Achieve seamless 2D to cutting workflows, leveraging on Romans CAD unique capabilities

Manual 2D patternmaking in footwear and leather goods can be very time-consuming, prone to errors, and increasingly unsustainable. Whether you're sketching by hand or eyeballing flattened 3D designs, the results often include misaligned parts, fit issues, and material waste. For pattern engineers, designers, product managers, innovation leaders, or CEOs, these inefficiencies slow down time to market, drive up costs, and compromise quality.

Romans CAD 2D, part of the Romans CAD 360° digital platform, solves this by putting speed, accuracy, and integration at the core of your pattern development process. From automated 3D flattening to cutting-machine compatibility and technical pack generation, RCS helps your teams work smarter, not harder. RCS 2D’s automated patterning effortlessly turns intricate designs into production-ready formats, delivering exceptional precision and speed like never before.

Limitations of manual pattern development

• Patterns requiring days of development and where a small measuring error can derail prototypes.

• Manual flattening of 3D shapes often distorting the final 2D form, leading to misfitting parts that won’t pass production.

• Inconsistent grading causing size mismatches, especially across all international sizing schemes.

• Disconnected systems not allowing for files synchronization, forcing teams to chase down missing data across costing, design, and cutting stages.
  

These challenges stretch timelines, increase waste, and make it harder for brands to meet both market demand and sustainability goals.

Romans CAD 2D: precision from first click to final cut

Romans CAD 2D puts industrial-grade power in the hands of 2D pattern engineers, while also giving designers and product managers confidence that their vision will make it to the production line intact.

Key features:

• Smart 3D-to-2D flattening

Automatically flattens any 3D shoe model without distortion. Integrated directly into Romans CAD 3D, the process is fast and accurate. Pattern engineers can then refine patterns using tools like vectorization, PCU curves, variable margins and more, cutting development time by up to 60%.

• Precise grading

Romans CAD 2D’s automatic grading delivers consistent sizing across any scheme (European, US, or custom) with unlimited grading centers and control over size grouping, drilling tools, or specific axes.

• Stitching Prep

Generate stitching chassis and exports to sewing machines, ensuring parts align perfectly downstream.

• Clean, collaborative layer management

Easily organize pattern elements, such as notches, decorative elements, or stitching lines, using customizable layers. Ideal for keeping files clean and workflows aligned across teams.

Romans CAD SL: cut waste and control costs

Romans CAD 2D works seamlessly with Romans CAD SL, the go-to tool for material and cost optimization.

• Material efficiency

SL calculates exact material consumption (leather, fabrics, etc.), reducing waste by up to 25%.

• Accurate pre-costing

Estimate material costs early in development. Optimize pattern layouts and save on production budgets. Patternmakers can focus on craftsmanship while SL runs the numbers. For product managers and CEOs, it delivers actionable data to drive both margin and sustainability.

Cutting machine integration: Sabal and beyond

Going from digital patterns to physical products is seamless thanks to Romans CAD 2D’s compatibility with major cutting machines manufacturers.

Through our partnership with Sabal, a leader in high-speed cutting systems, you get:

• Optimization: patterns exported directly from Romans CAD to Sabal’s cutters, with pre-configured CAM orders for fast setup and error-free cutting in high-volume runs.

• Nesting Efficiency: Automatic nesting reducing material consumption.

RCS PDM Integration: technical packs from 2D

Romans CAD 2D natively integrates with RCS PDM to generate full technical packs with one click.

At the 2D level, you can generate:

• Bill of materials & part lists

Detail every component, from leather to laces, for clear manufacturing steps.

• Pre-costing reports

Pull real-time estimates from SL to validate budgets.

• Technical drawings

Include comments for manufacturing teams.

• Share via Showcase

Share these reports with limitation.

No version confusion. No lost data. Just clean, aligned production readiness.

How Romans CAD helps you optimize your 2D -> Cutting process

Romans CAD 2D isn’t just a tool—it’s a workflow accelerator for the entire product development team.

• For pattern engineers: automate flattening and grading.

• For designers: an idea that stays true from screen to sample.

• For product managers: a development process that stays on track.

• For innovation managers: a tool to leverage data, automation, and integration and lead your brand into the digital age.

• For CEOs: cuts on prototyping costs by up to 70% and reduced time to market.
  

Ready to see Romans CAD 2D? Book a demo and experience how RCS can transform your workflow.