Based on contributions by Youri_Beugelsdijk.
item aluminum profile is commonly used for frames and machine structures in the minor. Instead of modelling profile sections by hand, item24’s free online Engineering Tool lets you drag, size, and connect real item profiles and export the result straight into your CAD software.
What you need
- A free account on the item24 website.
- SolidWorks (or any CAD software that can import STEP files).
Steps
1. Open the Engineering Tool
Go to the item24 website. Open the menu, navigate to Online Tools → Engineering Tools, and log in with your account.
2. Get familiar with the interface
After logging in, you’ll see the main design interface.
3. Add and connect profiles
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Drag the profile you need (e.g. the one used in your minor project) into the design area.
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Adjust the length of the profile as needed.
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To connect two profiles, drag one close to the other — they snap and lock together automatically.
4. Explore advanced options
For more advanced design options, click the question-mark icon in the top-right corner of the screen, or watch the Item Engineering Tool tutorial playlist.
5. Export your design
When your frame design is ready, click the cube icon in the bottom-left corner and download it as a STEP file (or another format compatible with your CAD software).
6. Import into SolidWorks
Open the downloaded file in SolidWorks (or your preferred CAD software) and integrate it into your full assembly.
Related
Rewritten and consolidated (Sept 2026) from the original student how-to’s: How to make you’re Item Profile setup in CAD.