.svg){kind=small}
Made for vehicle wraps
Automotive is our biggest market for flattening, so that is where ExactFlat is pointed: scan the vehicle, split the body into panels and flatten each one into a template for a graphic vinyl wrap or paint protection film. It runs inside Rhino and needs Rhino to work, so Rhino comes with every package we sell.
Scan data straight in
Imports 3D scan data directly, as well as CAD, so the template starts from the real vehicle.
Splits, repair and de-wrinkling
Automatic panel splits, mesh repair and wrinkle removal take out the manual steps.
Edges that keep their length
99.5% of edge lengths kept from 3D to 2D, in ExactFlat’s own benchmark tests.
Ready for the plotter
Exports to DXF, PDF or CAD, with saved cutter profiles for your plotter.
ExactFlat shows the workflow on car bumpers and fenders flattened into paint protection film templates, one with a printed graphic, and on a Ford Mustang front bumper flattened to 2D from a 3D scan. Most users need about 2 to 4 hours of training before a first project.
Monarch: flattening with the graphics
Monarch is an add-on for ExactFlat in Rhino. You apply the artwork to the 3D model, then flatten the panels and the artwork together, so the printed design lines up across the joins once fitted.
| Software | What it does |
|---|---|
| ExactFlat | Flattens a 3D surface into cutting patterns or templates. |
| ExactFlat + Monarch | Flattens the patterns with their graphics, so the artwork lines up across the panels. |
Here is how we use it on a vehicle wrap:
- 1Scan the vehicle and apply the wrap artwork to the 3D model.
- 2Flatten the panels and the artwork together.
- 3Add bleed, overlaps and alignment marks.
- 4Export the print file and cut lines. Monarch outputs PDF, TIFF and DXF.
Which one you need: a plain template for cutting film, such as paint protection film or a single-colour wrap, needs ExactFlat. A printed wrap whose graphics must line up across several panels needs Monarch as well. ExactFlat mainly markets Monarch for printed clothing; vehicle wraps are our application of it.
Packages
Every package includes Rhino as a perpetual licence. Rhino is sold only as a perpetual licence, so it is a one-off purchase even on the subscription options. Subscriptions run for 1 year. Prices are in the buy box, ex VAT.
| Option | Includes |
|---|---|
| Perpetual | Rhino and ExactFlat, both perpetual |
| Perpetual with graphics | Rhino, ExactFlat and Monarch, all perpetual |
| Subscription | ExactFlat for 1 year, plus a Rhino perpetual licence |
| Subscription with graphics | As above, plus Monarch for 1 year |
Seats, covers and composites
The same flattening works on anything that wraps a flat material round a curved shape: car seats and upholstery, marine covers, and the plies of a composite part. ExactFlat handles stretch and material type in the flattening, and splits a seat into its pattern pieces with the seams linked.
Questions
Do I need Rhino to use ExactFlat?
Yes. ExactFlat is a plugin for Rhino: it runs inside Rhino and needs Rhino to work. Rhino is included in every ExactFlat package we sell.
Is Rhino a subscription as well?
No. Rhino is sold only as a perpetual licence, so it is a one-off purchase even when ExactFlat itself is on a 1-year subscription.
Do I need Monarch?
Only for printed graphics that must line up across panels. A plain template for cutting film, such as paint protection film or a single-colour wrap, needs ExactFlat alone. Monarch flattens the artwork together with the panels.
Can ExactFlat work from a 3D scan of a vehicle?
Yes. It imports 3D scan data directly as well as CAD, so the templates come from the real vehicle. We pair it with the Artec Leo and Ray II.
How long does it take to learn?
About 2 to 4 hours of training before a first project.
Where to go next
Would you rather we made the templates for you? Our vehicle wrap templating service scans the vehicle and hands back print and cut files. To compare the flattening programs we sell, see Flatten 3D models to 2D.
The scanners we pair it with
Capture the vehicle with a Leo or Ray II, clean up in Artec Studio, flatten in ExactFlat.
- Artec EvaArtec Eva structured-light handheld 3d scanner, for quick and accurate models of medium sized objects in full colour. It is ideal for scanning objects such as human busts, alloy wheels and motorcycle exhaust systems. Eva is Artec's most popular 3d scanner largely becuase is light, fast and extremely versatile. The structured light system is safe to use and an excellent choice as an all-round scanner for capturing objects of any kind, including those with black and shiny surfaces.View machine →
- Artec LeoWireless professional handheld 3D scanner with on-board processing and touchscreen — capture full-colour scans with no laptop or cables. The scanner most of our customers end up buying.View machine →
- Artec Ray IILong-range terrestrial LiDAR scanner for buildings, plant rooms, vehicles and large objects — survey-grade point clouds captured from a tripod.View machine →
