From 2D to 3D to FEM and Fabrication. SMDE is a specialist consultancy that connects CAD, structural analysis and fabrication knowledge.
Sheet-metal parts are often designed by one team, checked by another and made by a third. Each hand-over loses information, and the result is parts that are heavier than they need to be, hard to fold or impossible to install as drawn.
SMDE was set up to close those gaps. We take a component from a 2D drawing or concept through 3D modelling, structural calculation and FEM analysis to fabrication drawings and nesting, keeping the engineering intent intact at every step.
We work with manufacturers, fabricators, contractors and engineering companies across the UK and internationally, either on a single part or as an extension of your own design office.
Every recommendation is backed by calculation, analysis or manufacturing evidence, and documented so you can check it.
We design with real tooling, bend radii, sheet sizes and assembly steps in mind, because a drawing is only useful if it can be made.
Plain-English reports, marked-up drawings and direct access to the engineer doing the work.
Optimising thickness, geometry and nesting is good engineering, good business and better for the environment.
A simple, transparent process so you always know what is being done, what it costs and when it will arrive.
We review your drawings, models and requirements and flag anything missing or unbuildable.
You receive a clear scope, deliverables list and quotation before any work starts.
We model, calculate, analyse and optimise, sharing progress at agreed checkpoints.
Models, drawings, flat patterns, reports and files in the formats your team and suppliers use.
Every sector has its own loads, tolerances and cost drivers. We bring the same method to each: understand how the part is made and used, verify it, then optimise it.
Product manufacturers who need sheet-metal parts, enclosures and assemblies that are right first time and cost less to produce at volume.
Cladding, facade, balustrade and feature metalwork where appearance, tolerance and structural performance all have to line up.
Main and specialist contractors who need brackets, supports and fabricated steelwork designed, checked and documented for site.
Machine builders and equipment suppliers with guards, frames, housings and panels that must be stiff, safe and easy to assemble.
Manufacturers of profiles, channels, trays and systems who need verified performance data and efficient, repeatable designs.
Sheet-metal fabricators who want engineering support on demand: modelling, calculations and drawings without growing a design office.
Anything else you would like to know? Ask us directly.
Whatever you have: drawings (PDF, DWG, DXF), 3D models (STEP, IGES), sketches or photos, plus the material, quantities and any loads or deadlines you know. We review it and come back with questions or a clear scope and quotation before any work starts.
Native CAD or neutral STEP models, DXF flat patterns for cutting, PDF fabrication and shop drawings with bend tables, and calculation or FEM reports, in the formats your team and suppliers use.
No. SMDE is an engineering consultancy. We produce the design, verification and manufacturing documentation, and work alongside your own fabrication team or supplier.
Yes. We work with clients in the UK and internationally. Projects are run remotely with drawings, models and reports exchanged electronically, and online reviews at agreed checkpoints.
Yes. Client drawings and models are used only for your project, and we are happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement before you share them.
Yes. We regularly review existing parts and assemblies for strength, manufacturability and material use, and recommend changes where they make a difference.
Send us what you have. We will review it, ask the right questions and come back with a clear scope and quotation.
