In-house engineering office for metal manufacturing
Before any machine starts up, your file comes through here. The drawing is checked, the flat patterns are calculated, sheet utilisation is optimised and we decide which processes the part goes through and in what order. This is the stage that determines whether the part will meet the drawing, and at what cost.
Your native files, with nothing redrawn
We work day to day with SolidWorks and AutoCAD, among other CAD and CAM tools. If you draw in AutoCAD, send us the DWG or the DXF. If you model in SolidWorks, the STEP is enough. Either way we start from your geometry, not from our interpretation of it.
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
- Other CAD/CAM tools
Drawing review before manufacturing
We check that what is in the file can be made as it stands: dimensions, tolerances, radii, fastening points and material. If we find something inconsistent, we ask you rather than assume. And if we see an alternative that makes the part cheaper or better, we propose it before we start.
Flat pattern development
We calculate how much sheet each bend consumes for the given material and radius, and cut the flat part to that size. Get this wrong and the folded part will not meet the drawing however accurate the press brake is. Send us the part in 3D, the drawing with final dimensions, or the flat pattern if you already have it.
Nesting and sheet utilisation
We lay the parts out on the sheet to get the most out of it. Less offcut means less material invoiced, which is why we advise you on getting the lowest possible price per part before anything is cut, not after.
CAM programming and process sequence
We prepare each machine program from CAD/CAM and set the sequence: what gets cut, what gets punched, when a fastener goes in, and whether tapping happens before or after finishing. Nothing is improvised at the machine.
What you can send us and what you get back
What you send us
- DXF
- DWG
- STEP / STP
- STL
- IGS / IGES
- PNG
- JPG
If you do not have a final drawing yet, a dimensioned sketch with material, thickness and quantity is enough for us to start reviewing it.
What you get back
- A technical assessment in under 48 hours.
- The manufacturing approach: which processes the part will go through.
- Any alternatives we have spotted to make it cheaper or better.
- Confirmation of feasibility if you ask for a material or thickness outside the table.
Confidential handling: your drawings are only used to prepare the assessment and are not shared with third parties. If you need a signed non-disclosure agreement, send it over.
Frequently asked questions about the engineering office
I do not have a final drawing yet. Can you still quote?
Yes. Send us a dimensioned sketch with the material, thickness and quantity and the engineering office will review it anyway. If anything is missing to close the assessment, we will tell you exactly what.
Do I have to send the part already flattened?
No. The part in 3D or the drawing with final dimensions is enough: we calculate the development ourselves. If you already have the flat pattern, we can use that too.
Can you suggest changes to make the part cheaper?
Yes, it is part of the job. Before starting we propose what we have spotted: combining operations, adjusting a radius, reviewing the material or changing the layout on the sheet.
Which CAD software do you work with?
Mainly SolidWorks and AutoCAD, among other CAD and CAM tools. That is why we accept the industry standard and native formats: DWG and DXF from AutoCAD, STEP from SolidWorks and the other usual formats.
What happens to my drawings?
They are used solely to prepare the technical assessment and are not shared with third parties. If you need a signed non-disclosure agreement, send it over.
Ready to manufacture your next project?
Send us the drawing and the part details and we will come back with a technical answer in under 48 hours.
Technical answer in 48 h