Create curved sheets directly in 3D and unfold them with one click in IRONCAD Sheet Metal 3D

With IRONCAD you get access to customized, fast and efficient Sheet Metal functions to create curved sheets in several different ways. One way is to use Drag and Drop 3D objects from the catalog alongside the screen with 3D shapes. These act like Legos and create your model with the special properties and functions needed to unfold them in one click, taking into account the material and K-factor. The tools are comprehensive for different needs in Sheet Metal and are as simple as drag-and-drop, push and pull.

Sketch Bend, draw 2D lines for bending

IRONCAD has many different methods and tools for SheetMetal and sheet bending. As a user, you can choose between different methods to create bends. You can work with 2D- planes and extrude sheet metal in 3D from a 2D cross-section if you wish. And you can even draw lines on a sheet to show where you want the bend. Of course, you can choose the angle, bending radius, etc. per line. The lines can be adjusted by dragging handles in the 3D environment!

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Lofted sheet metal by press bend

IRONCAD offers a comprehensive package of Sheet Metal capabilities. You can create anything from simple sheet metal bending to more advanced, such as lofted sheet metal (e.g. "round to square") by press bending. You can set how many bends you want to use to achieve the desired shape. How many degrees each individual bend should be bent is automatically shown on the 2D drawing. Of course, with a few quick clicks, you can export an extended plate to 2D DXF format for use in the laser cutting machine.

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Unfold imported 3D parts

IRONCAD SheetMetal functions allow you to easily manage 3D models even from other CAD systems. For example, import a part in STEP format, modify it directly if necessary, see the example of changing the hole diameter without having history. Or convert it to a SheetMetal part in IRONCAD and get access to more special tools and build on it, then unfold it.

Drag and Drop smart 3D shapes

IRONCAD The SheetMetal catalogue is always easily accessible on the side of the screen. You can instantly drag and drop different shapes on your 3D model. Many of the shapes are adapted for deformation via punching tools or cutting/laser cutting. You can customize dimensions freely or choose from the desired size in table.

Design directly in the assembly

Parts designed in 3D CAD are often parts of an assembly. Therefore, it goes without saying that you should be able to create SheetMetal parts directly in the assembly and be able to snap handles to surrounding parts that may be in other assemblies. After all, that's the reality. It gets the measurements right the first time and saves you lots of time.

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Create corrugated cardboard packaging with Sheet Metal

Based on the Sheet Metal functions in IRONCAD you can also design corrugated cardboard packaging. Import the items to be shipped in 3D. Drag-and-drop different types of boxes and fittings from the side of the screen into the 3D environment. Drag handles directly on the 3D model to adjust the dimensions of the box and fittings. Create cut-outs to hold goods in place automatically. Unfold the interior and box with one click. The unfolded version shows where to cut and fold the corrugated cardboard. Quickly and easily export to 2D DWG/DXF format for use in production.

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Länna Svets & Mekaniska Verkstad AB

With over 50 years of experience in sheet metal working, welding in aluminium, laser cutting and punching in sheet metal, Länna Svets has been operating in Merlänna outside Strängnäs. Länna Welding & Mechanical and uses IRONCAD for product development and sheet metal bending. IRONCAD can handle imported assemblies in the same file and modify sheets and other shapes directly. Among other things, when it comes to importing and exporting different CAD formats, IRONCAD is really good, but also for creating new ones. It is easy to add your own plates to build up your own material library of plates. Länna Welds processes the material with advanced progressive plate bending tools. The picture shows a dehumidifier designed by Länna Svets for AirWaterGreen.

"We use IRONCAD for all manufacturing in our workshop. We design, produce manufacturing files and files for calculating details. We also receive files from customers that IRONCAD handles in a really good way even if they are drawn in another program. We have been using IRONCAD for about 20 years now, it is a great software. If there is something we are wondering about, we always have Solimakarnas support to contact. There you always get a quick response and always good help." Says Kennet Rodin who is responsible for production at Länna Svets.

Read more about how Länna Svets uses IRONCAD