Sheet Lightning software
Overview
Volume 2 of The Racing
Motorcycle, a technical guide for constructors, discusses the
manufacture of exhaust systems and suggests Sheet Lightning as an
extremely useful piece of software. Sheet Lightning is a surface
development program. It enables you to produce sheet metal patterns
to make cones, oblique cones, lobster back bends (for curved and
tapered front pipes) etc in a matter of minutes. It will also develop
tube end profiles for T junctions, Y junctions (as in 2 into 1 pipes)
and all sorts of complex frame joints at any angle you care to
choose.
There are two versions of Sheet Lightning, the full version which allows virtually unlimited layouts to be explored and a less expensive version called Sheet Lightning Lite. The Lite version has built in developments for all the features listed above. All you have to do is to enter the sizes you want and the system will print out the patterns on your printer. If the printer page is smaller than the required pattern, Sheet Lightning (either version) will take account of this and develop the pattern over multiple sheets of paper. It will number these and indicate how to combine them into the final pattern. The Lite version will meet the needs of most constructors and requires no computer skills whatsoever, other than the ability to run the program and enter data.
The full version of Sheet Lightning provides all the features of the Lite version but with an added set of software tools that allow you to develop just about any complex section/junction imaginable. This gives maximum capability but it does of course take time to learn the required skills.
Both versions are capable of producing DXF files so that metal can be cut directly using CNC laser cutters etc.
Please note that these programs do not design exhaust systems to suit specific engines. Their purpose is to develop the sheet metal patterns to manufacture an exhaust you have already designed.
Prices
Sheet Lightning Lite
currently costs $195 and Sheet Lighning costs $250.
If you order the software using our links below, there is currently a 10% discount for Broadland Leisure customers making the prices as follows. Lite version $175.50 (about £96), full version $225 (about £123).
These prices are higher than the ones John gave in the book but that is because they have been subject to considerable change in recent months. They still represent a tiny outlay for what is serious industrial software of the highest quality.
Important: Prices are subject to change without notice. We do not control the price, the developers do. The current price to you is shown when you enter the Share-it order screen using the link below.
Hardware
Both versions of Sheet
Lightning run on a standard PC using Windows 95 or later.
More information
To discuss
specific requirements call us on 01684 833525 (International +44
(0)1684 833525).
Ordering
Orders for Sheet Lightning
are all dealt with by Share-it. To get your 10% discount you must use
the links below to place your order. Please email us using
to confirm you have placed an order.
To purchase Sheet Lightning 5.0 (full version) - click here
To purchase Sheet Lightning Lite 5.0 - click
here