Build the Part in 3D
Create solid geometry and use specialized sheet metal tools to develop flanges, bends, gussets, ribs and other features where supported.
Sheet Metal Design
Solutions · Sheet Metal Design
Design Sheet Metal Parts with Greater Precision
From formed brackets and enclosures to panels, ducts and fabrication components, sheet metal design requires careful control over geometry, bends and flat patterns. xCAD provides a set of 3D modeling and drafting tools to help develop parts, refine their geometry and prepare technical drawings.
Explore Sheet Metal Tools
The Design Process
Move from 3D Geometry to Fabrication Drawings
Develop a digital model, refine the features that define the finished part, and create drawings that communicate dimensions and design intent to the next stage of production.
Refine Bends and Flat Patterns
Use sheet metal unbending capabilities to develop flat representations of formed parts and adjust supported unfolding parameters.
Prepare Technical Documentation
Add dimensions, drawing details and object references, then exchange supported CAD files with manufacturing and engineering workflows.
From Concept to Shop
A Connected Workflow for Sheet Metal Parts
Keep the model, its defining features and the related drawing information organized throughout the design process. A structured workflow makes it easier to review geometry, communicate dimensions and exchange files with other systems.
1
Define the Part
Establish the main shape and use available solid modeling tools to build the component.
2
Apply Sheet Metal Features
Develop supported flanges and bends, then use unbending tools to create a flat representation.
3
Check and Document
Refine geometry and prepare dimensioned drawings for design review and manufacturing communication.
4
Exchange Design Data
Use supported DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES and other available formats according to your edition.
Capabilities
Tools for Sheet Metal and Mechanical Design
Explore specialized sheet metal functions alongside solid modeling, drawing and file exchange tools. Availability labels below follow the edition comparison supplied for this page.
01. Sheet Metal Features
Develop formed components and work with the geometry needed for unfolding and fabrication planning.
- Sheet metal design for flanges, bends and unbending Pro
- Sheet metal tools for bends, flanges, gussets and ribs Pro
- Advanced unbending with K-factor control, bend-edge merging and cylindrical-face selection Pro
- Custom hole tools with configurable parameters Pro
- Slots and grooves for mechanical designs Standard+
- Shell and face-offset tools Pro
02. Solid and Surface Modeling
Build and refine 3D geometry using advanced modeling and face-manipulation functions.
- ACIS modeling kernel Pro
- Solid modeling, stretch/extract entity, push/pull and twisted extrude Pro
- Part Tree and model history Pro
- Associative intersections, sections and surface-on-face offset options Pro
- Imprint tools and block insertion as a 2D contour ro
- Face manipulation: tweak face, revolve face and twist entity Pro
- Law-based curves, surfaces, offsets and entity warping Pro
- Custom hole tools and additional precision controls Pro
03. Drawings and Dimensions
Communicate part geometry through dimensions, section views and drawing-object management.
- Associative intersections and sections that respond to model changes Pro
- Smart and associative dimensioning All editions
- Gear tools, surface-tolerance controls and text along curves Pro
- Drafting Palette object management for related 3D and drawing objects Pro
- Automatic sequential numbering of objects All editions
04. File Exchange and Manufacturing Handoff
Transfer geometry between compatible CAD applications and prepare supported files for downstream workflows.
- AutoCAD DWG/DXF file compatibility Standard+
- STEP import using ODA-based translation Pro
- High-precision ACIS STEP import Pro
- ODA-based IGES import Pro
- High-precision ACIS-powered IGES translation Pro
- Spatial ACIS 3D modeling kernel support Pro
- Batch conversion for supported formats, including DWG, DXF, TCW, PDF, STL, STEP, IGES, OBJ and SolidWorks Pro
- Adobe 3D PDF export Pro
Edition guide: “Deluxe+” means Deluxe and higher editions; “Pro+” means Pro and higher editions. Platinum is required for the listed specialized sheet metal tools and advanced solid modeling capabilities. Confirm exact availability and translator behavior against the current product comparison. Unfolding results and flat patterns should be validated against the material, tooling, bend allowances and manufacturing requirements of the intended production process.
Applications
Design for a Variety of Metalworking Projects
Apply 3D CAD modeling and technical drafting to components used in industrial equipment, building systems and fabricated products.
Mechanical Components
Fabricated Metal Parts
Industrial Enclosures
Building and HVAC Components
Engineering Prototypes
Manufacturing Equipment
Build with Precision
Explore Advanced Sheet Metal Design Tools
Develop 3D parts, work with specialized sheet metal features, create technical drawings and exchange supported CAD files. Explore the edition that best matches your mechanical design and manufacturing workflow.
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