Introduction:

SheepMetal is a highly specialized Grasshopper plugin for designing and preparing sheet metal parts. It converts complex BREPs into valid sheet geometry, detects features like reliefs and hems, and unrolls parts with precise control over bend parameters such as K-factor. Built for performance and production-readiness, SheepMetal includes tools for classification, production, validation, and visualization to streamline sheet metal workflows directly in Grasshopper.

1. Who is the plugin developer?

Felix Brunold developed this plugin. He is based in Zürich, Switzerland, and studied industrial design before focusing on process optimization and data-driven design. Fascinated by the intersection of design and logic, he co-founded VektorNode to offer computational design services for the AEC industry.

Through projects involving metal facades and sheet metal workflows, he encountered Grasshopper's limitations but also saw its potential. This experience led to the creation of SheepMetal.

2. Who is this plugin for?

SheepMetal is built for professionals working with sheet metal in creative and technical fields, such as metal fabricators, engineers, industrial designers, and façade manufacturers. Whether developing highly parametrized products, optimizing fabrication workflows, or exploring complex geometries, SheepMetal offers tools to help streamline and enhance your process.

3. What does SheepMetal do?

SheepMetal is a Grasshopper plugin designed to make working with sheet metal more accessible, efficient, and production-ready. It enables users to create accurate 3D models and flat patterns for fabrication, streamlining the design of parametric sheet metal parts that would otherwise require significant time and specialized expertise.

SheepMetal focuses on simplifying everyday sheet metal tasks, making routine work faster, more consistent, and easier to automate. Its applications span industries such as server rack construction, metal façades, shipbuilding, and more.

The plugin supports the creation of valid sheet metal parts from non-manifold Breps, performs detailed sheet analysis, and easily generates flat patterns and production-ready output files.

4. How does it work on ShapeDiver?

SheepMetal works with all our paid plans but requires a €199/year add-on. The developer also agreed to offer a 3-month trial license for €25 if users enroll in our Developer Program.

Are you interested in testing SheepMetal on your ShapeDiver account? Use the contact request form on our website to tell us about your project!