Sheet metal work programming is more versatile

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Apr 10, 2006

More functionality for increasing material utilisation, reducing inventory and maximising profitability will be shown in the latest releases of a range of programming software for sheet metal working.

New functionality for increasing material utilisation, reducing inventory and maximising profitability will be highlighted by Radan Computational on Stand 4629 at the UK's MACH 2006 international machine tool show.

As a recently appointed Autodesk Unique Application Reseller, and the company's preferred sheet metal partner in the UK, Radan will also be showcasing the capabilities of its latest software releases alongside the unique benefits of Autodesk's Inventor 3D mechanical design software.

These include the automatic transfer of Inventor assemblies into e2i - Radan's estimating to invoice manufacturing software system - and new developments that provide precise material costing information in e2i, direct from component layouts held in Radnest.

Increased collaboration with Autodesk reflects Radan's ability to closely integrate design and production processes, enabling users to simplify the way they design their products and drive them through to manufacture with reduced lead times and costs.

Radan will also be reinforcing its 'total solutions' concept at MACH through demonstrations of new offline programming capabilities in its Radbend CNC software; developments in enhanced common line cutting in Radprofile; and the launch of a series of new productivity tools in both its Radpunch and Radprofile applications.

In addition, the company is running a promotional offer to supply a high specification laptop computer free with every Radan system order taken at the show.

Further Radan developments to be featured at MACH include the ability to define, store and retrieve tooling templates that specify the required tool blow combinations to be used whenever particular geometry is programmed.

This is backed by new heat avoidance options for all types of profiling machines and improved parts removal and unloading capabilities.

Support for ACIS 14 allows direct importation of latest ACIS 3D models.

In addition, native Autodesk Inventor files can be transferred directly into the system, along with an extended range of popular 3D file formats - including Parasolid, CATIA V4 and V5, SolidWorks, Unigraphics, SolidEdge, VDA-FS and Pro/E.

Upgrades to Radan's software user interface and working environment include enhancements to auto-dimensioning, easier set up sheet and nesting report generation, and more effective DNC flow control.

Furthermore, Radan's support for Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) provides simplified handling of macros, improves integration with third party software, and enables users to easily customise their working environments to individual requirements.

* About Radan - Radan, Alphacam, Jobshop, Pathtrace and Cabinet Vision are principal brands of Planit Holdings.

The organisation's product range encompasses design to manufacturing applications and Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions for companies operating throughout the metal, woodworking, stone and sheet metal manufacturing sector.

In addition, Planit International offers leading retail design software.

The group is a multi-million pound global business, with operations in Europe, the Americas, Taiwan and Japan, as well as a network of approved distributors and dealers throughout North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa and the Pacific Rim.

* Radan (Planit Holdings) at MACH 2006, NEC, Birmingham, UK, May 15-19, Hall 4, Stand 4629.