Sheet metal developing tool for square and rectangular hoppers

As a fabricator of 40+ years, the last 30 or so as the workshop manager, I have constantly used trigonometry etc. to calculate cones, segmental bends and much more. Nowadays I am constantly asked by the fabricators to calculate developed lengths etc. to save them the time and effort of laying it out. I have developed this app so that they can do it for themselves and therefore save “MY TIME”.

Use this app to quickly and easily develop 9 different types of square /rectangular reducing hoppers/feed chutes of any size or thickness in millimeters or inches.

Note! Take care when assembling hopper/chutes that are offset on the X and Y axis, as it is possible to assemble the hopper/chute, as drawn in plan view or, opposite hand as drawn in plan view.

From the front screen choose the shape of the hopper/chute you wish to develop.

On the next screen enter the required dimensions, then press/touch the develop button.

The developed dimensions for each side will be displayed along with a reference drawing for the dimension placement and general pattern shape.

Mark out the side patterns onto the plate material and cut to shape.

You are ready to assemble the hopper/chute.

If the hopper/chute requires straight sections for fixing on flanges etc. then develop the hopper/chute with the flats removed and add them to the developed side plates before cutting to shape and bend them before assembling the hopper/chute.

I hope that from your feedback/comments I will be able to add extra relevant features and amendments in future editions.