# New to Shapr3D, need help with a sheet metal hopper model

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [September 4, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579 "2026-09-04T18:42:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![joey.golding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ebca7d/32.png) [@joey.golding](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/joey.golding)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/1 "2026-09-04T18:42:24Z")

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I can’t wrap my head around how to model this hopper. The odd angles are throwing off. Any help would be appreciated.

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/2/1/219d7b99229bfdc7add849a6ebc3c7a7e79be8d3.png)

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**Author:** ![DrKronos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/drkronos/32/36064_2.png) [@DrKronos](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DrKronos)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/2 "2026-09-04T19:12:36Z")

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I didn’t do it to your measures or anything (I’m not good with imperial measures 😉) and skipped a few steps, but just for the principle:

I cut away the side profiles from a simple box to get that asymmetrical shape along the length of the hopper, added a “pipe” to the bottom and then used the shell operation to hollow it out.

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**Author:** ![tobiaskuhn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e274bd/32.png) [@tobiaskuhn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/tobiaskuhn)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 8:29am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/3 "2026-09-05T08:29:23Z")

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The easiest way to approach this is to stop thinking of it as “sheet metal” at first and model the finished solid shape.

I’d start by sketching the top opening and bottom opening on two offset planes, then use Loft between them. If the sides are not symmetrical, use guide curves or split it into separate lofted faces. Once the outside form looks right, you can Shell it to the sheet thickness. For the flanges/lips, add them afterward with simple extrudes from the top and bottom edges.

If you can share a couple more views or rough dimensions — top opening, bottom opening, height, and which faces are vertical/angled — it’ll be much easier to suggest the exact sketch/loft setup.

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**Author:** ![DrKronos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/drkronos/32/36064_2.png) [@DrKronos](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DrKronos)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 9:50am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/4 "2026-09-05T09:50:58Z")

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It being sheet metal is important. I did play around with lofts first, the problem is if you loft the shape up from the round outlet, the slanted faces of the hopper won’t be flat.

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**Author:** ![Oregonerd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/oregonerd/32/8012_2.png) [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/5 "2026-09-05T14:41:30Z")

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I think the good Dr got it right. All the dimensions you need are there already. The one dimension missing is provided by McMaster-Carr.

The thing to think about is construction method. Likely to be welded? I think you would need a press to stamp the “0.12” 316 stainless. Do they make brakes that will bend that stuff? A 1 3/8" radius is pretty specific. Likely for cleaning?

It is (essentially) sheet metal but construction method will help determine the final design which is not specified here.

 ![Screenshot 2026-09-05 072959](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/3/e/3e8ef9a5d3e428fdc65464a713ae8afa8d968d27.png)

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**Author:** ![Oregonerd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/oregonerd/32/8012_2.png) [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 2:50pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/new-to-shapr3d-need-help-with-a-sheet-metal-hopper-model/41579/6 "2026-09-05T14:50:57Z")

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Unless this thing is for Cheerios, Cheetos or something equally light weight it is going to need some serious support. 😅

Well over 150 gallons?

 ![Screenshot 2026-09-05 082401](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/5/3/538f7609d1f151207eab9e98b14e8208d6d8ce6f.jpeg)