>#<id>",
    "vocab": "every coded value is explained in research/references/vocab.yaml"
  },
  "index": "https://cad-agent.valpatel.com/catalog/references/index.json",
  "count": 89,
  "coverage": [
    {
      "id": "ca-5-sheet-metal-flange-bend-radius-hole-to",
      "number": "5",
      "topic": "Sheet metal: flange, bend radius, hole-to-edge/bend, relief, K-factor",
      "status": "implemented",
      "areas": [
        "sheet-metal"
      ],
      "where": "src/cadagent/manufacturing/sheet_metal.py:76 bend, :137 flat_length, :170 feature_to_bend, :228 check_bends; dfm.py:93-101; profile:2743-3089, shop_tables:5002",
      "defaults": "R min = T; flange 2T+R to 4T (Century 3.5(T+R)); hole-to-bend 2T to 4T+; hole-to-edge T to 2T; relief T+R; K 0.33-0.5 by R/T and hardness; SendCutSend per-SKU R,K,flange",
      "sources": "Hubs, Protolabs, Davis 2001, Paulsen 2017, DFMA, Century Tywood, SendCutSend specs, SolidWorks K page",
      "gap": "bend() takes only 5052, mild steel, G90, 304 and 316, though the profile's SendCutSend table has 6061-T6 rows (profile:5099 onward) and a note on grain; no hem, jog or louver rules; bend-to-bend spacing not checked.",
      "placed": [
        "sheet-metal"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "ca-7-pem-self-clinching-edge-distance-and",
      "number": "7",
      "topic": "PEM/self-clinching edge distance and hole size",
      "status": "implemented",
      "areas": [
        "clinch-fasteners",
        "clinch-hardware"
      ],
      "where": "src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py:201 check_placement, :181 parts_for; profile:3491 sm-clinch-hole-tolerance-pem, :3513 sm-clinch-to-bend-pem",
      "defaults": "Hole +0.08/-0 mm (+0.003 in); edge = part E; bend BA/2+E; spacing E+hole/2; sheet HRB limits 50 Al/70 SS/80 steel/88 hardened; min sheet 0.76 mm; press from punch side >= 2.29",
      "sources": "PEM handbook HB-6/9/12, bulletins CL, FH, SO, CL-18; SendCutSend hardware service",
      "gap": "Cited subset of parts; PEM blind types B/BS and standoff families not covered; SendCutSend 0.23-0.31 in catalog edge distance not mapped; rivets in mechanical/rivets.py.",
      "placed": [
        "fasteners-and-hardware",
        "sheet-metal"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "records": [
    {"id":"sendcutsend-pem-guide","title":"A Guide to PEM Hardware Inserts in Sheet Metal","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2024,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/pem-hardware-inserts-in-sheet-metal/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","threaded-inserts","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the post (2024-09-26, no byline). Read the sheet families (aluminium except 2024, mild steel, G90, 304, 316), the side to install a nut on, and the worked example: 1/4-20 nut in 0.063 in 5052, centre to edge 0.340, centre to centre 0.512 and centre to bend line 0.425 in. Also opened \"PEM Hardware: Stainless Steel vs Zinc Coated Mild Steel\" (https://sendcutsend.com/blog/pem-hardware-stainless-steel-vs-zinc-coated-mild-steel/, 2024-05-06) and \"The Best Way to Save Time Assembling Sheet Metal Parts\" (https://sendcutsend.com/blog/assembling-sheet-metal-parts/, 2025-03-20): stainless hardware in stainless sheet; no stainless hardware pressed into aluminium.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","inserts","fasteners"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Blog guide to PEM hardware inserts in sheet metal; title only seen in results.","imported":"131b9d03efd28786","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-bend-deformation","title":"Bending Deformation Guidelines","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/guidelines/bend-deformation/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2023-04-25, modified 2026-09-29). Read tapered flanges, the unsupported-bend relief example (0.187 in 5052: R 0.250 + 0.020 in), the half-length rule for 0.250 in stock, and the die-width rule: cut features within half the die width of the bend line distort (0.104 in mild steel, 0.630 in die, so 0.315 in).","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Guideline page on avoiding deformation of features near bends; title only seen.","imported":"a00d1aea568108d7","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"davis-2001-fabricator-design-tips","title":"Design tips for sheet metal: Bend relief, small holes, hole distortion near bends, and minimum flange widths","authors":["Gerald Davis"],"org":"The FABRICATOR (FMA Communications)","year":2001,"url":"https://www.thefabricator.com/article/bending/design-tips-for-sheet-metal-bend-relief-small-holes-hole-distortion-near-bends-and-minimum-flange-widths","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","grain-direction"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: the live page is behind a bot check, so read the Internet Archive copy of 2017-12-01 (https://web.archive.org/web/20171201015017/http://www.thefabricator.com:80/article/bending/design-tips-for-sheet-metal-bend-relief-small-holes-hole-distortion-near-bends-and-minimum-flange-widths). Byline Gerald Davis, 2001-10-25. Read the whole article. For research/process-profiles.yaml: the live page is behind a bot check, so read the whole Internet Archive copy of 2017-12-01 (web.archive.org/web/20171201015017/…). Read punched hole size, inside radius by process and alloy, bend relief, hole distance from the bend, and flange width.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Title covers bend relief, small holes, hole distortion near bends and minimum flange width; no text seen.","imported":"f454ead87961c4d6","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-tab-slot","title":"Designing Sheet Metal Parts With Tab and Slots","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2023,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/designing-sheet-metal-parts-with-tab-and-slots/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","tabs-and-slots","fasteners-and-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page (published 2023-01-16, no byline). Read the slot width and height formulas, the powder-coat allowance and the tab-length rule.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","joining"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Tab and slot design for self-fixturing sheet metal; related post warns thin material flexes and powder coat tightens fits.","imported":"f902f001f3769809","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"freecad-sheetmetal","title":"FreeCAD SheetMetal Workbench","authors":["Shai Seger","Cerem Cem Aslan","Ulrich Brammer"],"org":"FreeCAD community (github.com/shaise)","year":null,"url":"https://github.com/shaise/FreeCAD_SheetMetal","access":"free","terms":"LGPL-2.1; cited and used as a reference or an external program, its code is not copied into cad-agent","areas":["sheet-metal","k-factor","unfolding"],"used_for":["research/fea-and-process-tools.md","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: gh api (LGPL-2.1, pushed 2026-10-17, 350 stars, not archived). Read the README developer credits, test case and material-definition table (R/T 1 -> 0.38, 3 -> 0.43, 99 -> 0.5, ANSI), the changelog (relicensed GPL-3 to LGPL-2 on 2024-01-27), and SheetMetalNewUnfolder.py, which halves a DIN K-factor to the ANSI one. The FreeCAD wiki was bot-blocked.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"share-alike","read":false,"note":"LGPL-2.1 (only or later not stated), as research/references.yaml states; text not read"},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"numbers":"none","tested":"unknown","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"FreeCAD sheet metal workbench: bends and unfolding to flat pattern.","imported":"c429ce58ac3d361e","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pcbway-hardware-installation-design-guidelines","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Hardware Installation Design Guidelines","authors":[],"org":"PCBWay","year":null,"url":"https://www.pcbway.com/blog/CNC_Machining/Hardware_Installation_Design_Guidelines_15aa42f5.html","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","threaded-inserts"],"processes":["sheet","inserts"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"read","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"verified":"2026-11-04: opened the article; read the edge (C >= 1.5 Dh) and bend clearance rules.","claims":[{"text":"Hole centre to bend tangent at least R + t + a margin, or 2t + R + 3 mm","status":"conflicting","evidence":"2026-11-04: read on the page. SendCutSend's per-part catalogue distances differ (the map's note)"}],"summary":"PCBWay on installing hardware in sheet metal: hole centre at least 1.5 hole diameters from an edge, and from a bend tangent at least R + t plus a margin (2t + R + 3 mm).","used_for":[],"status":"source","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-bend-relief","title":"How to Design Bend Reliefs & Corner Reliefs for Sheet Metal Parts","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2024,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/guide-to-designing-bend-reliefs/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page (2024-01-18, no byline). Read relief width (>= T/2), relief depth (>= T + R + 0.02 in, from the bend line), and the 0.015 in minimum corner gap. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the article (published 2024-01-18, modified 2025-06-19); read relief width (T/2), relief depth (T + R + 0.02 in from the bend line), corner gap (0.015 in) and that CAD tools measure depth from different datums.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Guide to bend reliefs in sheet metal; only title seen in results.","imported":"86d2145cf4fdc666","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-how-to-save-time-with-locating-features-for","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"How to Save Time with Locating Features for Weldments","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/how-to-save-time-with-locating-features-for-weldments/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"processes":["sheet","joining"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"read","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"verified":"2026-11-04: opened the article; read it whole: a five-part 3/8 in steel weldment located by tabs and slots, each slot as wide as the plate.","summary":"Tabs and slots that locate laser-cut weldment parts without fixtures: each slot as wide as the plate thickness, the tab short of the far face where it must not show.","used_for":[],"status":"source","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pennengineering-pem-self-clinching-nuts-bulletin-cl-pem","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Self-clinching nuts bulletin CL (PEM, hosted copy)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering PEM (hosted copy)","year":null,"url":"https://static.chipdip.ru/lib/234/DOC027234353.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","fasteners"],"processes":["sheet","fasteners"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"read","numbers":"claimed","tested":"yes","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"verified":"2026-11-04: opened the bulletin PDF on the third-party host the record links; read the nut types, the sheet hardness limits and the hole tables. Not compared with pemnet.com's copy (it answers scripts with a bot check).","claims":[{"text":"CLA aluminium nuts for steel or aluminium sheet HRB 50 / HB 82 or less; hole +.003/-.000 in","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"2026-11-04: read in the PDF. No second source checked."}],"summary":"PEM's self-clinching nut bulletin: nut types, the sheet hardness each takes (CLA aluminium nuts: HRB 50 / HB 82 or less) and the mounting-hole tables (+.003/-.000 in).","used_for":[],"status":"source","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"protolabs-sheet-metal-tolerances","title":"Sheet Metal Tolerances (one-pager)","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs","year":2023,"url":"https://protolabs.com/media/roognect/sheet-metal-tolerances-one-pager-2.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","tolerances"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the PDF (© 2023). Read the hole (±0.005 in) and hardware hole (+0.003/-0 in) tolerances, the one-surface table (feature to feature ±0.005 in, to hardware ±0.010 in, hardware to hardware ±0.015 in) and the bend table (bend to hole or hardware ±0.015 in, bend to edge ±0.010 in; across 2 bends ±0.015 in, 3 or more ±0.030 in).","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"One-page PDF of sheet metal tolerances; contents not shown.","imported":"90555f1a02fcab9c","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"fictiv-tabs-slots","title":"Tabs and Slots for Sheet Metal Part Design","authors":["David Willson"],"org":"Fictiv","year":2025,"url":"https://www.fictiv.com/articles/sheet-metal-tabs-and-slots-assembly","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","tabs-and-slots","laser-cutting","fasteners-and-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page (byline David Willson, 2025-11-20). Read tab width and length, slot clearance by process, corner radii, edge distance, tab spacing, distance from the bend tangent and kerf width.","status":"source","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"processes":["sheet","joining"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Tab and slot joint self-locates, no jigs; pairs with welding, rivets or bolts for retention.","imported":"737543bbb60367b5","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml","extended_in":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pcbway-welded-sheet-metal-parts-design-guidelines","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Welded Sheet Metal Parts Design Guidelines","authors":[],"org":"PCBWay","year":null,"url":"https://www.pcbway.com/blog/Welding/Welded_Sheet_Metal_Parts_Design_Guidelines_a79851e3.html","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"processes":["sheet","joining"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"read","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"verified":"2026-11-04: opened the article; read the weld types, the bending-first rule and the tab-and-slot and coating allowances.","claims":[{"text":"Tab width 3 to 5 x the sheet thickness, 0.1-0.15 mm clearance per side; 0.05-0.1 mm per side for powder coat","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"2026-11-04: read on the page. No second source checked."}],"summary":"PCBWay on welded sheet-metal parts: weld types, bend before welding, tabs 3-5 times the thickness with 0.1-0.15 mm clearance per side (0.05-0.1 mm per side for powder coat).","used_for":[],"status":"source","evidence_class":"read","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"faa-ac-43-13-1b","title":"AC 43.13-1B with Change 1: Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair","authors":[],"org":"US Federal Aviation Administration","year":1998,"url":"https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43.13-1B_w-chg1.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by paragraph, never copied (a US government work)","areas":["rivets","sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 646-page PDF (issued 1998-09-08, Change 1 2001-09-27; the status page says active). Read 4-57c (single row: edge distance at least 2D, pitch at least 3D; D about three times the thicker sheet), Fig 4-5 (double and triple rows), 4-57f (where blind rivets must not be used), 4-57g, Table 4-8, Table 4-11 and the worked splice 4-58g (0.032 in clad 2024, 10 in wide: two rows of 19 rivets of 1/8 in).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-finishing","title":"Anodizing, Plating and Powder Coating services (finishing guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/powder-coating/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","finishing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the powder-coating page (published 2021-12-08, modified 2026-09-29), the anodising page (https://sendcutsend.com/services/anodizing/, modified 2026-10-19) and the plating page (https://sendcutsend.com/services/plating/, modified 2026-09-29). Read the materials and ranges, part sizes (anodise and plate 23 x 23 in, powder 30 x 36 in), hanging holes (0.063 in), smallest holes (0.040 in), Type II anodise only, ASTM B633 zinc grades, 15 powder colours and the hardware order on each.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"astm-b209","title":"ASTM B209/B209M-21 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate","authors":[],"org":"ASTM International","year":2021,"url":"https://store.astm.org/b0209_b0209m-21.html","access":"paid","terms":"cited by number and title only","areas":["sheet-metal","materials","tolerances"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the ASTM store page: active, updated 2022-01-12; read scope 1.1. Contents not read.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"build123d-sheet-metal","title":"build123d sheet metal (BuildSheet, unfold; dev branch)","authors":["Roger Maitland"],"org":"build123d project (github.com/gumyr)","year":null,"url":"https://github.com/gumyr/build123d/tree/dev/docs/sheet_metal","access":"free","terms":"Apache-2.0; may be adopted with attribution","areas":["sheet-metal","unfolding","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/agent-toolkits-2026-10.md","research/fea-and-process-tools.md","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: gh api (Apache-2.0, default branch dev, pushed 2026-10-30, latest release v0.13.0 of 2026-09-21). Listed the dev tree (build_sheet.py, operations_sheet.py, sheet_utils.py, docs/sheet_metal/*) and read build_sheet.py: BuildSheet takes one k_factor, default 0.5. The author is the repository owner's GitHub profile name.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-bulletin-cl","title":"CL Self-Clinching Nuts (Bulletin CL)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2026,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/cldata.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by part number and page; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","research/sheet-metal.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the PDF (© 2026, back page dated 10/13/26), text and the table pages rendered. Read CL-4 and CL-5 (S, SS, CLS, CLSS, SP dimensions by shank code: minimum sheet, hole +0.08 mm / +0.003 in, edge distance), CL-9 (materials, finishes and the sheet hardness each takes), CL-13 (S, CLS, CLSS push-out and torque-out in 5052-H34 and cold-rolled steel; test thickness not printed), CL-15 (SP in 304), CL-16 and CL-18 (dos and don'ts: punch side, no deburring, only SP or SMPP into stainless sheet).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-countersink","title":"Countersink Design Best Practices","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2022,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/countersink-design-best-practices","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page (2022-12-05, no byline). Read the example edge distance (0.781 in on 5052) and the bend rule (half the die width from the bend centre).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"protocase-design-resources","title":"Design & Manufacturing Guides (resources index and component pages)","authors":[],"org":"Protocase","year":null,"url":"https://www.protocase.com/resources/guides/","access":"free","terms":"cited by title only so far, never copied; its terms of use are not yet read","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the guides index and, to confirm each title, the bend radii, bend types, tolerances, self-clinching fasteners (PEM brand) and component pages and the cut-out library. Their rules were not read. The 31-page sheet-metal design guide is behind a form and was not opened.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"dfma-dfm-checklist","title":"Design for Manufacturing design review checklist","authors":[],"org":"Boothroyd Dewhurst, Inc.","year":null,"url":"https://www.dfma.com/resources/pdf/dfm-design-review-checklist.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","moulding","die-casting","dfm","injection-moulding","cnc"],"used_for":["research/compliant-mechanisms.md","research/fea-and-process-tools.md","research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the 2-page PDF. Read the sheet-metal items: bend radii at least the thickness; hole to edge at least 2x thickness; hole to bend at least 2x thickness plus the bend radius; minimum flange length met; bend sequence feasible. The checklist gives no number for the minimum flange. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the PDF; read the sheet-metal (R ≥ T, hole to edge ≥ 2T, hole to bend ≥ 2T + R), injection-moulding (ribs ≤ 60 % of the wall) and CNC (pocket depth to width under 4:1) items. The checklist calls itself a screening tool, not absolute rules.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"protolabs-sheet-metal","title":"Design Guidelines for Sheet Metal Fabrication","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs","year":null,"url":"https://www.protolabs.com/services/sheet-metal-fabrication/design-guidelines/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied; its tables are not reproduced","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/compliant-mechanisms.md","research/fea-and-process-tools.md","vendor/text-to-cad/skills/dfm/references/sheet-metal.md","research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page. Read the thickness range, the tolerance tables (one surface and across bends), bend angle tolerance (+/-1 deg), standard bend radii, minimum flange 4T, features within 4T of a bend at risk, hems (inside diameter >= T, return 6T), offsets, holes and slots (diameter >= T, edge distance 0.062 in or 0.125 in by thickness), notches and tabs, countersinks, and the pointer to the PEM catalogue for hardware. No byline or date. It gives no K-factor, kerf, grain or relief numbers. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the page; read the tolerance tables, the standard bend radii, the 4T minimum flange, the 4T feature-to-bend warning, hems (inside diameter T, return 6T), holes and slots (diameter T; edge distance by thickness), notches and tabs, and countersinks.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"din-6935","title":"DIN 6935:2011-10 Kaltbiegen von Flacherzeugnissen aus Stahl (Cold bending of flat rolled steel)","authors":[],"org":"DIN (sold by DIN Media)","year":2011,"url":"https://dinmedia.de/en/standard/din-6935/144419944","access":"paid","terms":"cited by number and title only","areas":["sheet-metal","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the DIN Media store page; read the number, edition 2011-10, both titles, status current, 13 pages. Content not read.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-bulletin-f","title":"F PEMSERT Self-Clinching Flush Nuts (Bulletin F)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2026,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/fdata.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by part number and page; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the PDF (© 2026, back page dated 10/19/26). Read F-3 (sheet from 1.5 mm / 0.060 in; shank codes by thickness, hole and edge distance), F-4 (materials) and F-6 (push-out and torque). The metric F4 table prints inch thread codes beside metric values, so only its inch rows are used.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-bulletin-fh","title":"FH Self-Clinching Studs and Pins (Bulletin FH)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2026,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/fhdata.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by part number and page; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the PDF (© 2026, back page dated 10/19/26). Read FH-5 (FH, FHS, FHA dimensions: minimum sheet, hole, head, edge distance), FH-17 (materials and sheet hardness), FH-29 (FH and FHS push-out, torque-out, pull-through and nut torque, with the test sheet's thickness and HRB) and FH-30 (FHA, FH4, FHP).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-hardware-catalog","title":"Hardware Catalog","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2025,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/guidelines/hardware/catalog/","access":"free","terms":"cited by SKU; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2022-10-20, modified 2025-05-19) and its 159 spec blocks: SKU, thread, hole H, sheet range, fastener material, K/N, M, panel material, height above the sheet and the ranges per sheet family. The page has typos (0.39 for 0.039, A236 for A286, two FH-032-8 rows).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-galvanic","title":"How to Avoid Galvanic Corrosion on Your Laser Cut Parts","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2025,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/how-to-avoid-galvanic-corrosion-on-your-laser-cut-parts/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","corrosion"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the post (2025-01-14). Read its qualitative series (magnesium to graphite) and fixes: compatible metals, isolation, non-conductive coatings, sacrificial zinc.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"smacna-duct","title":"HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible, 4th edition","authors":[],"org":"SMACNA (sold by ICC)","year":2020,"url":"https://shop.iccsafe.org/hvac-duct-construction-standards-metal-and-flexible-4th-edition.html","access":"paid","terms":"cited by number and title only","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the ICC listing; read the title, edition and what changed in it. No seam or rivet numbers. Contents not read.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"iso-2768-1","title":"ISO 2768-1:1989 General tolerances - Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without individual tolerance indications","authors":[],"org":"ISO","year":1989,"url":"https://www.iso.org/standard/7748.html","access":"paid","terms":"cited by number and title only","areas":["tolerances","sheet-metal","machining","cnc"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: iso.org was bot-blocked; opened the Estonian Centre for Standardisation store page. Read the title and the scope, which covers parts made by metal removal or formed from sheet metal. Content not read. 2026-10-31: iso.org blocks scripts, so the number, title and status (\"last reviewed and confirmed in 2022\") were read from the Internet Archive copy of 2026-08-20. Protolabs names it as its default for machining.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"solidworks-k-factor","title":"K-Factor - 2022 - SOLIDWORKS Design Help","authors":[],"org":"Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation","year":2022,"url":"https://help.solidworks.com/2022/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/c_K_Factor.htm","access":"free","terms":"cited; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page; read BA = pi(R + KT) A/180 with K = t/T, t measured from the inside face to the neutral sheet. For research/process-profiles.yaml: the live page renders with script only, so read the Internet Archive copy of 2025-02-18 (web.archive.org/web/20250218204342/…): K is the neutral sheet's position as a ratio of the thickness, and BA = π(R + K·T)·A/180.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-pricing","title":"Laser Cutting Online Quotes & Pricing","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/pricing/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied; prices are examples the page calls estimates","areas":["sheet-metal","pricing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2022-04-04, modified 2026-10-29). Read no minimum quantity, volume discounts up to 80 %, free US shipping from $39, the price drivers, and the example prices at quantity 1, 100 and 1000. Also opened the shipping page (https://sendcutsend.com/shipping/, modified 2026-09-17) and the processing-times page (https://sendcutsend.com/sendcutsend-processing-times/, modified 2026-09-14): ships in 2–4 business days, plus 1–2 days for bending and 1–3 for hardware.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"century-tywood-sheet-metal-reference","title":"Manufacturing Reference for Sheet Metal Products","authors":[],"org":"Century Tywood (fabricator, Holliston, MA)","year":null,"url":"https://www.pblprojects.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Manufacturing-Reference-Guide_for_Sheet_Metal_Products.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","tolerances"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the 13-page PDF (a third-party copy). Read grain direction, minimum flange 3.5 x (T + R), bend relief T + R, punched hole to bend 1.5 x (T + R), minimum hole = T, and hole-to-edge and hole spacing rules. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the 13-page PDF (a third-party copy); read grain direction, minimum flange 3.5 × (T + R), bend relief T + R, punched hole to bend 1.5 × (T + R), hole size, hole to edge and hole spacing.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"xometry-manufacturing-standards","title":"Manufacturing Standards","authors":[],"org":"Xometry, Inc.","year":null,"url":"https://www.xometry.com/manufacturing-standards/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","tolerances"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page. Read the sheet-metal default tolerances (edge to bend, across bend, bend to hole, overall, bend angle +/-1 deg, multiple formed surfaces, cut features) and that hems, curls and welded assemblies need a manual quote.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"oshcut-bending-rules","title":"Metal Bending Design Rules","authors":[],"org":"OSH Cut","year":null,"url":"https://www.oshcut.com/design-guide/metal-bending-design-rules","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page. Its only number is a gauging edge at least 0.25 in long for small parts.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-countersinking-service","title":"Online Countersinking Services (countersink guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/countersinking/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","countersinks"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2022-09-01, modified 2026-09-28). Read the materials (aluminium and plastics, 0.125 in and up; no steel or stainless), depth at most 60 % of T, 82° inch and 90° metric, the ±0.015 in accuracy and the two size charts.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-dimple-forming","title":"Online Dimple Forming Services (dimple guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/dimple-forming/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2023-10-24, modified 2026-09-29). Read the materials (0.025–0.125 in), the dimple sizes (0.5–3 in), edge distance and spacing by size (centre to bend = D + BA/2), and the process order (before bending, hardware and finishing).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-hardware-service","title":"Online Hardware Installation Service (hardware guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/hardware/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2022-10-15, modified 2026-07-02), its guidelines section. Read the materials and ranges (5052, 6061, 7075, G90, mild steel, 304, 316), part size (1 x 1.5 in to 36 x 46 in), hole resizing to H (+0.003/-0 in), the catalogue symbols H, J, K, N, M and P, hardware to bend (hole centre to the edge of the bend-allowance area at least N, so bend centre to hole centre at least BA/2 + N), no hardware on acute bends, the load directions for nuts, standoffs and studs, and the finish order (after anodising and plating, before powder coat with the hardware capped).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"open-mrp-dfm","title":"open-mrp/dfm, a deterministic DFM engine for laser cutting and bending","authors":[],"org":"open-mrp (github.com/open-mrp)","year":2026,"url":"https://github.com/open-mrp/dfm","access":"free","terms":"Apache-2.0; ideas and fixtures may be borrowed with attribution","areas":["sheet-metal","dfm","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: gh api (Apache-2.0, created 2026-10-10, v0.52.0, pushed 2026-10-13, 1 star) and a read-only shallow clone, nothing run. Read the README, the check codes (hole operation too close to an edge or a bend, flange too short, missing corner relief, tool collision), the cited laser and press-brake capability JSON and its example self-clinching nut operations (M3 and M4, values not cited), and the 229 golden fixtures.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-catalog-self-clinching-nuts","title":"PEM self-clinching nuts types S, SS, CLS, CLSS, SP: catalogue pages CLS-M3-1 and SP-M3-1","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":null,"url":"https://catalog.pemnet.com/item/nuts-types-s-ss-cls-clss-cla-sp/self-clinching-nuts-types-s-ss-cls-clss-sp-metric/cls-m3-1","access":"free","terms":"cited by part number; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the CLS-M3-1 and SP-M3-1 pages. Read minimum sheet thickness 1.00 mm, hole in sheet 4.22 +0.08 mm, minimum hole centreline to edge 4.8 mm, and the sheet hardness limits (CLS, 300-series stainless: HRB 70 / HB 125 or less; SP, A286: HRB 90 / HB 185 or less), plus the footnotes. pemnet.com itself returned empty bot-check pages; the catalogue subdomain worked.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"benson-2015-fabricator-inside-radius","title":"Predicting the inside radius when bending with the press brake","authors":["Steve Benson"],"org":"The FABRICATOR (FMA Communications)","year":2015,"url":"https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/article/bending/predicting-the-inside-radius-when-bending-with-the-press-brake","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","bend-radius","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: the live page is behind a bot check, so read the Internet Archive copy of 2025-08-25. Byline Steve Benson, 2015-08-12. Read the \"20 percent rule\" (air-formed inside radius as a share of the die opening: 20-22 % stainless, about 16 % for 60-KSI cold-rolled steel), the worked comparison, and the closed-hem bend deduction note.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"approved-sheet-metal-resources","title":"Resources (sheet metal design charts)","authors":[],"org":"Approved Sheet Metal","year":2026,"url":"https://www.approvedsheetmetal.com/resources/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the resources page. It lists a hardware hole-size chart, a hardware reference chart, a forming tolerance chart and a DFM eBook as downloads, which were not opened. Its design page (https://www.approvedsheetmetal.com/sheet-metal-design) is dated 2022-11-16, modified 2026-02-05.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-specs","title":"SendCutSend engineering specifications (sendcutsend-specs.json, schema 1.0)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://cdn.sendcutsend.com/specs/sendcutsend-specs.json","access":"free","terms":"fetched and cited by SKU and field path with the access date; the file is not redistributed. Treat as live data, not a stable API (it changes).","areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting","waterjet","pem-hardware","tolerances"],"used_for":["vendor/text-to-cad/skills/sendcutsend/references/official-sources.md","research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: downloaded the JSON (_meta.generated_at 2026-04-29, 178 materials; 57 with bending_specs). Read per SKU: thickness, bend_radius, k_factor, bend_deduction, die_width, min flange before and after bend, bend_relief_depth, corner relief distance, joggle limits, bend angle tolerance, min hole and hole to edge, cut tolerance, tab_slot_tolerance, hardware and countersink distances, Brinell hardness. For research/process-profiles.yaml: downloaded the JSON (_meta.generated_at 2026-04-29, 178 materials). Read bending_specs for the 5052 aluminium (ALU-) and cold-rolled mild steel (CRS-) SKUs: thickness, bend_radius, k_factor, min_flange_length_after_bend, bend_relief_depth. On review, downloaded the same file again (same generated_at): no ALU6061- or ALU7075- SKU has bending_specs, and ALU2024-025 (0.025 in) has bend_radius 0.07 in. shop_tables holds four of its eight bendable 5052 SKUs and six of its seven mild-steel ones.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-catalog","title":"SendCutSend ordering catalogue (sendcutsend-catalog.json, schema 1.0)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://cdn.sendcutsend.com/specs/sendcutsend-catalog.json","access":"free","terms":"fetched and cited by SKU and field path with the access date; the file is not redistributed. Live data, not a stable API","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","pricing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/sheet_hardware.py","research/sheet-hardware.yaml","docs/sheet-metal-hardware.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: downloaded the JSON (_meta.generated_at 2026-04-29T20:52:33Z, 178 materials, 151 hardware items, 25 finishes). Read per material SKU: name, thickness, cutting process, part-size limits and available_services; per hardware SKU: title, category, fastener material, unit_price, hole_diameter, min_cl_to_edge_distance, manufacturing_specs.material_ranges, recommended panel material and stock. Some hardware rows contradict their own SKU (SP-440-1 is labelled #6-32, FH4-M3-12 M4 x 0.7, SO4-440-12 #6-32); research/sheet-metal-joining.md lists them.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-ordering-guide","title":"SendCutSend ordering guide (sendcutsend-ordering-guide.md)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://cdn.sendcutsend.com/specs/sendcutsend-ordering-guide.md","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: read the file. Bend radius is set by the tooling and is not adjustable; maximum bend angle typically 120-130 deg (no full 180 deg hem); bend angle tolerance +/-1 deg up to 24 in, +/-2 deg over; tab-slot tolerance about 0.010 in; cut tolerance +/-0.005 in typical for laser. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the file; read the Bending section (radius set by tooling, K typically 0.33–0.50, bend angle at most 120–130°, ±1° up to 24 in and ±2° above).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-sheet-cutting","title":"Sheet Cutting Guidelines","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/guidelines/sheet-cutting/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2026-06-16, modified 2026-09-29) and the sheet-cutting service page (modified 2026-09-29). Read file rules, the smallest hole by process (laser 50 % of T, waterjet 0.070 in, router 0.125 in), internal corner radii, nesting and common-line gaps (0.006–0.012 in), and the cut tolerances (laser and router ±0.005 in, waterjet ±0.009 in).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"onshape-sheet-metal","title":"Sheet Metal (Onshape Help)","authors":[],"org":"PTC Onshape","year":null,"url":"https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/sheetmetal.htm","access":"free","terms":"cited; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page; read the bend calculation options and the defaults (bend K Factor 0.45, rolled K Factor 0.5).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-bending-calculator","title":"Sheet Metal Bending Calculator","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/bending-calculator/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","k-factor"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2020-09-23, modified 2026-01-08). Read its formulas (K = t/T, BA = π(R + K·T)·A/180, BD = 2·OSSB − BA) and the worked example (0.119 in mild steel, BD 0.194 in; the page prints two flat lengths, 17.612 and 17.765 in, for the same part).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-bending-service","title":"Sheet Metal Bending Services (bending guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/cnc-bending/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2021-06-22, modified 2026-10-20), its guidelines section. Read the materials and ranges (10 materials, 0.030–0.250 in), part size (0.375 x 1.5 in to 30 x 44 in), bend length 16–44 in, largest angle 130°, what it cannot do, bend-to-edge ±0.015 in plus 0.015 in per further bend, angles ±1° to 24 in and ±2° above, channel base at least twice the flange, the box limits (3.00 in flanges with hardware, 5 in without; 1.1 in wide for 3.5–5 in flanges) and the window-bend table by die width.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"hubs-sheet-metal","title":"Sheet metal fabrication: The manufacturing & design guide","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs Network (formerly Hubs)","year":null,"url":"https://www.hubs.com/guides/sheet-metal-fabrication/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied; its K-factor chart is not reproduced","areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting","waterjet"],"used_for":["vendor/text-to-cad/skills/dfm/references/sheet-metal.md","research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page and its raw HTML. Read the K-factor definition and chart (air bending, bottoming and coining; soft, medium and hard materials; three R/T bands), the laser corner fillet (T/2), kerf (laser about 0.3 mm, waterjet 0.5-1 mm), hole size and spacing, hole-to-bend distance, bend radius >= T, relief width >= T, and the cutting-tolerance table. No byline or date. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the guide; read the design rules (kerf, holes, spacing, edge and bend distances, K-factor range and table, bend relief width, bend height 2T + R, inside radius at least T) and the cutting-process table.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-tapping","title":"Sheet Metal Tapping Services (tapping guidelines)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2026,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/services/tapping/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","threads"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the page (published 2021-07-08, modified 2026-09-28). Read thinnest tapped sheet 0.059 in, the materials, the spacing rule (tap hole / 2 + the stock's min tap hole-to-edge), half the die width from a bend, and the tap-hole table (M3 0.102 in, M4 0.134 in, #10-32 0.164 in and the rest).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-bulletin-so","title":"SO Self-Clinching Standoffs (Bulletin SO)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2026,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/sodata.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by part number and page; values not tabulated wholesale; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the PDF (© 2026, back page dated 6/12/26). Read SO-3 and SO-4 (SO and BSO dimensions: minimum sheet, hole, edge distance), SO-9 (materials and sheet hardness) and SO-12 (push-out, torque-out, pull-through and the most screw torque in 1.5 mm / 0.060 in 5052-H34 and cold-rolled steel; SO4 in 300 series stainless).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"oshcut-material-304","title":"Stainless Steel 304 #1 Finish (material details)","authors":[],"org":"OSH Cut","year":null,"url":"https://www.oshcut.com/materialdetails/stainless-steel-304-1-finish","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised; never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page. Read kerf 0.006 in at every thickness, minimum and recommended hole sizes, channel and wall minimums, and the K-factor note (about 0.4 for soft metals such as aluminium, about 0.45 for steel and stainless).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-tech-sheet-cl-to-edge","title":"Tech Sheet PEM REF/ C/L to Edge: Minimum distance hole C/L to edge","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2019,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/CLtoEdgeRev419.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 1-page sheet (April 2019). Read the definition of the minimum C/L-to-edge distance, that catalogue performance no longer holds near more than one edge or once it is violated, and the bend rules: punch after bending, install outside the bend radius on flat sheet, then as close as the tooling allows.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-tech-sheet-finish","title":"Tech Sheet PEM REF/ Choosing a fastener finish: metal fasteners in contact with metal panels","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2019,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Fastener_Finish.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","corrosion","finishing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 3-page sheet (July 2019). Read Table I and sections B (300-series stainless in aluminium: a large galvanic potential), M (aluminium fastener and panel anodised together), N (assemblies plated after installing) and O (stainless panels passivated after installing).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-tech-sheet-stainless","title":"Tech Sheet PEM REF/ Fasteners for use in stainless steel sheets","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2019,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Stainless_Steel_Sheets.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 7-page sheet (July 2019). Read Table 1 (stainless sheet by UNS number in three groups, HRB 88, 90 and 92 maximum per ASTM A240, and the PEM parts rated for each; 304 is in the HRB 92 group) and p. 4 (why the punch side: the die side is oversized and burred).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-tech-sheet-surface-finishing","title":"Tech Sheet PEM REF/ Surface finishing sheet metal assemblies","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2019,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Surface_Finish.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","finishing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 10-page sheet (July 2019). Read that powder coat applied before installing stops the displacer clinching, and that hard-coat anodise, nitriding, brittle electroless nickel and thick hot-dip galvanising cause problems.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"text-to-cad","title":"text-to-cad","authors":[],"org":"Thompson Labs LLC (github.com/earthtojake)","year":2026,"url":"https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad","access":"free","terms":"MIT; vendored with attribution","areas":["cad","dfm","sheet-metal","fdm"],"used_for":["vendor/text-to-cad","research/landscape.md","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: gh api (MIT, pushed 2026-10-31); LICENSE copyright \"2026 Thompson Labs LLC\"; read the vendored skills/dfm/references/sheet-metal.md and skills/sendcutsend/references/official-sources.md.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","3d-printing"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"pem-handbook","title":"The Self Clinching Fastener Handbook","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":2025,"url":"https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/self-clinching-fastener-handbook.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited by page with the values as facts; the PDF, its tables and figures are never copied (PEM's terms of use allow personal, non-commercial use only)","areas":["sheet-metal","pem-hardware","fasteners"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal-joining.md","research/sheet-metal.md","src/cadagent/mechanical/clinch.py"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the 20-page PDF (© 2025, created 2025-11-14) through pdftotext. Read HB-4 (the sheet softer than the fastener, about 20 points of Rockwell B), HB-5 (general push-out and torque-out for -1 shank nuts; push-out about 5–10 % of the installation force), HB-6 (the most sheet hardness each fastener material takes and typical sheet hardness), HB-9 (holes +0.003 in / +0.08 mm, broken edges at most 0.005 in, punch side at 0.09 in / 2.29 mm and up, no deburring; install after plating or anodising), HB-10, HB-12 (edge distances for one edge only, the bend rule, spacing = C/L to edge + half the second hole, never after paint or powder coat) and HB-14 (0.030–0.040 in usual minimum sheet).","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"paulsen-2017-machine-design-sheet-metal","title":"Tips for Making Sheet-Metal Parts","authors":["Greg Paulsen"],"org":"Machine Design (Paulsen was Director of Applications Engineering at Xometry)","year":2017,"url":"https://www.machinedesign.com/mechanical-motion-systems/article/21835979/tips-for-making-sheet-metal-parts","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","hems","countersinks","tabs-and-slots"],"used_for":["research/process-profiles.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-10-31: opened the page (byline Greg Paulsen, 2017-09-22). Read the rules for bends, curls, countersinks, hems, holes and slots, notches and tabs, corner fillets and relief cuts. For research/process-profiles.yaml: opened the article (2017-09-22, byline Greg Paulsen); read bends, curls, countersinks, hems, holes and slots, notches and tabs, and relief cuts.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-finish-thickness","title":"What are the thicknesses for your finishes? (FAQ)","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":2025,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/faq/what-are-the-thicknesses-for-your-finishes/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","areas":["sheet-metal","finishing"],"used_for":["research/sheet-metal-guides.md","research/process-profiles.yaml","research/process-profiles.md","research/sheet-metal.md"],"verified":"2026-11-01: opened the FAQ (published 2023-04-26, modified 2025-12-04). Read the build-up per side: Type II anodise 0.0002–0.0009 in, zinc 0.0003 in, nickel 0.0002 in, powder 0.002–0.005 in.","status":"source","evidence_class":"read","confidence":{"level":"unknown","estimate":null,"sources":0},"placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references.yaml"},
    {"id":"xometry-5-ways-to-reduce-costs-on-sheet-metal-fabrication","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"5 Ways to Reduce Costs on Sheet Metal Fabrication","authors":[],"org":"Xometry","year":null,"url":"https://www.xometry.com/resources/machining/5-ways-to-save-money-on-sheet-metal-fabrication","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"none","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Design bend radius at least equal to sheet thickness","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"No second source checked."}],"summary":"Cost-cutting tips for sheet metal: standard thickness and materials, fewer bends, bend radius at least thickness, nesting. Note: Snippet is a cross-source summary.","used_for":[],"imported":"afaa4b237490dfa2","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-5052-h32-aluminum-sheet-metal","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"5052 H32 Aluminum Sheet Metal","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/materials/5052-aluminum/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Material page for 5052-H32 with bend data; contents not shown. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"f20ad86fde1f2e88","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"protolabs-7-ways-to-improve-sheet-metal-parts","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"7 Ways to Improve Sheet Metal Parts","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs","year":null,"url":"https://www.protolabs.com/resources/design-tips/8-ways-to-improve-sheet-metal-parts/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Protolabs design tips for sheet metal parts; title only seen. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"c38bcda9a51eae0d","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"hmaking-aluminum-5052-vs-6061-differences-strength-corrosion","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Aluminum 5052 vs 6061: Differences, Strength, Corrosion & Best Uses","authors":[],"org":"Hmaking","year":null,"url":"https://hmaking.com/5052-vs-6061-aluminum/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"aggregator"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Comparison; 5052 favored for bending, 6061 for strength. Note: Aggregator-style supplier blog.","used_for":[],"imported":"781afeb51e929f75","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"the-fabricator-analyzing-the-k-factor-in-sheet-metal-bending","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Analyzing the K-factor in sheet metal bending","authors":[],"org":"The Fabricator","year":null,"url":"https://www.thefabricator.com/article/bending/analyzing-the-k-factor-in-sheet-metal-bending","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"unknown","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"K-factor as starting value for bend allowance and bend deduction. Note: Snippet is intro only.","used_for":[],"imported":"5b438c996ec6aedc","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-can-sendcutsend-bend-parts-with-a-custom-bend","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Can SendCutSend bend parts with a custom bend radius?","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/faq/can-you-bend-parts-with-a-custom-bend-radius/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"We don't offer custom bend radii; use our specs","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"No second source checked."}],"summary":"No custom bend radius; radius and K-factor fixed per material and thickness; use their specs or bending calculator. Note: FAQ; inside radius after 90 degree bend.","used_for":[],"imported":"1945801b4d6f7808","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"xometry-design-guide-laser-and-sheet-cutting","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Design Guide: Laser and Sheet Cutting","authors":[],"org":"Xometry","year":null,"url":"https://www.xometry.com/resources/design-guides/design-guide-laser-and-sheet-cutting/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"processes":["laser","waterjet","sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Xometry design guide for laser and sheet cutting; title only seen. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"0abd49b2adde1d81","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-designing-for-online-sheet-metal-bending","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Designing for Online Sheet Metal Bending Services","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/designing-for-bending-and-forming/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Bending design guidance from an online laser and bending service; snippet showed title only. Note: Content not shown; title-level read.","used_for":[],"imported":"6494949c1148bd68","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"protolabs-designing-sheet-metal-enclosures","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Designing Sheet Metal Enclosures","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs","year":null,"url":"https://www.protolabs.com/resources/design-tips/designing-sheet-metal-enclosures/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Protolabs enclosure design tips; title only seen. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"3467cc744652a6c5","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-do-i-need-to-compensate-for-kerf-in-my-design","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Do I need to compensate for kerf in my design?","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/faq/do-i-need-to-compensate-for-kerf-in-my-design/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"processes":["laser","sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"none","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"You don't need to compensate for kerf; we account for it","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"No second source checked."}],"summary":"No kerf compensation needed in design; the service accounts for kerf on its end. Note: Short FAQ.","used_for":[],"imported":"b1762fd5499865b6","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-guidelines-for-hardware-insertion","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Guidelines for Hardware Insertion","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/guidelines/hardware/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","threaded-inserts","fasteners"],"processes":["sheet","inserts","fasteners"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Catalog min hole centerline to edge or bend typically about 0.23 to 0.31 in","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"Other sources give hole-to-edge as 1-1.5x thickness (laser) or 2x (punched); no absolute 0.23-0.31 in figure from an independent publisher."}],"summary":"PEM hardware placement: minimum hole centre to edge or bend per SKU, hole-to-hole spacing, resized mount holes. Note: Values per SKU in catalog; check part.","used_for":[],"imported":"bb19e01c00a74fa4","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"geomiq-how-to-reduce-sheet-metal-fabrication-costs","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"How to Reduce Sheet Metal Fabrication Costs","authors":[],"org":"Geomiq","year":null,"url":"https://geomiq.com/blog/how-to-reduce-sheet-metal-fabrication-costs/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Geomiq article on lowering sheet metal fabrication cost; details not shown. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"8effc056779e7249","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"xometry-iso-2768-xometry","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"ISO 2768 (Xometry)","authors":[],"org":"Xometry","year":null,"url":"https://www.xometry.com/resources/certifications/iso-2768","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["cnc-machining","design-process","sheet-metal"],"processes":["cnc-mill","cnc-turn","general","sheet"],"process_groups":["cnc","general","sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Xometry page on ISO 2768 general tolerances; appeared in results, content not shown in snippet. Note: Only title seen; content unconfirmed","used_for":[],"imported":"724377acbf285d17","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["cnc-machining","design-process","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-cnc.yaml"},
    {"id":"wevolver-iso-2768-general-tolerances-tables-classes-status","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"ISO 2768 general tolerances: tables, classes, status","authors":[],"org":"Wevolver","year":null,"url":"https://www.wevolver.com/article/iso-2768-general-tolerances-tables-classes-current-status","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["cnc-machining","sheet-metal"],"processes":["cnc-mill","cnc-turn","sheet"],"process_groups":["cnc","sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"claimed","tested":"no","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Linear 6-30 mm: fine +/-0.1, medium +/-0.2, coarse +/-0.5 mm (one table).","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"No second source checked."}],"summary":"Covers ISO 2768 classes f, m, c, v and geometric classes H, K, L. Note: Medium value differs by source","used_for":[],"imported":"9b992d272c56434a","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["cnc-machining","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-cnc.yaml"},
    {"id":"osh-cut-aluminum-5052-h32-bending-terms","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"OSH Cut Aluminum 5052-H32 bending terms","authors":[],"org":"OSH Cut","year":null,"url":"https://www.oshcut.com/materialdetails/aluminum-5052-h32","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"OSH Cut material page for 5052-H32 with bending terms; contents not shown. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"c1e8b6267fd993ca","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"osh-cut-aluminum-6061-t6-bending-terms","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"OSH Cut Aluminum 6061-T6 bending terms","authors":[],"org":"OSH Cut","year":null,"url":"https://www.oshcut.com/materialdetails/aluminum-6061-t6","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"OSH Cut material page for 6061-T6 with bending terms; contents not shown. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"944cc0611de9e591","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pennengineering-pem-pem-blind-fastener-bulletin-b-mouser","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"PEM blind fastener bulletin B (Mouser copy)","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering PEM (hosted copy)","year":null,"url":"https://mouser.com/datasheet/2/974/bdata-3555378.pdf","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","fasteners"],"processes":["sheet","fasteners"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"claimed","tested":"yes","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"B-series blind fastener data including push-out and torque-out values in 5052 aluminum and steel sheet. Note: Table values not visible in snippet","used_for":[],"imported":"e10f8a3f7a8c13b4","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pennengineering-pem-self-clinching-blind-fasteners-b-bs","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"PEM self-clinching blind fasteners B/BS datasheet","authors":[],"org":"PennEngineering (PEM)","year":null,"url":"https://catalog.pemnet.com/item/blind-nuts-types-b-bs/self-clinching-blind-fasteners-types-b-bs-unified/bs-440-2?dlpdf=t","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","threaded-inserts","fasteners"],"processes":["sheet","inserts","fasteners"],"process_groups":["sheet","inserts"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"claimed","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Min hole C/L to edge .19 in; sheet hardness HRB 70 or less (#4-40 stainless)","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"Other PEM-catalog part numbers (M5 blind nut 7.10 mm) are PEM or PEM-distributor (Zygology) pages; generic 1.5-2x hole diameter from PCBWay. No independent .19 in match."}],"summary":"Catalog datasheet gives hole centre to edge and sheet hardness limits for self-clinching blind fasteners. Note: Per-part datasheet, not a design guide.","used_for":[],"imported":"b526be6734a32add","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","fasteners-and-hardware"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"ponoko-manufacturing-standards","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Ponoko manufacturing standards","authors":[],"org":"Ponoko","year":null,"url":"https://help.ponoko.com/en/articles/9358110-ponoko-manufacturing-standards","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"processes":["laser","sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"claimed","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Machine tolerance +/-0.005 in; single-bend part bend to edge +/-0.015 in","status":"corroborated","evidence":"Clarwe quotes laser cutting +/-0.005 in (0.127 mm); waterjet sources 0.001-0.005 in. Bend-to-edge +/-0.015 in not found; bend-to-hole +/-0.012 in elsewhere."}],"summary":"Laser metal machine tolerance and single-bend tolerance; metals auto-offset for kerf. Note: Rule values came via search summary.","used_for":[],"imported":"09448dc27715ceee","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"stanley-engineered-fastening-pop-rivet-selection-factors","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"POP Rivet Selection Factors","authors":[],"org":"Stanley Engineered Fastening","year":null,"url":"https://www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com:443/en/brands/POP/POP%20Rivet%20Selection%20Factors","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["fasteners","sheet-metal"],"processes":["fasteners","sheet"],"process_groups":["inserts","sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Oversized hole lowers shear and tensile strength","status":"unconfirmed","evidence":"No second source checked."}],"summary":"Blind rivet selection: grip range, shear and tensile ratings, effect of oversize holes. Note: Snippet via summary","used_for":[],"imported":"13934b9d37e1f31d","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["fasteners-and-hardware","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-inserts.yaml"},
    {"id":"protocase-tech-tips","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Protocase Tech Tips","authors":[],"org":"Protocase","year":null,"url":"https://www.protocase.com/resources/tech-tips","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Index of tips: minimum bend dimensions, countersinking, gauge choice, ventilation, thermal. Note: Index only.","used_for":[],"imported":"25216b2df639dc06","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"protolabs-design-for-sheet-metal-fabrication-toolkit","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Protolabs Design for Sheet Metal Fabrication Toolkit","authors":[],"org":"Protolabs","year":null,"url":"https://protolabs.com/resources/design-for-sheet-metal-fabrication-toolkit","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"processes":["bending","laser","sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Toolkit; flange length and hole-to-bend limits depend on material, thickness and bend radius. Note: Tables not visible in snippet.","used_for":[],"imported":"76cb921dd0ed7736","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"pcbway-sheet-metal-bending-design-guidelines-pcbway","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Sheet metal bending design guidelines (PCBWay)","authors":[],"org":"PCBWay","year":null,"url":"https://www.pcbway.com/blog/Sheet_Metal/Sheet_Metal_Bending_Design_Guidelines_cbefb6cf.html","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"no","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Vendor sheet metal bending guidelines; only title seen. Note: Content not visible in snippet","used_for":[],"imported":"eb63354b2e6e6302","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"mfgrobots-sheet-metal-design-basics-mfgrobots-precision","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Sheet Metal Design Basics, Mfgrobots precision enclosure bending and hole placement","authors":[],"org":"Mfgrobots","year":null,"url":"https://www.mfgrobots.com/Article/mfg/it/54223.html","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"aggregator"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Hole near bend can distort within about 2.5x thickness plus bend radius. Note: Aggregator-style site.","used_for":[],"imported":"5d90d1ecad9e880e","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"geomiq-sheet-metal-fabrication-design-guide","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Sheet Metal Fabrication Design Guide","authors":[],"org":"Geomiq","year":null,"url":"https://geomiq.com/sheet-metal-design-guide/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Geomiq sheet metal design guide; title only seen. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"1a92314b67137406","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"fabcon-sheet-metal-laser-cutting-tolerances-complete-guide","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Tolerances: Complete Guide","authors":[],"org":"Fabcon","year":null,"url":"https://fabcon.com/articles/?p=544","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"processes":["bending","laser","sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"no","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Laser cutting tolerances; cites ISO 9013 as the governing standard. Note: Shop blog; figures via summary.","used_for":[],"imported":"01fc1809af0c18ba","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","laser-cutting"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-step-by-step-guide-to-sheet-metal-bending","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Step By Step Guide To Sheet Metal Bending","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-sheet-metal-bending/","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet","bending"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"claims":[{"text":"Minimum flange 0.500 in or 4x material thickness, whichever is greater","status":"corroborated","evidence":"A fabrication guide (Fabcon-type result) says start at 4x thickness; other sources say 2-4x depending on material. 0.500 in figure not seen elsewhere."}],"summary":"Step-by-step bending guide; snippets cite minimum flange and fixed per-material bend radius and K-factor. Note: Snippet came via search summary, not page text.","used_for":[],"imported":"2071fc0e28348484","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"sendcutsend-waterjet-cutting-design-guidelines","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Waterjet cutting design guidelines","authors":[],"org":"SendCutSend","year":null,"url":"https://sendcutsend.com/?p=68759","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"processes":["waterjet","sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"some","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Minimum hole or cutout size for waterjet varies with material thickness and type. Note: Snippet gave no numbers.","used_for":[],"imported":"bf33535322af8469","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["laser-cutting","sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"xometry-tolerances-of-machined-and-sheet-metal-parts","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"Xometry tolerances of machined and sheet metal parts","authors":[],"org":"Xometry","year":null,"url":"https://community.xometry.com/kb/articles/728-tolerances-of-machined-and-sheet-metal-parts","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal","design-process"],"processes":["sheet","general"],"process_groups":["sheet","general"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"unknown","tested":"unknown","authority":"primary"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Knowledge-base article on tolerances of machined and sheet metal parts; no figures seen. Note: Title-level read only.","used_for":[],"imported":"cedf50c9c52be6da","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal","design-process"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"},
    {"id":"alexneufeld-youcannotunfold","kind":"guide","category":"manufacturing-guides","title":"YouCanNotUnfold","authors":[],"org":"alexneufeld (GitHub)","year":null,"url":"https://github.com/alexneufeld/YouCanNotUnfold","access":"free","terms":"cited and summarised, never copied","licence":{"spdx":null,"class":"proprietary","read":false,"note":"A publisher's page; its terms were not read. Cited, never copied."},"reuse":{"text":"cite-only","geometry":"none"},"areas":["sheet-metal"],"processes":["sheet"],"process_groups":["sheet"],"evidence":{"class":"snippet-only","numbers":"none","tested":"unknown","authority":"reference"},"confidence":{"level":"low","estimate":0.4,"sources":1},"summary":"Fast robust sheet metal unfolding tools for FreeCAD. Note: LGPL-2.1, 22 stars, last push 2026-10-09","used_for":[],"imported":"f3850599cdc68665","status":"catalogued","evidence_class":"snippet-only","placed":["sheet-metal"],"source_file":"research/references/guides-sheet.yaml"}
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}