Welcome! - SheetMetalPatternsOnline.com
Getting the flattened pattern of sheet metal fabrication parts by hand is time consuming, requires lots of knowledge, and it is prone to errors and not reliable.
There are lots of good sheet metal pattern development software programs out there, but they are expensive, with high subscription fees, with complex hardware requirements, and extensive user knowledge.
SheetMetalPatternsOnline.com offers a straightforward interface, and ensures precise and reliable results. With no installation required, you can access our software from any internet-connected device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.
User-Friendly Experience
Seamlessly generate flat patterns, even without CAD expertise, through our user-friendly online platform.
Accessibility and Convenience
Access our software from any internet-connected device, offering flexibility and convenience for your sheet metal fabrication needs.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Benefit from our affordable license and subscription packages tailored to your specific usage requirements.
Furthermore, we are pleased to inform you that our online sheet metal development platform is currently being offered free of charge for a limited time.
Testimonials
I use your page to draw tapered cones (and other ductwork parts) to a flat pattern. I love the fact that I can control the points where the measurements I input are applied (in mid, in or out). That is huge. (...) Your program is an incredible value and a very useful tool. You did a great job developing it!
Herman Moats
Erie, PA - USA
As a Solidworks user, I initially had reservations about adopting a different sheet metal solution. However, after integrating this online platform alongside our existing software, we found it to be a perfect fit. We now use it for standard patterns, benefiting from its simplicity and power, while reserving our advanced software for more intricate designs. It's a strategic choice that has improved our efficiency and freed up resources.
Michael Anderson
Houston - United States
We are able to get all we needed out of the software. (...) Very good value! Great software!
Todd Miller
Evansville, IN - USA
Features
- Extensive Pattern Collection: Choose from a wide range of patterns, including Cylinders and Cones, Transitions, Ys, Triple Ys, Elbows, Branches (Tees), Helixes/Augers, Spheres, and Profiles.
- Flexible Dimension Settings: Customize dimensions with options for INTERNAL, EXTERNAL, or CENTER LINE [IN/MID/OUT] measurements for object ends, as well as branch lines [for Tees].
- Optimal Welding Preparation: Choose from INTERNAL, EXTERNAL, or CENTER LINE contact for precise welding bevel preparation.
- Organized DXF Layers: CAD entities are conveniently organized on separate layers, such as 3D representation, 2D pattern contour, 2D pattern bending lines, insertion points, and texts.
- Enhanced Visualization: The downloadable DXF file provides a 3D representation of the sheet metal piece, displaying the metal thickness for better object visualization.
- Easy Alignment: 3D representation includes insertion points at base centers, ends, and more, simplifying the 3D alignment process for comprehensive installation representations.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Question
click on each FAQ title to expand/hide the content.
How can I get started?
To get started, go to the Signup page.
You will need to enter your email and an alfa-numeric password (letters AND numbers), 8 or more characters long. And please accept our terms of service.
An account activation email will be sent to you. Please, check your inbox
(also check your spam folder).
After activation, before user access is granted, you will be required to add minimal information (a user name, your city and state/province, and country).
Please also check the following video:
How can I open/view the DXF download?
- File Menu or Import Option: You can typically find this option under the "File" menu (or "Import" submenu).
- Drag and Drop: you can simply drag the DXF file from its location in your file explorer or desktop and drop it into the CAD program's workspace.
- Open with: You can right-click on the DXF file and choose the "Open with" option from the context menu. Select the desired CAD program to open the file.
- Command Line: Open: Some CAD programs allow you to use specific commands or scripts to load DXF files. Command: open
- Copy and Paste: you can copy the file and paste it directly into the CAD program's workspace.
- Command Line: Insert: Similar to Open Command, but to insert the DXF into the current DWG file. It is inserted as a block (that can be exploded).
- Command Line: you can directly input commands or load and execute script files.
- Copy and Paste: You can copy SCR script files and paste them directly into the CAD program's workspace.
- Drag and Drop: you can simply drag the SCR file and drop it into your CAD program.
- Drag and drop: drag the DXF file from its location to the designated area of the webpage.
- Select file: Press the Select file button on the online DXF viewer page to open the desired file.
The DXF file download you get after completting your patterns parameter and after checking the pattern preview, can be opened or viewed in the following ways:
You can also view the DXF file in online DXF viewers, as follows:
Please also check the following video:
What are the contents of the DXF download?
- Layer 3D is for the 3D representations of the patterns
entities: 3D MESH; color blue - Layer 2D is for the 2D unfolded pattern contour, for sheet metal cutting
entities: 2D POLYLINE; color black - Layer 2Dref is the same, with auxiliary lines, to help bending or folding the sheet metal patterns into finished metal
entities: 2D MESH; color red - Layer txt is for the texts, as name of the pattern, pattern calculation date, user parameter input, user settings at that moment; and annotations of number of flat pieces and its thickness
entities: TEXT; color red - Finally, layer ref is for point references, that is, the centers of the 3D pieces ends and other usefull references
entities: POINT; color magenta
The DXF file download you get after completting your patterns parameter and after checking the pattern preview, have different elements, that are drawn in separate layers, as follows:
The intend is the user have black color entities set to cutting (in laser metal cutting machines), and red only for soft marking of texts and bend lines.
Please also check the following video:
How can I use the DXF download in sheet metal fabrication?
- Automated Cutting Equipment: Load the DXF file into your cutting equipment (laser, plasma, Oxy-Fuel, waterjet, punching) using the entities in black.
- Third Party Cutting Supplier: Send the DXF to a supplier, and instruct him to use the black-colored entities for cutting.
- Unfolded Pattern Plotting: Plot the unfolded patterns to scale (1 to 1) and mark your metal sheet. Cut using shears, electric shears, bench shears, or manual plasma cutting.
- Third Party Plotting Shop: Send the DXF file to a plotting shop, instructing him to use 1 to 1 scaling. Proceed as above.
- Manual marking: Mark the pattern linear dimensions on metal, and plot curved sections to scale. Cut using shears, manual plasma torch, or guillotine for straight lines.
- Cutting Cones, Cylinders, Profiles: Use on-screen information for cutting flat metal into shapes like cones, cylinders, and profiles.
The following are the various options you have to use the DXF files in sheet metal fabrication:
Bending and Rolling: After cutting, use bending, or rolling for shaping. For spheres you would use dishing.
Please also check the following video:
Can I test the program for free?
Yes, you can test our online platform for free.
Benefit from our affordable license and subscription packages tailored to your specific usage requirements.
Furthermore, we are pleased to inform you that our online sheet metal development platform is currently being offered free of charge for a limited time.