Windows Pipe Bend Gore Flat Pattern Generator for Flexible Materials
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I need a small Windows desktop application that lets me generate an accurate gore-style flat patterns for wrapping a 90-degree (larger or smaller also) pipe bend in flexible sheet goods such as vinyl or leather. See attached image of what we are trying to achieve.
The workflow I am picturing is straightforward: I type in the parameters listed below which I can physically measure and instantly receive a flat layout of each gore with true-size measurements.
Two capabilities are non-negotiable. First, every dimension and angle must be fully editable so I can adapt the pattern to different pipe sizes or partial bends. Second, once the pattern is calculated it has to export cleanly to common fabrication formats—PDF for quick printouts and DXF for sending to a cutter or a CAD package. I am comfortable with a traditional Windows UI, you can organise controls however you like as long as it’s clear and efficient, I’m open to whatever libraries or tools you feel are best suited for accuracy and efficiency. The mathematical side (unfolding the surface and compensating for bend geometry) is the heart of the job, so your algorithm must deliver precise, ready-to-cut outlines without manual tweaking. I will also consider any other application that can be adapted to this specification as long as it works on my widows based PC (currently running widows 11).
Deliverable:
• A compiled Windows executable (installer or portable) plus well-commented source code.
• Ability to input bend parameters and immediately produce an accurate flat pattern.
• Export options for at least PDF and DXF.
• Brief user guide describing fields, units and export steps.
• Intuitive Windows desktop interface for easy parameter input
• Real-time pattern visualization and preview
• Pattern scaling and measurement tools
• Ability to save and re-open past files
• The exported PDF and DXF files should include clear and precise annotations such as measurement labels, seam allowance lines, alignment guides, and markings for inner/outer circumference and closing seam locations. These should ensure the pattern is easy to interpret and assemble after printing
Input Parameters
• Angle of bend (default 90 degrees), Adjustable for larger/smaller angles.
• Outer circumference of bend
• Inner circumference of bend (calculated if outer + diameter provided)
• Diameter of tubing
• Seam allowance at the point where the gores join (default 4mm)
• Covering material thickness (will add to diameter and therefore length of gore)
• Number of gores (default 2)
• Closing seam locations, Inner circumference (shortest seam), Outer Circumference (longest seam), midway between the two (default), see attached image.
I’ll test by printing a sample pattern, wrapping it around an actual 90-degree elbow and verifying the fit, so accuracy matters. Let me know any libraries or frameworks you plan to use and your estimated turnaround time.
Things to consider.
Note we are covering radius bends not making a pipe bend program, therefore covering material thickness will add to overall diameter and therefore increase the length required to cover the bend. For example, to cover a 38mm tube so the seam meets perfectly, you must consider the thickness of the material. Also note that whilst there are seams where the gores join, there is also a closing seam which we use to hand stitch the actual cover onto the tubing, this is a feature of the product and must be placed in the correct location depending on where the bend is oriented on a staircase.
Please note test and verification of the patterns can take me a few days to accomplish so It’s a matter of doing this properly, please advise your timeframe for a working prototype.
The workflow I am picturing is straightforward: I type in the parameters listed below which I can physically measure and instantly receive a flat layout of each gore with true-size measurements.
Two capabilities are non-negotiable. First, every dimension and angle must be fully editable so I can adapt the pattern to different pipe sizes or partial bends. Second, once the pattern is calculated it has to export cleanly to common fabrication formats—PDF for quick printouts and DXF for sending to a cutter or a CAD package. I am comfortable with a traditional Windows UI, you can organise controls however you like as long as it’s clear and efficient, I’m open to whatever libraries or tools you feel are best suited for accuracy and efficiency. The mathematical side (unfolding the surface and compensating for bend geometry) is the heart of the job, so your algorithm must deliver precise, ready-to-cut outlines without manual tweaking. I will also consider any other application that can be adapted to this specification as long as it works on my widows based PC (currently running widows 11).
Deliverable:
• A compiled Windows executable (installer or portable) plus well-commented source code.
• Ability to input bend parameters and immediately produce an accurate flat pattern.
• Export options for at least PDF and DXF.
• Brief user guide describing fields, units and export steps.
• Intuitive Windows desktop interface for easy parameter input
• Real-time pattern visualization and preview
• Pattern scaling and measurement tools
• Ability to save and re-open past files
• The exported PDF and DXF files should include clear and precise annotations such as measurement labels, seam allowance lines, alignment guides, and markings for inner/outer circumference and closing seam locations. These should ensure the pattern is easy to interpret and assemble after printing
Input Parameters
• Angle of bend (default 90 degrees), Adjustable for larger/smaller angles.
• Outer circumference of bend
• Inner circumference of bend (calculated if outer + diameter provided)
• Diameter of tubing
• Seam allowance at the point where the gores join (default 4mm)
• Covering material thickness (will add to diameter and therefore length of gore)
• Number of gores (default 2)
• Closing seam locations, Inner circumference (shortest seam), Outer Circumference (longest seam), midway between the two (default), see attached image.
I’ll test by printing a sample pattern, wrapping it around an actual 90-degree elbow and verifying the fit, so accuracy matters. Let me know any libraries or frameworks you plan to use and your estimated turnaround time.
Things to consider.
Note we are covering radius bends not making a pipe bend program, therefore covering material thickness will add to overall diameter and therefore increase the length required to cover the bend. For example, to cover a 38mm tube so the seam meets perfectly, you must consider the thickness of the material. Also note that whilst there are seams where the gores join, there is also a closing seam which we use to hand stitch the actual cover onto the tubing, this is a feature of the product and must be placed in the correct location depending on where the bend is oriented on a staircase.
Please note test and verification of the patterns can take me a few days to accomplish so It’s a matter of doing this properly, please advise your timeframe for a working prototype.