Product category:
CAM and software for sheetmetal, punching, profiling, EDM, etc
News Release from: Radan Computational | Subject: Radraft, Radpunch, 3D, RadviewDNC and e2i
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 February 2007
Olympic structure design using Radan
software
Euroclad has designed and manufactured curved galvanised steel sections to create a stunning and complex bullnose structure for the roof of the 02 Arena in London using Radan CAD/CAM software
Using CAD/CAM software from Radan Computational, architectural fabrications specialist Euroclad has designed and manufactured curved galvanised steel sections to create a stunning and complex bullnose structure installed around the 468m perimeter of the roof of the 02 Arena in London The arena will host the World Gymnastics Championships in 2009 followed by the gymnastics and basketball events of the 2012 Olympics
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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With a seating capacity of 23,000, the 02 will be the largest multi-purpose arena in London, hosting music, entertainment and sport events.
Architects are increasingly looking for a wider variety of products and materials and Euroclad Fabrications is meeting that demand with its specialist ranges.
The company has worked on many high profile architectural projects in recent years including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and Arsenal FC's Emirates stadium in North London.
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Euroclad first installed Radan software five years ago but did not harness its full potential until general manager Paul Burke joined the company in 2003.
Having used it since 1987 and appreciating the full breadth and depth of its capabilities in sheet metal working, part of his brief was to develop and fully utilise the software in the design and manufacture of bespoke steel fabrications.
Since then, the company, along with associated business Euroclad Facades, has invested heavily in Radan CAD/CAM packages.
"Radan is quite simply the best package for sheet metal work," explains Mr Burke.
"It works on the simple principle: if something cannot be manufactured, it cannot be designed".
"It tells you exactly what your limitations are in terms of what you can do with sheet metal".
"That, in itself saves much time and expense designing something only to discover it is impossible to make it".
"Linked to our manufacturing process via DNC and also to e2i, it is an excellent one-stop shop a global solution that enables us to stay competitive".
Euroclad uses the Radraft, Radpunch, 3D, RadviewDNC and e2i packages.
Some of the company's projects also require the use of Autodesk Inventor in tandem with Radan, and this works very well despite initial concerns that, while not impossible to achieve, it would prove a somewhat lengthy process.
"We estimated it would take us close on two months to develop the methodology and set up the correct parameters but instead it took about 10 days," says Mr Burke.
"The overall utilisation of Radan software has in fact, resulted in significant benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency".
"Specifically with the 02 project, application of the Radan/Inventor packages enabled us to achieve a new level in our capabilities".
In developing the software for its own projects, Euroclad has seen measurable improvement both in manufacturing times and in efficiency on the shop floor.
"The ease with which we can trace an original programme in order to re-manufacture something makes a huge difference both in time and expense," says Mr Burke.
"And with all the work done at the front end, the intuitiveness of the system means that skilled personnel can be used more effectively".
For the 02 Arena project, Euroclad Architectural Fabrications teamed up with Euroclad Facades in the manufacture of 95 x 5m sections of curved galvanised steel, each one different from the others.
Built at ground level, they were then jacked up 10m and finished with 760 individual Alpolic/fr skin elements.
The whole structure was then lifted into position 40m above the ground.
The aluminium composite Alpolic/fr material, comprising two .4mm layers of aluminium sandwiching a polymer thermal core, was cut using Inventor and PanelBuilder software.
A combination of technical expertise, specialist machinery and innovative CAD/CAM from Radan has enabled Euroclad to provide a stylish and functional bullnose solution for the arena.
A CNC-controlled, four roll plate bending machine has extended the range of radii of curved metal profiles that can be processed by Euroclad.
Particularly suitable for high volumes, it can produce almost any curve from simple half circle bullnoses to elliptical shapes, and offers excellent repeatability.
Capable of accommodating sheet lengths of up to 3m, the machine has infinitely variable speed drive and roller adjustment.
CAD detailing is transferred efficiently and seamlessly using the Radan CAM/Panel Builder software to the CNC fabrication machinery.
This ensures that the most detailed designs are accurately translated into precision-engineered finished product and that these are available on very short lead times.
From receipt of enquiry or order to final assembly of the parts, Euroclad uses the purpose-designed software to ensure the highest quality products available.
Allowing 3D modeling of proposed details to allow parametric on screen design, it offers clearly identified manufacturing options available and ensures total accuracy in transforming drawings into manufactured products.
"Keeping track and managing cost throughout the design and manufacturing process is critical to the success of our business," concludes Mr Burke.
"Radan's e2i (estimate to invoice) multipurpose management system enables us to integrate all our activities from initial enquiry for a contract, through the quotation and production stages to final delivery and payment". Request a free brochure from Radan Computational ...
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