# From design to sheet metal part: shape first, material second Quelle: > How to use the part designer when the idea is already there but the material decision is still open. Design How to use the part designer when the idea is already there but the material decision is still open. MVG editorial team · Values from our production and the material standards Published on 10 September 2026 · 1 min read ## Start with the task What should your part connect, cover or hold? Note the outside dimensions and the points where it is to be fastened. In the part designer you can start with the shape and add cut-outs before you choose a material. ## Develop the shape and cut-outs Choose a suitable basic shape and enter your dimensions. Place the holes and cut-outs you need. Check their position relative to each other and to the edges. An attractive preview does not replace a comparison with the required connection dimensions. ## Add material and thickness Once the shape is set, choose the material and one of the thicknesses offered. On desktop, the selection stays to the right of the part preview. Colour and surface finish help with orientation; the preview is not a binding image of the delivery condition. The material choice is required for the price calculation. ## Check before ordering Check all dimensions, the quantity and the manufacturing notes shown. Material and thickness affect the design options. If you have questions, use the design guidelines or contact us about the specific part. Suitability for the intended use must be assessed separately. ## At a glance - Outside dimensions and fastening points defined - Cut-outs and edge areas checked - Material and thickness chosen - Manufacturing notes checked before adding to the basket [Design a part →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/part-designer) ## Matching products [Part designer **Design a part in the browser** Shape first, material second. *Open the part designer →*](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/part-designer) ## Questions about your part? Our sales team advises you on material, manufacturing and delivery time. [Call: (069) 94 21 30 - 0](tel:+496994213000) · [Email info@mvg-frankfurt.de](mailto:info@mvg-frankfurt.de?subject=Question%20about%3A%20From%20design%20to%20sheet%20metal%20part%3A%20shape%20first%2C%20material%20second) ## Related articles - [Design & manufacturing Getting laser parts fast: what determines the delivery time Which delivery time levels there are, why bends and threads count, when the order cut-off applies and which parts qualify for Express 24 h. 4 min read Read the article →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/magazine/getting-laser-parts-fast) - [Files STEP or DXF: how to prepare your sheet metal part Which file suits your part? A short guide from export to price check. 1 min read Read the article →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/magazine/preparing-step-and-dxf-files) - [Design & manufacturing Design furniture with Claude Code and have it made in our digital factory With AI, an idea becomes a finished construction plan with a bill of materials. We make the sheet metal parts for it from a single piece, with an instant price. 3 min read Read the article →](https://mvg-frankfurt.de/en/magazine/furniture-with-claude-code)