Cutting list, 2D plans, material and cost report
We are focusing here on the workshop document output, this is a printout or PDF file that includes:
- Cutting list of all parts
- 2D plans of the stair and all parts
- Material and cost report
As with all manufacturing output, this is available with the full version of the StairDesigner.
Sample output
Please note that if you are using the free version of StairDesigner, you will not have access to the output.
Extensive sample output files are however available on the StairDesigner download page.
Print and preview the workshop document
Go to the File menu and select Print, or Print preview to view this document before printing. Remember it’s also possible to select print to PDF to create the PDF document rather than sending the output to an actual printer.
These options are also available in the toolbar as icons:
Printing a 3D render
Before continuing, note that we can print and view a print preview of the 3D window in the same way, just make sure to have the 3D window selected and active.
This allows us to print or create a PDF of the image.
We also recommend using one of the many free or paid screen capture applications to quickly obtain any sized render you need from the 3D view window. Or even combine images; these applications often come with some nice editing and even annotation features:
More examples of 3D renders and wireframe models:
Output (non CNC): 3D stair renders
Print setup options
Back to the workshop document, we also have access to a Print setup window, available from the File menu.
As well as standard printer settings, and the ability to include your company name on the document, note that we can select which parts are included.
These check boxes also allow us to show or hide the cutting list and material and cost report.
The printable elements that are available include:
2D whole stair plan
2D part by part plans
These include the steps, strings (and developed view), handrails (and developed), newel posts and banisters.
Basic 2D DXF plans of each part
StairDesigner Pro PP includes highly configurable 2D DXF output of each part for CNC machining.
More information:
This is not available in StairDesigner Pro. This version does however include a useful basic 2D DXF output of each part, for further manipulation in a CAD package as required, and to add custom dimensions.
It’s important to note that this is not suitable for CNC manufacturing, it provides a basic geometry of the part only.
This output is accessed via the File menu > Export menu in the same way as you would access the CNC files in StairDesigner Pro PP, see link above.
Here is an example DXF file of this basic output, it’s of a stringboard from a helicoidal stair, the DXF shows the part rolled out flat.
Note also the 1:1 template output which is very useful for non CNC manufacturing of your stair.
More information:
Output (non CNC): how to set up 1:1 stair templates for printing
Cutting list
Following on from the part by part plans, the workshop document includes a cutting list.
Material and cost report
And finally a material and cost report is generated.
This details, for the whole stair and split across each stair component, values for:
- Cutting list volume
- Real volume
- Weight
- Price
The cutting list volume defines the rectangular shape the part sits inside. The real volume is the actual volume of the part. So in the case of a rectangular step the two volumes would be equal, but a curved string’s real volume would be less than the rectangular envelope it sits inside, the cutting list volume.
Materials are stocked in the Materials library, each includes optional parameters for the cost and weight, these should be customised for each workshop. StairDesigner pulls these values into the report.
More information: