Sheet Metal tools in the application offer a comprehensive set of features for designing and editing sheet metal parts with precision and control. These tools allow users to create intricate geometries, such as tabs, bends, flanges, and hems, while preserving material integrity and adhering to key sheet metal design parameters like bend radius and k-factor. Whether designing structural components, mechanical enclosures, or decorative parts, the Sheet Metal tools simplify the entire workflow from initial design to flat pattern generation. The Sheet Metal toolset is located in the Tools menu. There are six primary Sheet Metal tools available: Tab, Bend, Contour Flange, Flange, Single Hem and Unbend.

Sheet Metal Part Example

The Tab feature creates a flat, protruding extension from a sheet metal part with precision and control. A tab is typically a planar section that remains in the same plane as the base sheet or flange it extends from. It can take various shapes: rectangular, trapezoidal, or custom profiles depending on the design requirements. Tabs often serve as the foundation for additional sheet metal features, providing a starting point for operations such as bends, flanges, or cuts. This tool is essential for building the initial geometry of a sheet metal component.

Open the Sheet Metal Tools palette from the Tools menu and select the Tab tool.

Tab tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Specify the sheet metal thickness according to the design requirements.

Specified the Thickness

Now select a closed profile to define the tab’s geometry. The tool automatically generates flat sheet metal section based on the defined parameters.

Flat sheet metal Tab generated based on defined parameters

Bend

The Bend feature is used to deform a flat sheet metal part into a curved or angled shape while maintaining material integrity. It is an essential tool for creating functional components such as brackets, enclosures, and ducts. By controlling parameters like bend angle, radius, and direction, it ensures accuracy and consistency in the design process.

Open the Sheet Metal Tools palette from the Tools menu and select the Bend tool.

Bend tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Specify the Bend Radius and enter the desired Bend Angle.

Specified the Bend Radius and Bend Angle

Select the entity and define the bend axis by selecting two points on the face to bend.

(Optional) Press the Option key to flip the bend direction.

Sheet metal part after applying the Bend tool

Contour Flange

The Contour Flange feature allows the creation of a sheet metal flange by extruding a sketch profile along a defined path. The profile can include various geometric entities such as lines, arcs, splines, or elliptical arcs. Sharp corners within the profile automatically generate bends that follow the specified bend radius, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate sheet metal behavior.

Open the Sheet Metal Tools palette from the Tools menu and select the Contour Flange tool.

Contour Flange tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Draw a profile for the Contour Flange tool.

2D profile sketch created for the Contour Flange tool

Specify the Distance, Thickness, and Bend Radius in the fields displayed in the Prompt window.

Parameters specified for Contour Flange creation

Select the drawn entity, then choose two points to define the extrusion direction for the Contour Flange.

Resulting Contour Flange after applying the tool

Flange

The Flange feature adds a straight, planar extension or lip to the edge of a sheet metal part. Flanges are commonly used to strengthen components, create mounting edges, or connect adjoining parts. The tool provides precise control over key parameters such as flange length, bend angle, and bend radius, allowing for accurate and consistent results in design and manufacturing.

There are two types of flanges available:

• Full Flange: Extends along the entire length of the selected edge.
• Partial Flange: Applies only to a defined portion of the edge, offering greater design flexibility.

Open the Sheet Metal tools from the Tools menu and select the Flange Tool.

Flange tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Select the Full Edge option from the dropdown located in the Prompt window, and specify the Flange Length, Bend Radius, and Angle in the fields displayed in the Prompt window.

Parameters specified for Flange creation

Flange (Full Edge) after applying the tool

Now select the Partial Edge option from the dropdown located in the Prompt window, and specify the Flange Length, Bend Radius, and Angle in the fields displayed in the Prompt window.

Parameters specified for Flange creation

Flange (Partial Edge) after applying the tool

Single Hem

The Single Hem feature allows the edge of a sheet metal part to be folded back onto itself, forming a rounded or flattened lip. This operation enhances part strength, improves safety by eliminating sharp edges, and contributes to a cleaner appearance. Various hem types, such as teardrop, open, or closed can be applied depending on the design and functional requirements.

Open the Sheet Metal Tools palette from the Tools menu and select the Single Hem tool.

Single Hem tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Select the Straight option from the dropdown in the Prompt window, and enter the desired Length and Gap values in the corresponding fields.

Parameters specified for Single Hem (Straight) creation

Single Hem (Straight) after applying the tool

Now select the Rolled option from the dropdown in the Prompt window, and enter the desired Radius, Angle and Thickness values in the corresponding fields.

Parameters specified for Single Hem (Rolled) creation

Single Hem (Rolled) after applying the tool

Unbend

The Unbend tool is used to return a bent or curved section of a sheet metal part to a flat, planar state without changing its design. It reverses the deformation by selectively flattening bends or regions while maintaining material properties and adhering to established sheet metal parameters such as bend allowance.

The K-factor is a value that represents the position of the neutral axis, the line within the sheet metal that remains unstretched and uncompressed during bending, relative to the material thickness. It is a dimensionless number, typically ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 for most materials and bend conditions, though it can vary between 0 and 1 depending on factors like material type, thickness, and bend radius. The K-factor is essential for calculating the bend allowance, which helps determine the accurate flat pattern length before bending. In practice, it ensures precise fabrication by accounting for how the material behaves during the bending process.

Open the Sheet Metal Tools palette from the Tools menu and select the Unbend tool.

Unbend tool in Sheet Metal Palette

Set the K-Factor value for accurate unbending, and select the solid part to flatten.

Unbend after applying the tool

The Sheet Metal tools in the application simplify the entire sheet metal design process from creating tabs and bends to applying hems and unbends. With precise control over parameters like bend radius and K-factor, these tools ensure accuracy and efficiency. They provide a seamless workflow for producing high-quality, ready-to-manufacture designs.

The redesigned Custom Tool Palette makes organizing your favorite tools faster and easier. With support for larger m × n icon arrays, you can create flexible layouts like 3 × 20 or 10 × 10 to match your workflow. The new, intuitive interface adapts to your working style helping you find tools quickly and keep your workspace efficient.

Redesigned Custom Tool Palettes

Go to the Tools menu, select Custom Tools and then choose the New Palette option.

Custom Tools Window

Set the desired Name, Columns, Rows and Icon Size for the palette. It will create a new palette based on the values you enter.

Newly created empty Custom Tool Palette

Drag and drop the desired tools from the existing palettes into the newly created palette. Use Right-click to drag and drop the tools into the newly created palette.

Newly created Custom Tool Palette with new tools

Right click on the title bar of the palette to open a pop-up window that includes the Edit Custom Tool option.

Edit Custom Tool option

Clicking the Edit Custom Tool option opens the Custom Tool window, where you can edit the palette.

Custom Tools window

After setting the Rows value to 7, the palette adds two more rows.

Edited Custom Tool Palette

The redesigned Custom Tool Palette gives you more control over how you organize and access your favorite tools. With flexible layouts, easy customization, and an improved editing interface, it adapts to your workflow, helping you design faster and stay focused on creativity instead of searching for tools.

The Arc Slot Polygon Tool allows you to create precise arc-shaped slots for adjustable mounting brackets, curved hinge mechanisms, ventilation louvers, and decorative grill patterns. This feature makes it easy to design both functional and decorative elements that require smooth, curved slots.

Arc Slot Polygon Tool workspace

The tool is located in the Polygon Tool Palette, as the last tool icon on the right. With just a click, you can begin creating arc slots directly in the design workspace.

Polygon Tool Palette location

To create an arc slot, simply set a start point, an end point, a point on the middle of the arc, and then define the width of the arc. The slot is drawn automatically, giving you a clean and accurate curved shape.

Creating an Arc Slot

Once created, the slot can be further adjusted. By using the Edit tool, you can see and move the points that define the slot into new positions. This makes it easy to refine your design without starting over.

Editing the Arc Slot Polygon

You can also adjust the slot numerically using the Data Entry window. Here, the width and arc angle can be modified precisely. For example, you might change the arc angle to 150 degrees, instantly changing the shape of your slot.

Adjusting parameters using Data Entry window

Whether you're designing for mechanical precision or visual impact, the Arc Slot Polygon Tool gives you the control and flexibility to bring your ideas to life. With intuitive controls and powerful editing options, it's a must-have for any designer working with curved slot features.

The Multilingual feature lets you choose your preferred interface language — English, French, or German — for a smoother and more intuitive design experience. It removes language barriers, ensuring you can focus on creativity and precision. By supporting multiple languages, the application empowers designers, engineers, and architects across Europe to work comfortably and productively in their own language.

Go to the Preferences window and click on Localization. By default, it is set to the System Language.

Language dropdown in the Preferences window

Select the French language to display the French interface.

Selection of French language

Restart the application, and the interface will switch to French.

French Interface

Now select the German language to display the German interface.

Selection of German language

Restart the application, and the interface will switch to German.

German Interface

Language should never limit innovation. With the Multilingual functionality, this application bridges communication gaps and brings designers together through a shared design experience. Whether you prefer English, French, or German, you can work confidently, collaborate effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters — creating with precision and creativity.

This feature streamlines the process of exporting individual components from complex assemblies, allowing users to save time and enhance overall workflow efficiency.
The Batch Tool includes an option to export each part in a model as a separate file. With a single command, users can automatically generate individual files for every part within an assembly or project, eliminating the need for repetitive manual export steps.

Go to the File menu and click on Batch. It will open the Batch Files window.

Batch Files window

Select the desired import file format to open, then choose the appropriate export options for the output format. Ensure that the One File Per Part option is enabled to export each part as an individual file. In the screenshot Native Format is selected for Import and DXF/DWG/PDF formats are selected for Export options.

Selection of Import/Export and Misc Options

A folder will open displaying the location of the desired import file. Select the file to proceed.

Import file selection window

The application will now process the selected file and export it into the chosen format, creating one file per part.

Process of exporting files

The files are exported to the selected location.

Exported files appear in the selected location

The Export One File Per Part provides a faster, more efficient way to manage and share parts from complex assemblies. By automating the export process, it reduces manual effort and streamlines workflows, helping users focus more on design and less on file management.

If you're looking to add more realism to your designs, the new Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texture packs are a great place to start. These downloadable packs include over 2,000 high-quality materials—wood, metal, glass, stone, fabric, and more—designed to simulate how real surfaces interact with light.

All software variants support downloading and using these textures. You can apply them to your projects regardless of which edition you're using. However, only LuxCore^® fully supports the advanced rendering features that make PBR textures look their best.

What is LuxCore^®?

LuxCore^® is a rendering engine that uses Physically Based Rendering (PBR) technology to simulate how light interacts with real-world materials. This means surfaces like metal, glass, wood, and fabric can look more natural and detailed in your designs. If you're working with PBR texture packs, LuxCore^® helps unlock their full potential—showing realistic reflections, surface depth, and transparency effects.

Note: LuxCore^® is included by default in Punch!^® 25 Home & Landscape Design Architectural Series, Punch!^® 25 Home & Landscape Design Professional, and ARCHITECT 3D^® 25 Ultimate. It is available as an optional plug-in for FloorPlan^® Pro. Other editions do not include LuxCore^® by default.

What Makes PBR Textures Different?

PBR (Physically Based Rendering) textures are designed to simulate how real-world materials interact with light, using multiple layered maps to create more natural and detailed surfaces. Each texture includes high-resolution (2K) maps for color, reflectivity, roughness, surface depth, and transparency—such as Diffuse/Color, Specular/Metalness, Roughness, Normal, Bump, and Alpha maps. These textures can be used in any version of the software, even with standard rendering, and will display correctly in your designs. However, only LuxCore^® rendering fully supports the advanced PBR effects—such as realistic reflections, fine surface detail, and dynamic transparency—bringing out the full visual impact of these materials. If your edition includes LuxCore^®, you’ll see the textures perform at their highest potential.

How to Download and Install PBR Packs

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Click here to access the download page.

2. Fill out the form with your name, email, order number, phone number, and select the material packs you want.

   

   Free Home Design – PBR Material Packs Form

3. Submit the form and check your email for the download link.
4. Download the .exe installer file.
5. Open File Explorer and locate the file (usually in your Downloads folder).

6. Double-click the file to start installation.

   

7. Wait for the installation to complete, then click Finish.

   

How to Access PBR Packs in the Application

1. After installing the PBR pack, launch the application.

2. Open a sample project or create a new one.

   

3. Switch to 3D View.

   

4. Click on the highlighted icon to open the materials library.

   

5. Select Materials from the list. If a Material is already selected, you can proceed.

   

6. Once a Material is chosen, Backgrounds and Sky will appear below.

   

7. Click on Backgrounds and Sky to expand the section. A new panel will open on the left side of the screen.

   

8. Click the Display downloaded library items.

   

9. You’ll now see a list of all installed PBR Packs—ready to use in your design.

   

   Installed PBR Packs List

These texture packs are a great way to add realism and variety to your designs. Whether you're working on interiors, landscapes, or commercial spaces, they offer more control and flexibility—especially when paired with LuxCore^® rendering.

3D CUSTOM WORKSHOP PRO:

This new FloorPlan® PowerTool adds over 90 professional CAD tools to FloorPlan® Home & Landscape Design. Its diverse feature set, consisting of 2D drafting, 3D modeling, editing, and data sharing tools allows the user to create virtually any object to complement their home design project. Objects created can be saved to your library and used with any of your home and landscape designs. Custom Workshop Pro can bring in popular CAD file formats such as SketchUp®, 3D Studio®, 3MF, STL, DAE, PLY, as well as Adobe® Illustrator®, PDF, SVG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, and JPG. Some of the features included in Custom Workshop Pro:

Some of the features included in Custom Workshop Pro:

2D Drafting Features:

·        Line Tools (8 methods)

·        Arc Tools (5 methods)

·        Circle Tools (7 methods)

·        Ellipse Tools (5 methods)

·        Polygon Tools (7 methods)

·        Bezier Spline Tool Fillet/Chamfer (5 methods)

·        Spline Fill

3D Modeling Features:

·        Primitives (6 types)

·        Extrude, Lathe, Skin, Cover

·        Booleans (Add, Subtract, Intersect)

·        Subdivision (Add Loop, Fill, Bridge, Inset)

·        Split & Slice

Modification and Editing:

·        Align, Group, Ungroup, Copy, Paste

·        Transformations (Translate, rotate, scale, mirror, along the path)

·        Arrays (Polar and Rectangular)

·        Magnet Tool

Data Sharing:

DWG/DXF, SketchUp®, 3D Studio®, 3MF, STL, DAE, Ply Adobe® Illustrator®, PDF, SVG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG