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CAM covers all CNC punch and laser functions
A
Jetcam International product story
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team
Apr 30, 2007
As well as using a CAM system's flexibility and total support for all its CNC punch presses and laser profilers more advanced functions, a sheet metal fabricator can do changes to finished nests.
Aepli and Co Metallbau, based in Switzerland, has provided large scale sheet metal manufacturing for architecture for over 100 years, with projects including elevators, staircases and even entire building fascias (such as Credit Suisse and the Technical University of Zurich).
Aepli invested in a Trumpf 500R in the mid-1990s followed by a Trumpf L4030 laser cutter in 2001.
The laser was exchanged for a L6050 in 2006, which allows components up to 25mm thickness to be cut.
The 500R was replaced in 2007 with a 5000R CNC punch press.
Aepli has been a user of JETCAM Expert software since the purchase of the original 500R, with additional licenses and postprocessors purchased over the years.
They also purchased the rectangular and free form nesting modules, MRP support and parametric programming.
Adolf Puentener, production manager, said: "If we go back 20 years we were working with manual machines but today we are one of the top three Swiss metal structure companies.
We initially chose JETCAM because of its flexibility and total support for all of our machines' more advanced functions, but we quickly discovered that it had many more flexibilities.
I can do changes to finished nests without the need to redo previous steps again.
For example, I can switch between the laser and punch machines with one mouse click.
I can change material and/or thickness and the nest is still immediately available.
Furthermore JETCAM fits perfect into our ISO-9000 concept, because of features such as revision control." After the replacement of the punch and laser machines in 2007 a material handling system was also implemented, storing over 150 different material types and sizes.
Aepli wanted to add further automation for the generation of nests, with direct input of production lists from the design department.
This was initially performed by taking Excel spreadsheets containing part programming information and quantities, along with the corresponding DXF files, which were then parametrically inserted into JETCAM's databases.
Puentener added: "A key factor is the direct connection between the order department, design and job preparation.
While the link from Excel to JETCAM is working very well we may automate it further by integrating our MRP directly to the CAM system.
The open nature of JETCAM allows us to plan ahead this way." To benefit from further developments Aepli has taken out a maintenance contract with local JETCAM reseller Blechwelt.
Puentener said: "The service is exactly what we need- fast, competent and friendly - on the phone, via remote control or personally.
As we receive new versions of the software we continue to make savings in machining time and material utilisation.
We can therefore concentrate on our daily business and extend our market position." Puentener concluded: "JETCAM has always been and still is ahead of its time.
The ease of use and the direct, fast programming is still unbeaten by any competitive system we have seen".
Benefits achieved include the following.
* Total support for all advanced functions on both of Aepli's Trumpf CNC punch and laser machines.
* Nests automatically generated through parametric programming of Excel files.
* Customer can switch jobs immediately between punching and laser technologies.
* Parameters such as sheet thickness and/or material can be changed on the finished nest without reworking.
* Total automatic processing from DXF to nest.
* Open system allows for future integration into existing MRP system or 'third party' products.
* Software maintenance provides telephone, e-mail and remote support.
* About JETCAM International - JETCAM International has been developing and distributing its JETCAM Expert range of CADCAM software since 1986.
In use in over 70 countries worldwide, JETCAM Expert software supports virtually every CNC punching, laser, plasma, routing, waterjet and flatbed cutting machine available today, allowing users to program any combination of CNC machines with a single CAM system.
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