Abstract. Surface defects can develop on automotive exterior panels after drawing and flanging steps, during springback and may alter significantly the vehicle quality. These defects are characterized by a depth below 0.5 mm and are then difficult to detect or predict numerically. This study focuses on a L-shaped part designed on purpose to reproduce at a small scale surface defects that occur after flanging. Dimensions of these defects are measured from profiles obtained with a tridimensional measuring machine. The investigation of the influence of the flanging height and flanging speed shows than neither of these parameters have impact on the surface defect . The numerical simulation of the flanging process predict the surface defect but with a lower depth than the experimental defect.