SEMA v22-2 – Specialized 2D/3D CAD/CAM Software for Carpentry, Cabinetry, Stair Design, and Sheet Metal Cladding

SEMA is a modular, industry-specific 2D/3D CAD/CAM software solution designed to support the complete workflow for timber construction, stair design, and sheet metal processing . Unlike general-purpose CAD tools, SEMA provides specialized modules and workflows tailored to the unique requirements of carpenters, cabinet makers, and construction professionals.

A key differentiator of SEMA is its synchronous 2D and 3D design environment, where changes made in one view are automatically reflected in the other . This enables designers to work efficiently in both traditional drafting and modern 3D visualization. The software also features direct point cloud import from 3D laser scanners, enabling highly accurate inventory planning and retrofit projects .

Version 22-2 is a software release within the SEMA product line that introduced several refinements, including a progressive numbering function expanded to all CAD texts, performance optimizations for machining operations, and visual enhancements for solid wood construction, particularly the ability to adjust wood fiber direction and surface quality.

Primary Users

SEMA v22-2 is designed for carpenters, cabinet makers, stair builders, joiners, and sheet metal fabricators who require specialized design and manufacturing software for wood and metal construction. It serves professionals who:

  • Design and manufacture furniture, cabinets, and custom joinery with precise 2D and 3D modeling

  • Plan and construct timber frame structures for residential and commercial buildings

  • Design and build stairs, including complex wood and metal staircase constructions

  • Create roof and wall cladding solutions with sheet metal and paneling

  • Generate CNC machine outputs directly from design models for automated fabrication

Key Features & Capabilities

Core Design and Modeling

  • Synchronous 2D/3D Design: Work in both 2D and 3D environments simultaneously, with changes automatically applied across both views .

  • Comprehensive Component Libraries: Access pre-configured libraries for tiles, fastening elements, furniture components, and other essential items .

  • Automatic Drawing Generation: Generate plans for production, dimensioning, parts lists, and municipal submittals with ease .

  • Point Cloud Integration: Import and process 3D point clouds directly from laser scanners for precise as-built modeling and retrofit planning .

Carpentry and Timber Construction Modules

  • Carpentry Package: An all-in-one solution for traditional carpenters, featuring integrated modules for planning, modeling, and evaluation .

  • Timber Construction: Advanced tools for complex timber structures, including automated roof and wall cladding, framing layout, and multi-wall system generation .

  • Solid Wood Construction: Optimized tools for solid wood projects, including wood fiber direction visualization and surface quality settings .

Stair and Furniture Design

  • Stair Design Module: Specialized tools for designing and manufacturing wood and metal stairs .

  • Furniture and Cabinet Design: Dedicated features for cabinetry and custom furniture manufacturing .

Manufacturing and Data Export

  • CNC Integration: Export directly to CNC machines using formats such as BTL(x), BVX, and IFC .

  • Material and Cost Calculation: Quickly and accurately calculate material quantities and project costs, generating parts lists and budgets automatically .

  • BIM Compatibility: Support for BIM workflows through IFC and BCF data exchange formats .

What’s New in SEMA v22-2

Version 22-2 introduced several notable enhancements to the SEMA platform, including:

  • Progressive Numbering: The progressive numbering function, previously used for walls, has been extended to all CAD texts and all components with a bill of materials folder .

  • Machining Improvements: Numerous detailed improvements and new features in the machining module, resulting in faster and more efficient design workflows .

  • Solid Wood Construction Enhancements: Visual optimization and adjustment of wood fiber direction, plus individual adjustment of side surface quality in solid wood constructions