Made-to-measure pet doors and gates
A product that has to fit one specific doorway, sold with the customer's own measurements.
Open this brief in the Studio Find sheet metal fabrication manufacturers
Who buys it
Pet owners with non-standard doors, crates or fences who cannot find an off-the-shelf fit.
The product
A powder-coated metal pet door or gate cut to the exact opening, optionally with a latch or lock.
Why it fits vibe manufacturing
Fit is the whole value. Standard sizes leave gaps, so a customer will pay close to catalogue price for a part that fits on the first try. The design is parametric, so every order is the same file with different numbers.
How to build it
- Publish a measuring guide with photos so customers send correct dimensions.
- Model the door in CadQuery with width, height, frame depth and latch position as parameters.
- Order a single prototype from a sheet metal shop and test it on a real doorway.
- Accept orders with the customer's measurements, pay first, then send the generated DXF to the shop.
- Ship from the manufacturer or collect and ship yourself.
The steps follow the 13-step playbook.
Cost lines to price
| Line | How to get the number |
|---|---|
| Cut and bent part | quote from a sheet metal shop |
| Powder coating | per-part finishing quote |
| Latch and hardware | catalogue price |
| Packaging and shipping | bulky: check carrier rates early |
Put real quotes into the cost calculator to find the price for your margin.
Risks and the boring part
Anything that locks or contains an animal should be tested for safety and pinch points. A wifi-controlled lock adds electronics and certification (playbook step 12); start with a mechanical latch.
General information only, not engineering, legal or compliance advice. Check requirements for your product and market.