CAD Models and Fabrication Drawings
3D models and fabrication drawings prepared in-house, with cut files where agreed in the quote, ordered on their own or with a fabrication order.
TrussMetal is a metal fabrication shop in North Vancouver that works across Metro Vancouver. This page is for homeowners, designers, contractors, millwork shops and makers who need metalwork drawn before it is made, whether we make it or someone else does.
We prepare 3D models and fabrication drawings in-house, and you can order them as a service on their own or as part of a fabrication job. They describe what will be made and how it goes together. They are not engineering: calculations, structural design, stamped or sealed drawings and machinery certification come from a licensed professional engineer engaged for the project, and we can draw to that engineer’s design.
What We Prepare
3D models
Models of parts and assemblies, built from your sketches, photos, measurements or existing drawings, so fit, proportion and clearances can be checked before anything is made.
Fabrication drawings
Dimensioned shop drawings with views, sections, materials and fixings, issued for your approval and used to make the part, by us or by another shop.
Cut files
Flat patterns and cut files for laser, waterjet or plasma cutting, where they are agreed in the quote.
Drawings for our fabrication
When we also make the part, the drawing is the document you approve before anything is cut.
What Isn’t Included
Inputs and Deliverables
How an Order Runs
- You send the brief. What it is, what it’s for, the information you have, and whether we’ll also make it.
- We quote the drawing work. Scope, deliverables and formats, included revisions and any site visit.
- We model and draw. A first issue goes to you for comment.
- You review and approve. Revisions as agreed, then an approved issue.
- Files issued, or fabrication starts. You receive the approved files, or the approved drawing goes into our fabrication.
Who Does What
Responsibilities that affect the quote
TrussMetal: the 3D models, fabrication drawings and any cut files in the agreed scope, drawn from the information supplied and our own measurements where we take them.
You: the brief, the information you supply and its accuracy, the measurements you provide, and approval of the drawings.
Engineer or other consultant: engineering design, calculations, sealed drawings and any certification the project needs.
Related Work
Cut files are used for laser cutting and waterjet cutting. Shop drawings and submittals for design teams are described on metal fabrication for architects. Every service we offer is listed on metal fabrication services.
Questions
Can I order drawings without fabrication?
Yes. Models and drawings are sold on their own as well as with a fabrication order.
Are your drawings stamped?
No. Where sealed drawings or engineering are required, they come from a licensed engineer engaged for the project.
Can you design a machine?
No. We model and draw metalwork; machinery design and certification are outside this service.
What files will I receive?
Drawings as PDF, with other deliverable formats agreed for each order and listed in the quote.
Who is responsible for the dimensions?
Whoever supplies them: you for measurements you provide, us for measurements we take on site.
Request a Quote
Send what you have and what you need drawn.
What to include in your message
- What the piece is and what it’s for
- Sketches, photos, drawings or models you already have
- Measurements, or whether you need a site visit
- Models, drawings, cut files, or all three, and the file formats you need
- Whether we’ll also make it, and when you need the drawings
The form starts blank: in “What do you need?”, select Other Custom Metalwork.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (778) 805-5333, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5:00.