Total solutions for sheet metalwork producers

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 25, 2005

Radan's "total solutions" concept for sheet metalwork producers will be highlighted through a series of demonstrations of its leading edge CAD/CAM software at MTI-Live.

Radan's "total solutions" concept for sheet metalwork producers will be highlighted through a series of demonstrations of its leading edge CAD/CAM software on Stand 122 at the forthcoming MTI-Live Exhibition, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 25th and 26th May.

Recent additions to the company's comprehensive design-to-manufacturing applications range include Radbend CNC, a module that enables press brake users to achieve substantial cost and time savings by converting 3D models or 2D flat product developments into fully tooled and sequenced bend programmes at the touch of a button.

It also incorporates powerful verification routines to test for machine clashes without the need to produce, and potentially scrap, prototype or test parts.

An enhanced interface from Radan's CAD system part editor to eQuote, a module within the company's powerful e2i product and process management software, streamlines the compilation of accurate cost estimates directly from product models.

Improved support for profile machines is provided by a comprehensive selection of lead-in and piercing style options, together with integrated lead-in positioning for reducing cycle times.

Heat build up is also taken into account automatically when determining cutting sequences; ensuring optimum dimensional accuracy and finish quality.

Further Radan developments include automatic healing and smoothing capabilities, which can be applied to imported DXF, DWG or IGES files, as well as to flat developments generated from 3D models.

In addition, simple tools allow the use of part pickers, chutes or programme stops to be defined and recorded with individual components, ready for re-use every time the part is nested.

Likewise, users are offered a comprehensive set of manual tools to complement the software's industry-leading automatic nesting capabilities; allowing the creation or manipulation of nests for maximum sheet utilisation.

Additional enhancements in the latest release include a new interface for defining the order that tools are used; automatic generation of accurate machine cycle times by post-processors; the ability to incorporate and cut True-Type font profiles; and improved sketching in Radraft, together with clearer on-screen display of parts and tooling - for easier identification of floating scrap and verification of tooling schemes.