Design2Fab 6

Design2Fab® from Hypertherm is a specialised sheet metal layout software developed for HVAC duct design and fabrication. It streamlines the entire process from design to production by combining parametric input, automatic development and manufacturing-ready outputs in a single intuitive platform.

Overview

Design2Fab is engineered as a purpose-built CAD/CAM solution for HVAC professionals, enabling fast and accurate creation of ductwork components without the need for complex CAD expertise.

Unlike general design software, it focuses specifically on sheet metal layout and pattern development, allowing users to input dimensions and instantly generate flat patterns ready for cutting.

The software supports a wide range of standard HVAC fittings and components, automating calculations and geometry creation. This significantly reduces design time while ensuring precision and consistency across production.

Designed for both workshop and office use, Design2Fab bridges the gap between design and manufacturing, making it an essential tool for duct fabrication workflows.

Key points

• Dedicated software for HVAC duct design and layout
• Parametric input for fast component creation
• Automatic flat pattern development
• Large library of standard duct shapes
• Manufacturing-ready output for cutting systems
• Reduces design time and manual calculations
• Easy-to-use interface with minimal training required
• Improves accuracy and consistency
• Suitable for workshop and office environments

Technical advantages

Parametric design approach

Design2Fab uses a dimension-driven workflow, allowing users to input key parameters such as size, angles and offsets.

The software automatically generates:

• 3D representations
• Flat patterns
• Cutting layouts

This eliminates manual drafting and reduces the risk of calculation errors.

Automatic pattern development

One of the core strengths of Design2Fab is its ability to automatically unfold complex shapes into accurate flat patterns.

This ensures:

• Precise material cutting
• Reduced waste
• Faster production preparation

Extensive HVAC component library

The software includes a wide range of predefined duct components, such as:

• elbows
• transitions
• offsets
• tees and branches

Users can quickly select and customise components, significantly accelerating the design process.

Seamless production integration

Design2Fab generates manufacturing-ready outputs, allowing direct use with cutting systems such as:

• plasma cutting machines
• laser cutting systems

This reduces the need for additional software and simplifies workflow integration.

Improved accuracy and consistency

By automating calculations and geometry generation, the software ensures:

• consistent part dimensions
• reduced human error
• repeatable production quality

This is critical for maintaining standards in HVAC fabrication.

User-friendly interface

The software is designed for ease of use, enabling operators with limited CAD experience to quickly create complex layouts.

This results in:

• reduced training time
• faster adoption
• improved productivity

Applications

Design2Fab is ideal for:

• HVAC duct manufacturing
• Sheet metal fabrication workshops
• Mechanical contractors
• Industrial ventilation systems
• Custom ductwork production
• Fabrication shops using CNC cutting systems

It is particularly valuable in environments where speed, accuracy and repeatability are essential.

Why choose Design2Fab

Design2Fab offers a focused and efficient solution for HVAC sheet metal design, eliminating the complexity of general-purpose CAD software. Its parametric workflow, automatic pattern generation and production-ready outputs enable faster design cycles and improved manufacturing accuracy.

It is an ideal choice for businesses that:

• Specialise in ductwork fabrication
• Require fast and accurate layout generation
• Want to reduce manual calculations and errors
• Need seamless integration with cutting systems

Within the ANATECO portfolio, it represents a specialised software solution for efficient HVAC sheet metal production.