Sheet metal drawings with flat patterns that fold true
We model sheet metal parts and fabrications, produce flat patterns using your fabricator's bend data, and supply DXF files and drawings.
In plain English.
Sheet metal goes wrong in the flat. If the bend allowance is off, the folded part ends up a millimetre or two out and holes stop lining up. Bend allowance depends on material, thickness, inside bend radius and the tooling on your fabricator's press brake, usually expressed as a K-factor or a bend deduction table. We use the values your fabricator works to, not a generic default.
We model parts as sheet metal in 3D, add bend and corner reliefs, then unfold them to produce flat patterns for laser, punch or plasma cutting. Drawings show the folded part with bend lines, directions and angles, plus weld symbols to BS EN ISO 2553 for fabricated assemblies. You get DXF files for cutting, STEP models and PDF drawings.
It suits you if.
- You make enclosures, brackets, guards or panels in steel or aluminium
- Your folded parts keep coming out slightly wrong
- A laser cutter needs DXF flat patterns from your drawings
- You need fabrication drawings with weld details for a welded frame
What we do.
Bend data from your fabricator
Flat patterns calculated with the K-factor or bend deductions your fabricator uses for each material and thickness.
Reliefs and minimum flanges
Bend reliefs, corner reliefs and flange lengths that suit the tooling, so parts fold without tearing.
Clean DXF flat patterns
Closed profiles at 1:1 with bend lines on their own layer, ready for laser, punch or plasma.
Fabrication drawings
Welded assembly drawings with weld symbols to BS EN ISO 2553, cut lists and parts lists.
Hardware callouts
PEM fasteners, rivnuts and tapped holes specified so they are fitted at the right stage.
How it runs.
- 01
Free call
Tell us about the parts, the material and who is fabricating them.
- 02
Bend data
We get the K-factor or bend tables, tool radii and minimum flange lengths from your fabricator.
- 03
Model and unfold
Parts are modelled, unfolded and checked for clashes and a workable fold sequence.
- 04
Issue to the shop
DXF files, drawings and STEP models are issued for cutting, folding and welding.
Questions people ask.
Why do my folded parts come out the wrong size?
Usually because the flat pattern was calculated with a different bend allowance from the one the press brake actually produces. Material, thickness, bend radius and V-die width all change it. Using your fabricator's own bend data fixes most of these errors.
Do you need anything from my fabricator?
Ideally their bend deduction table or K-factor for each material and thickness, their standard inside radii and their preferred DXF layer setup. If they do not have these written down, we use standard values and suggest folding a test piece first.
Can you make the parts?
No. Cutting, folding and welding are done by your fabricator or one we arrange, and their prices are separate, paid to them directly or passed through at cost. Our part is the drawings and cutting files they work from.
How much does it cost?
Priced per part or per assembly, depending on complexity. A single folded bracket is a small job, while a welded frame with many parts is larger. We confirm a fixed price after seeing your sketches or existing drawings.
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what’s next.
15 minutes with Garreth.
A real conversation about your business.