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Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6

Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6

Effortlessly transform complex, multi-axis curved mesh surface geometries into production-ready, planar part segments. The Cutting Pattern add-on allows you to define cutting lines, including parallel and rotated options, with the new “Multiple Cutting Line” feature.

With precise control over compensation and seamless transitions between sections, this tool ensures high-quality results. Optimize your design process with an energy-based flattening method that minimizes folds during assembly.

Download Icon Download Free Trial
Membrane structure highlighted in the RFEM 6 Cutting Patterns add-on interface.
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Overview
Icon representing RFEM 6, a finite element analysis software application.

Cuts Add-on

The “Cutting Patterns” add-on was developed to divide multi-axially curved mesh surfaces into flat part segments suitable for production. This program is typically used to process data from a form-finding analysis performed by the Form-Finding add-on.

  • In the cutting pattern process, the program takes into account the geometry of the net surface and the specified boundary conditions to generate the cutting lines.
  • This process generates part segments that can be flattened taking into account the applied compensation strain loads and surface stiffnesses.
  • The resulting cutting patterns, with the applied compensations and allowances, are available for further analysis and production.
  • Hardware and System Requirements
Membrane structure display with detailed cutting pattern using RFEM's Cutting Patterns add-on in a comprehensive model view.
Introduction of Cutting Patterns Add-on in Video What's New 07/2025
Membrane structure displayed in RFEM 6 with cutting patterns highlighting the interface's capabilities.
Subsegments Generated by Defining "Cutting Patterns" Within Surface Boundary Lines and Intersection Lines on Surface
Convert complex, curved surface geometries into planar segments with the Cutting Patterns add-on.
Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6
Display of the Cutting Pattern add-on for RFEM 6 for converting mesh surfaces into planar sections.
Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6
Membrane structure display with detailed cutting pattern using RFEM's Cutting Patterns add-on in a comprehensive model view. Introduction of Cutting Patterns Add-on in Video What's New 07/2025
Membrane structure displayed in RFEM 6 with cutting patterns highlighting the interface's capabilities. Subsegments Generated by Defining "Cutting Patterns" Within Surface Boundary Lines and Intersection Lines on Surface
Convert complex, curved surface geometries into planar segments with the Cutting Patterns add-on. Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6
Display of the Cutting Pattern add-on for RFEM 6 for converting mesh surfaces into planar sections. Cutting Patterns for RFEM 6
Introduction of Cutting Patterns Add-on in Video What's New 07/2025

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90-Day Full Trial Version Download Product | Form-Finding for RFEM 6
Modern methods for surface optimization using the RFEM 6 Cutting Pattern add-on for precise manufacturing.

Your Advantages

  • Cutting lines for dividing mesh surface models
  • Automatically generated cutting lines parallel or rotated to a master cutting line
  • Cutting pattern generation independent of the original input
  • Individual specification of allowances at the edge lines of each cutting pattern
  • Consideration of compensation using the strain loads with regard to the surface and line
  • Numerical flattening process taking into account the pattern rigidity
  • Output of flattened cutting patterns via a limit point list

Cutting Pattern Definition on Mesh Surfaces

Easily define membrane cutting layouts using advanced line types and custom segment definitions. The Cutting Patterns add-on introduces intuitive tools like “Cut via Section” and “Cut via Two Lines”, enabling precise subsegment creation based on the initial mesh geometry. Define pattern allowances and control transitions between cuts directly on surface boundaries and intersections.

Discover Available Features
RFEM 6 interface displaying membrane structure cutting pattern details in a dialog box.
Membrane Structure in RFEM 6 – User Interface and Dialog Box with Specific Cutting Pattern of Membrane

From Compensation Loads to Final Cut Geometry

The Cutting Pattern Analysis load case allows precise control of surface and edge compensation. Results include flattened cut geometry with node coordinates and detailed statistics such as area, width, and dimensions.

Explore with RFEM 6 Trial
RFEM 6 Cutting Patterns add-on displaying the compensation load settings in a dialog box.
Cutting Patterns Add-on for RFEM 6 – Dialog Box with Compensation Load Settings
Overview of Available Features

This overview presents the functionality of the Cutting Patterns add-on for RFEM 6, currently available in beta. While some features are still under development, you can already explore a comprehensive list of tools that will support your work with cutting patterns in the near future.

  • Support of multiaxially curved mesh surface flattening
  • Compatible with the Form-Finding add-on results
  • Cut via Section and Cut via Two Lines definitions
  • Multiple Cutting Line option for parallel or rotated cuts
  • Cutting Pattern Analysis as a dedicated load case
  • Definition of cutting patterns within boundary and intersection lines
  • Allowance control between neighboring cutting segments
  • Considering compensation strain loads and surface stiffnesses
  • Surface and edge compensation loads for flattening accuracy
  • Cutting Pattern Result table with node coordinates of the flattened geometry
  • Statistics table with key metrics, such as area and width
  • Future support for persistent cutting definitions after remeshing
  • Graphical output of smoothed cuts in main display
  • DXF export of finalized cutting shapes
Discover All Features

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How Cutting Patterns Supports Real-World Projects

Real-world examples of efficient material planning. The Cutting Patterns add-on enables engineers to generate precise cutting layouts for membrane structures, minimizing material waste and providing manufacturers with clear, production-ready data.

Harzdrenalin membrane roof covering at Rappbode Dam, showcasing engineering excellence in Germany.

Harzdrenalin Membrane Roof at Rappbode Dam

Gisela Zündel from the engineering office for structural design in Lorch, Germany was responsible for the structural analysis and planning of the membrane roof. The FEA program RFEM and the RF-FORM-FINDING, RF-CUTTING, and RF-STEEL EC3 add-on modules were used.

  • Lorch, Germany
Architectural structure with a tensile membrane subjected to prestress forces designed by Ing. Agustin Alvarez Sarrieta.

Tenso CARP Project at the Monumental Stadium

Using the RFEM program together with the Form-Finding and Cutting Patterns add-ons, engineers Agustín Alvarez and Daniel Isola designed the aesthetic and strength aspects of the membrane geometry, which included obtaining the flat, folded pattern segments.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina
View of Champagne Bar at Goodwood Racecourse in the United Kingdom showcasing its architectural design.

Canopy Roof at the Champagne Bar

The LEICHT company was awarded the design phase for the Champagne Bar’s new roof, located at the Goodwood Racecourse. The planning steps included the form-finding process, the membrane and supporting steel structure approval and design, and the membrane and cable cutting patterns.

  • United Kingdom
Show More Case Studies

Now Available as Free Beta Version

Try the new Cutting Patterns add-on for RFEM 6 – now available free of charge during the beta phase.

Simply activate it in your RFEM 6 installation and start using all its features.

Download RFEM 6 Trial Contact Sales
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