What Drawing Formats Do Sheet Metal Factories Accept?

PDF, DXF, STEP, IGES: which format, and why it matters.

Submitting drawings in the right format speeds up your quote and reduces errors

Here is what we accept and when to use each

PDF: required for all orders

Shows dimensions, tolerances, finish, notes

This is the master document

DXF / DWG: for laser cutting

2D vector file with exact geometry

We import this directly into our laser nesting software

STEP / IGES: for 3D parts

3D model file

Useful for complex bent parts, machined components

EPLAN: for electrical panels

Schematic file for control panel wiring

What to avoid: JPG/PNG photos (not precise), hand-drawn sketches (need re-drafting), partial drawings (missing dimensions)

Best practice: send PDF for review + DXF/STEP for production

Include material, thickness, finish, quantity on the drawing title block

At Yiguangnian, we quote based on PDF first; if awarded, we request DXF/STEP for production.