Updated 8/13/21
With all of the technological advances being made in the sheet metal fabrication and manufacturing industry, it should come as no surprise that a variety of mobile apps have been developed for on-the-go use. However, what has been somewhat surprising is the sheer number of apps now available. Therefore, we at EVS Metal thought this would be a good time for an overview of the well-rated apps that are currently out there.
[Steel Shapes]
($4.99 on iTunes, 4.5 out of 5 stars; Google Play, 4.1 stars)
Available for Apple and Android, Steel Shapes contains a comprehensive list of information for all steel shapes and sizes. Every single structural shape property contained in the AISC database is present, including geometrical and mechanical properties, design AND detailing values, CONVERSION with a single touch of a button between imperial / metric & section’s equivalent designation in the metric system.
Easy Offset
(4.99 on iTunes, 4.2 out of 5 stars; $3.99 on Google Play, 4.1 out of 5 stars)
Easy Offset is designed for sheet metal workers that calculates cut joints, ell centerlines, and overall lengths for offsets of any angle. Just enter basic dimensions and the app does the rest.
API Metal Fabrication Calculator
(Free on iTunes, 4 out of 5 stars; Free on Google Play, 3.1 out of 5 stars)
An app designed to be a one stop resource for all your metal fabrication projects and is packed with tools to assist you with your CNC machine operation. This app has resources that would help everyone from the engineers and the operators on the floor, to the office workers and purchasing department.
Sheet Metal Workshop Pro
(Free or $5.99 on iTunes, 3 out of 5 stars; Free or $7.99 on Google Play; 3 out of 5 stars)
An app designed for the professional sheet metal tradesman involved in workshop pattern development.
Transition Patterns available: Lobsterback Bend, Elbow, Trunnion, Ellipsoidal Dome Head, Frustum Cone, Flat Back Cone, Oblique Cone, Tee, Offset Tee, Square and Rectangle to Round, Oblique Square/Rectangle to Round, Measurements of a Circle, Standard Pip Chart with Center Radius.
QuickBend: Conduit Bending
($3.99; Google Play 4.7 out of 5 stars; iTunes 4.7 out of 5)
QuickBend is a conduit bending calculator app that according to the creator is “fast and accurate while being visually appealing and innovative…offering the most accurate measurements using the Centerline Radius Algorithm” based on the bender being used.
Sheet Metal Development Calculator
(Free; Google Play 4.1 out of 5 stars)
This simple app utilizes excellent visuals that help calculate the development of a huge range of sheet metal parts.
Weight Calculator for Metals
(Free + in-app purchases); Google Play 4.6 out of 5 stars; iTunes 4.3 out of 5)
A fast, easy-to-use app for calculating weights of multiple different metals including steel, aluminum, cast iron, nickel, copper and more. It also supports standards such as round, sheet, tube, rectangle and S beam.
Pocket Welder Helper
(Free; Google Play 4.1 out of 5 stars)
Pocket Welder Helper was developed to put all of the common tools welders use every day in one place, and includes both metric and imperial measurements. Some of the features include weld settings for MIG, TIG, Stick and Flux-Core welding; aluminum and stainless steel filler alloy guide; cutting tip chart; and for pipe-fitters, a pipe offset calculator.
Fabricators Handbook
($4.37 on Google Play; 4.4 out of 5 stars)
Developed by a sheet metal fabricator and shop manager of 45+ years, this app features sheet metal pattern development tools for cones, segmental bends and set on pipes, plus flange/tube tables and various calculators, including how-to examples when relevant.
If you use an app in the front office or on the job shop floor for metal fabrication, let us know what it is and we’ll add it to the list!
Interested in finding out how EVS Metal can assist with your next precision fabrication project? Get a quote online, or call 1-888-9EVSMET.
