Modelling Environment

From Idea to Manufacture:

Your Facade Partner at Every Step

For over 40 years, Sotech has partnered with architects, contractors, and installers to bring complex façade designs to life — from first sketch to final installation.

From the moment an architect or contractor engages with our team, we share decades of technical knowledge, cutting-edge tools, and hands-on experience to ensure every panel is engineered for precision, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

Work with us to help shape your next project, advising on the best system build up for the job, working through challenges, and ensuring the design meets your vision, and is safe, sustainable and long-lasting.

“At Sotech, every single project – whether using our standard CWCT-tested systems or a completely bespoke façade design – requires manufacturing-ready drawings, which we produce in house. The way information is supplied can dramatically impact project speed, cost, and even outcomes on site.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

For our CWCT-tested standard systems, using pre-populated order forms is the most efficient path to production.

These order forms let us recommend the best system build-up for your project — reducing revisions and accelerating manufacture.

Pre-populated order sheets:

“A huge benefit of pre-populated order sheets is that we can recommend the best build up for your project. Sometimes customers select systems that look good on first glance, but aren’t the most effective choice for the project.”

Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech

3D modelling environment:

Our 3D modelling process focuses on manufacturability. Using Autodesk Inventor and our system-specific templates, we collaborate directly with customers to build fully manufacturable models before a single panel is cut. This ensures that by the time designs reach our production team, they’re accurate, efficient, and ready to go.

We also support BIM (Building Information Modelling) workflows to improve collaboration during the early stages of design. While 3D modelling and BIM are closely related, they serve different functions. BIM models (typically created in Revit) provide critical design intent and data, whereas Inventor models are optimised for production and precision manufacturing.

“Imagine being able to pick up and review every detail of your cladding system and be confident that it can be manufactured exactly as designed. That’s the benefit of working in 3D-we can spot challenges early, optimise panel layout, and move quickly into production.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

3D Modelling with Autodesk Inventor

From the earliest stages of a project, we work directly with architects, contractors, and consultants in a 3D modelling environment to develop fully manufacturable façade designs.

We’re able to simulate how panels interact with subframes, accommodate openings like windows and doors, and integrate complex detailing such as perforations, returns, and curved elements.

This method results in a smoother transition into production, fewer surprises on site, and better overall project outcomes.

Use pre-populated order sheets for a quick and efficient path to production.

• Fully manufacturable models 
• Designing for complexity
• Models simulate how panels interface with sub

BIM Objects

Using accurate BIM components ensures that what’s drawn is buildable, helping to avoid rework, delays, and on-site surprises. Our BIM objects are rich in data and designed to represent the true geometry and performance characteristics of our rainscreen systems — giving you a clearer picture of how each panel interacts with the substructure, openings, and other building elements.

• Identify clash detection and design coordination
• Faster specification and approvals
• Alignment with our manufacturing workflows

Downloading Sotech’s BIM objects ensures maximum compatibility between your design and our manufacturing systems.

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

At Sotech we use Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations as a critical part of our design validation process.

FEM allows us to digitally test how a facade system will perform under real-world conditions before we begin fabrication. Using advanced simulation software, our technical team can analyse how panels will respond to external forces such as

•  Wind load pressures
• Deadloads and structural movement
• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Fixing configurations and performance
• Panel material, thickness and geometry variations 

Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

Sotech’s virtual showroom lets clients explore panel assemblies, fixings, finishes and layout options in immersive 3D. This is especially powerful in early design stages when reviewing build-ups, solving interface challenges, or comparing material choices.

The virtual experience allows clients to:

• Explore panel details from every angle, zoom in to inspect fixing methods, and evaluate surface finishes in real-time.
• Validate design intent by visualising how panels will interact with elements such as windows and subframes.
• Experiment with materials and finishes, switching between options effortlessly to determine the best aesthetic and performance.

Working with sotech:

If you’ve got a project coming up – standard or bespoke – reach out to an expert member of our team today.

If you’d like to learn more about our processes and how we can help bring your concept to life, we would love to welcome you on site to meet our teams, visit the factory floor and discuss your project in person.

If you’d like to explore our full range of Optima rainscreen systems from the comfort of your office, you can use Sotech’s virtual showroom to examine intricate panel details, and visualise how different materials and finishes can transform your project. This interactive 3D platform allows you to rotate, zoom, and interact with 3D models, providing a tangible sense of our products’ quality and versatility.