HVAC Sheet Metal Duct Transition & Trapezoidal Hopper Reducer Flat Pattern Generator (DXF)
HVAC Sheet Metal Duct Transition & Trapezoidal Hopper Reducer Flat Pattern Generator (DXF)
- PASSClosed Outer Contours: 1 closed LWPOLYLINE cut loop(s) verified
- PASSZero Duplicate Cut Paths: 8 unique segments (0 laser double-burns)
- PASSFlute & Kerf Tolerance Guard: T=1.20mm, K=0.000mm within structural limits
- PASSISO Layer Color Separation: CUT (Red), CREASE (Blue), SCORE (Emerald), DIMENSIONS isolated
- PASS1:1 Physical Unit Header: Explicit mm/in SVG viewBox + DXF $INSUNITS=4 + 50mm PDF bar
- PASSExact 2D Cut Bounding Parity: Cut Bounds 834.86×181.6mm === Blank Size
- PASS2D ↔ 3D Kinematic Model Sync: Archetype 'sheet_metal_transition' synced (1 3D component(s))
- PASSTrue Vector Sheet Nesting Sync: 1:1 vector paths mapped to multi-up sheet grid
Unfolding a sheet metal HVAC duct reducer, exhaust hood, or pyramidal hopper transition requires true-length 3D triangulation because the vertical elevation height (H) is shorter than the true sloped slant height of the four trapezoidal facets. Our parametric sheet metal unfolder computes the exact true slant height (S_true = sqrt(H² + ((D_bottom - D_top)/2)²)), develops all four contiguous trapezoidal facets into a single radial flat pattern with a Pittsburgh/spot-weld lock seam allowance, and adds top and bottom flanged attachment collars.
Standard Product Presets Built on This HVAC Duct Transition / Reducer Engine
200→150mm HVAC Duct Reducer
200 × 200 mm (8") Bottom Inlet Reducing Concentrically to 150 × 150 mm (6") Top Outlet
250→150mm HVAC Duct Reducer
Transitions 250 × 250 mm (10") Trunk Duct to 150 × 150 mm (6") Branch Duct Over 180 mm Vertical Rise
Mathematical Blank & Tolerance Formulas
Applies the Pythagorean theorem to convert vertical elevation height (H) and radial offset into the true flat-pattern facet length.
Computes the true length along the four corner bend lines where adjacent trapezoidal facets meet.
Spans all four lower base edges plus the spot-weld / rivet lock seam tab.
Step-by-Step Export & Assembly Guide
- 1 Enter Bottom Inlet Width (L), Top Outlet Width/Diameter (W), Vertical Transition Height (H), and Sheet Metal Thickness (T).
- 2 Inspect the developed 4-facet flat pattern in the 2D CAD view showing the RED outer cut perimeter, top/bottom attachment collars, and BLUE press-brake bend lines.
- 3 Verify the 3D frustum transition geometry in the 3D Fold Preview tab.
- 4 Export as 1:1 .DXF for CNC plasma or fiber laser cutting, brake the 3 internal corner bends and top/bottom collars, and spot-weld or rivet the side lock seam.
Material Thickness, Creasing Matrix & Laser Kerf Settings
| Material / Sheet Stock | Caliper Thickness (T) | Recommended Tooling / Laser Setup | Allowance / Kerf Spec | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Gauge / 1.0mm–1.2mm Galvanized Steel (G90) | 1.20 mm (18–20 ga) | CNC Plasma / Fiber Laser + Box & Pan Brake | Pittsburgh / Spot-Weld Seam Allowance: 16 mm | Commercial HVAC supply/return duct transitions, dust collection hoods |
| 1.5mm 304 Stainless Steel Sheet | 1.50 mm (16 ga) | Fiber Laser + Press Brake + TIG Seam Weld | K-Factor: 0.42 / True Slant Triangulation | Food-grade hoppers, commercial kitchen exhaust transitions, chemical chutes |
| 14 Gauge / 2.0mm Mild Steel Plate | 2.00 mm (14 ga) | CNC Plasma / Laser + Press Brake | Heavy industrial chute tolerance | Aggregate material hoppers, CNC chip chutes, industrial cyclones |
Frequently Asked Questions — HVAC Duct Transition / Reducer
Why can't I use the vertical height (H) directly on the flat sheet metal pattern?
Because the walls of a reducer slope inward from the larger bottom opening (L) to the smaller top opening (W), the true length along the sloped wall (S_true) is longer than the vertical height (H). Cutting a flat pattern using vertical height results in a duct transition that is too short.
Does the flat pattern include top and bottom flange collars?
Yes! Every facet includes top and bottom straight flange collars separated by BLUE bend lines so you can easily connect the reducer to upstream and downstream ductwork.
What seam allowance is included on the right edge?
A tapered 16mm to 22mm lock seam tab is automatically appended to the fourth facet for spot-welding, pop-riveting, or Pittsburgh seam locking.
Can I use this generator to make a square-to-round adapter?
Yes. By braking the four corner lines and rolling or cross-breaking the top collar to match your round collar connection (diameter = W), this pattern serves as both a concentric rectangular reducer and a 4-piece transition.
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