Product category:
CAM and software for sheetmetal, punching, profiling, EDM, etc
News Release from: Radan Computational | Subject: Radraft/Radpunch and Radprofile licences
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 November 2007
Software imports sheet metal 3D models
Large UK sub-contract sheet metal working plant chose a software system that gives it the ability to import 3D models, dramatically reducing set-up times and scrap.
KMF has one of the UK's largest sub-contract precision sheet metal and integration facilities and has become an integral part of its customers' design cycles Using Radan software in the design and manufacture of precision metal components is enabling KMF to meet high demands in customer service
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 2 Dec 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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KMF's operations include CNC punching, laser profiling, press toolwork, CNC bending, automatic welding, painting, silk-screen printing and electro mechanical assembly.
The company's production capacity includes a large Trumpf machine set-up.
It includes punching and laser cells, as well as a Salvagnini P4 Panel bender, Amada robotic folding machines and press brakes.
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As its CNC sheet metal subcontracting business progressed, Hydram Engineering updated its CAD/CAM system such that it is making more use of 3D capabilities in design and CAD data confirmation.
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Customers include Fujitsu Siemens, Schneider and Pirelli Managing director of KMF, Gareth Higgins, said: "We provide a complete subcontract design and production service to customers in electronics, telecoms, IT and power generation and flexibility is key to our ability to deliver what each customer wants as quickly as possible.
With much of our work guaranteed on a short delivery cycle, we have a team in place which determines how each job is quoted, designed and manufactured, using rapid prototyping and lean manufacturing techniques".
KMF has five Radraft/Radpunch and two Radprofile licences.
Direct link programming to the CNC production machines enables smooth implementation and rapid changes to design specifications.
The company also has two 3D licences for sheet metal design and automatic unfolding in addition to seven Radview DNC licences.
The latter, said Radan to manufacturingtalk.com, ensure fast and efficient transfer of programs to the appropriate machine tool and enable operators to view detailed drawings, nests of components and work instructions on their shopfloor terminals.
KMF has the capability to plan and manage an entire project from design through to manufacture.
Planning engineer at KMF, Paul Banks, said: "We were operating a rather antiquated system a combination of paper, Datatest and DOS and with 2000 approaching we needed something that would cope with the transition.
Radan was the only company offering an 'off the shelf' production solution that would also allow us to tailor software to suit our particular requirements".
Since 1998 KMF has used Radan software on various projects ranging from costing exercises to the initial implementation of shop floor data capture.
The ability to import 3D models into Radan enables drawings to be ready in seconds, dramatically reducing set-up times and scrap because only proven programs are sent to the machine.
Tracking customer orders and managing costs throughout the design and manufacturing process are critical for KMF to retain a competitive advantage.
With 32 off licences of Radan's e2i system installed to replace the old DOS-based set-up, the company is well positioned to integrate operations from initial enquiry through quotation and production stages to final delivery and payment.
Banks said: "Radan has enabled us to introduce a more flexible costing system into the business.
We have integrated e2i with our Opera accounting system and, with the aid of InfoMaker, have been able to create a number of reports that, along with the standard system reports are used extensively in the planning of production, scheduling and in the long term, investment planning.
We also have comprehensive 2D Radan and 3D Pro/Engineer software to complement the front end of the business and to meet all of our customer requirements".
* About KMF Precision - based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, KMF Precision is one of the UK's most advanced precision sheet metal manufacturers offering a complete design-to-delivery solution.
For more than 35 years, continued investment in the latest manufacturing technology and exacting quality standards, enables the company to match the most stringent demands in customer service.
For further information, visit
* About Radan - Radan is the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material utilisation and reduce inventory and offers a significant return on investment.
Radan is a principal brand of the Planit Group recently ranked by CIMdata as the worl''s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.
* About Planit - Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries.
The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers.
Planit's solutions are 'best-in-class' within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size world wide. Request a free brochure from Radan Computational ...
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