Sheet Metal Roundup:

Vendor Reference Guide

November 2005

Welcome to our first annual Sheet Metal Roundup! We're

proud to bring you articles contributed by industry movers and shakers,
along with our definitive Vendor Reference Guide which provides you
with a convenient compilation of data, specs, and contacts for
companies in the sheet metal design and production business.

Associated feature articles include an overview of this Roundup, a

unique method of contracting sheet metal parts online, and a case
study in which you will hopefully learn something about how sheet
metal is being handled by someone using your preferred brand of
CAD/CAM software.

2005 Sheet Metal Roundup: An Overview

In this overview of articles and our Vendor Reference Guide, you'll discover
recent trends from early adopters in this unique segment of the industry.

3D CAD Makes Sheet Metal Parts in Days a Reality

It's common in the plastics industry to manufacture strictly to 3D CAD
databases. This technology is now a growing segment of Sheet Metal
industry.

Arbortechs Airboard Delivers Wow Factor With Pro/ENGINEER

An innovative and futuristic product electrifies the Olympic audience at
Sydney's opening ceremony. See how Pro/E helped design a $15,000
Airboard.

Data provided on the following pages was compiled using submissions from participating companies. It is not exhaustive and does
not include all the products and services available from each company. We have, however, attempted to include the major software
solutions and services. ConnectPress, Ltd. cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. We suggest you contact the participating
companies for details, particularly to confirm technical specifications.

This is a portrait layout PDF document. You may print it in either color or black and white.
2005 ConnectPress, Ltd. All Rights Reserved
 Applied Production ESI Group Forming Technologies Inc.
Product Name ProFab Elite PAM-STAMP 2G Fastblank, Blanknest, Fastform
Adv., Fastform, Cost Optimizer,
COST Optimizer Adv., Catform,
Blank works, Fastblank Solid
Edge
Integrates w/CAD CAM Stand Alone includes direct Sheet Metal Forming Simulator SW & CATIA integrated, Solid
brand? Stand-alone? interface to SolidWorks, Solid Avail. stand-alone, CATIA CAA V5 Edge add on, Standalone
Edge, AutoCAD and KeyCreator embedded products

What Operating System Windows XP Windows, Linux, Unix PC, MS Windows 2000\XP

Minimum requirements Standard CAD computer 256Mb RAM 128MB RAM and 300MB free
disk space
2D 3D Drawing, both 2D in ProFab, rec. existing CAD Both 3D
system to draw parts.
Collision checking Checks No Punch Zone around N/A N/A
features clamps, repositions machine to
avoid them.
Sheet metal library Standard shapes, parts library, Yes Customizable database
shapes library
If so, what parts Standard punching shapes Material Database N/A
included
User-defined, Machine Setup info saved to file Yes Yes
customizable reporting and where allowed, incorporated
capabilities into the DNC file.
Available estimating No No N/A
program
Auto piece number, tag, N/A N/A N/A
customizable pick-off?
Drawings, nests N/A N/A N/A
download to plasma
cutters
Parts creation available Parts Creation is included N/A
CAD or cutting station N/A
Precise mapping, error- N/A N/A N/A
free download duct and
fittings
Other significant or Uses library of all tools to create Accurate formability predictions, N/A
unique features tool path for punched parts. Even automatic springback
special tool shapes display compensation
actual shape and will be
matched. Interactive nesting
allows create multiple part
layouts in seconds.
Main benefit Short learn curve. Reduces time Build right die the 1st time Predicts feasibility, determines
to create prog, optimizes CNC accurate blank shapes ,
machine cycle time. Changes to evaluates multiple nesting,
part design incorporated quickly. reduces cost
Who should use product Sheet metal shops utilize CNC Estimator, Product designer, Tool Estimators, Engineers, Account
punch and Laser equipment. designer managers, and Tool and Die
designers
Cost Varies--CNC machines N/A N/A
Web Address http://www.AppliedProduction.com http://www.esi-group.com http://www.forming.com
Contact Joe Bucalo Olivier Morisot Julia White
Email sales@AppliedProduction.com info@esi-group-na.com jwhite@forming.com
Telephone 513.831.8800 248.203.0642 905.827.2997

2 2005 Sheet Metal Reference Guide 2005 ConnectPress, Ltd. All Rights Reserved
 Logopress Die Design Merry Mechanization Nirvana Technologies
Software Private Ltd.
Product Name Logopress3 SMP/IS Plus 2D, 1D, Slitting
Integrates w/CAD 3D CAD Die Design Software for CAD/CAM Software Stand alone
brand? Stand-alone? Progressive, Fineblank, Transfer & DXF, IGS, MI, DWG, SAT
Draw Dies
What Operating Sys. SW certified Gold Product All Windows Platforms Windows 98 and above.
Minimum requirements standard SW config Any new computer will work P-3, 64 MB ram, Windows
fine. 98/NT/2000/Xp
2D 3D Drawing, both 3D incl. dedicated 2D features Both 2D
Collision checking Yes Yes, we call it Optimal Laser
features
Sheet metal library Yes Yes
If so, what parts Standard fasteners, springs, other Any part created becomes Set of parametric shapes avail.
included components common to dies library. GEMS: feature that will
stretch/shrink, edit parts with
very few clicks.
User-defined, Yes Yes, DBReporting. Reports in DXF, RTF formats that
customizable reporting are customizable.
capabilities
Available estimating Make quotes more quickly Yes, we give estimate of time N/A
program run on the machine.
Auto piece number, tag, Yes Yes, we call it Font Outline A labeling module is available.
customizable pick-off? Import
Drawings, nests N/A N/A N/A
download to plasma
cutters
Parts creation available N/A Yes No, but can import DXF part
CAD or cutting station drawing files for nesting.
Precise mapping, error- N/A N/A N/A
free download duct and
fittings
Other significant or Flattening module; Strip Layout Total Nesting Automation, Nesting, cutting optimizations
unique features module; Tool /Die module w/ Cross Posting solutions for Bar Nesting, Plate
dedicated library, customizable Nesting and Slitting form Coils.
automations Integrated Inventory module.
Advanced nesting tech generates
optimum cutting patterns.

Main benefit Speed tool & die design; user
friendly; Certified Gold Product
Who should use Need to make quote producing
product sheet metal parts and design
Progressive, Transfer & Draw
Dies, Fineblank,
Extremely powerful and still
user friendly
Any company that has a sheet
metal Punch, Laser, Plasma,
WaterJet, Right Angle Shear,
Combination machine.
Quick accurate estimate material
reqs. Cost effective tools.
Shearing, Guillotine, Sawing, Cut
to Length apps. HVAC, sheet
metal fabric., Prefab structures,
enclosures etc. Also applicable in
Glass, Composite panels, SIP and
Wood working industries.

Cost $2,000 to 8,000 Low Cost $400- $1000 dep. modules.

Web Address http://www.logopress3.com http://www.merrymech.com http://www.nirvanatec.com
Contact Ray Proeber Sales Shrikanth Swaminathan
Email ray.proeber@accuratediedesign.c sales@merrymech.com info@nirvanatec.com
om
Telephone 262.938.9316 800.375.1788 91.22.2551.8312

3 2005 Sheet Metal Reference Guide 2005 ConnectPress, Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Product Name
Integrates w/CAD brand?
Stand-alone?
What Operating Sys.
Minimum requirements
2D 3D Drawing, both
Collision checking features
Sheet metal library
If so, what parts included
User-defined, customizable
reporting capabilities
Available estimating
program
Auto piece number, tag,
customizable pick-off?
Drawings, nests download
to plasma cutters
Parts creation available
CAD or cutting station
Precise mapping, error-free
download duct and fittings
Other significant or unique
features
Main benefit
Who should use product
Cost
Web Address
Contact
Email
Telephone
4 2005 Sheet Metal Reference Guide
Rapid Sheet Metal Inc
Rapid Prototype Sheet Metal parts
Solidworks, ProE, AutoCad, SolidEdge,
Cadkey, any other system outputting
IGES, STEP
N/A
3D File
Both
N/A
Yes, Standard Tolerance document for
fabricating parts to dimensionless 3D
CAD data
Enclosures, Housings, Brackets, Panels
fabricated in aluminum, cold roll steel &
stainless steel
N/A
No, quotes in 24 hours
N/A
Created internally for our laser
N/A
HVAC type parts are not fabricated
First Rapid Prototype Sheet Metal job
shop in US. Quotes in 24 hours, parts
ship in 1 to 2 weeks, 48 hour expedite
available
Sheet Metal parts fabricated in under 2
weeks from strictly 3D CAD data
Companies and engineers who need
sheet metal parts fast
Dependent on part
http://www.rapidsheetmetal.com
Jay Jacobs
fastquote@rapidsheetmetal.com
603.821.5300
Revcad Software
Sheet Lightning v5
Specialized CAD. Stand alone,
seamless export to CAD CAM
systems supporting DXF files.
Windows 95, 98, ME, NT,
2000,XP 13MB Disk storage.
64MB RAM.
Both
Spec. intersections: resolves
collisions in specialized form
Comp. parametric design
library
Pipes, cones, ovals, square-to-
round adapters, rect. sections,
diverters, breeches, bends,
tees, junctions, oblique/skew
sections various specials.
Limited reporting.
No
No
N/A
Yes
N/A
Special capability for handling
tubular steel structure design
and creating wrap-around
templates for steel members.
specializes in developing
complex nodal intersections.
2D/3D CAD System creating
unfolding sheet metal designs
for fabrication or manufacture
Ducting, flue, chimney, chute,
hopper, feeder & related
manufacturers
Tubular steel structure
designers and fabricators.
Sheet metal fabricators
Handled via integration.
http://www.revcad.com
Revcad Software
info@revcad.com
44 (0)1.623.822620
2005 ConnectPress, Ltd. All Rights Reserved