RADAN Unveils Quoting Software at MACH
RADAN will be demonstrating at the forthcoming MACH Exhibition that it is becoming much more than the world’s most powerful sheetmetal CAD CAM system, in isolation.
As well as detailing the wide range of new and enhanced functionality in its 2014 release, RADAN, from Vero Software, is previewing another of its developing logistics modules.
RADAN will launch its universal quoting software, Radquote, on stand 4361 in Hall 4 at the NEC in Birmingham, between April 7 - 11. This new module generates quotes for sheet metal, tube, bar and purchased parts. It provides a full breakdown of costs, and allows each cost area to be altered, giving complete flexibility when negotiating. It integrates seamlessly into RADAN’s manufacturing solutions.
Sales and Major Accounts Manager Kevin O’Connor says visitors will also see there is something new for every type of RADAN user in the latest release, 2014, whether they are profiling customers, punching, 3D or 2D.
The latest software version incorporates a host of new and enhanced functionality including 3D workflow improvements, safety measures to prevent tipping on flat-bed lasers, along with strides in common cutting on punches, and support for cluster and asymmetric wheel tools.
Simulation and time calculation have improved considerably, by being moved away from NC verification to the area where sequences are defined. “Whether a defined sequence is used automatically, manually or interactively, the simulation now comes from there. In previous releases, the user had access to far less information than the software actually holds about the tools, the machine and the accelerations that are possible. Changing the location of these two functions means that every machine tool using the simulator benefits from the improved graphics, increased feedback and overall knowledge that the sequence mode has.”
Enhancements to 3D Workflow dramatically reduce the time taken to get parts to the nest. Previously several manual steps were required including unfolding the model, saving as a part and adding the right quantity to the schedule. Now all sheet metal, whether single or assemblies, is unfolded and added to the nest area automatically. This reduces the number of mouse clicks for single parts from around 26, down to just three or four. “This gives a massive time saving, while also reducing the possibility of errors.”
Support for cluster tools means they can now simply be added to the master tool file, and RADAN automatically ensures the best arrangements of cluster tools to punch a specific pattern. “Automatic tooling recognises the geometry and applies the right tool or combination of tools to punch pattern.”
And there are similar enhancements for asymmetric wheel tools as they are becoming more popular in offering alternative strategies to secondary operations for both cutting and forming. “As soon as you purchase a wheel tool you can now look it up in RADAN, add it to your master tool file, and everything is then set up for it, including graphical feedback when it’s applied.”
Scrap internal profiles: This safety measure has been introduced to avoid head collisions on flat-bed lasers, and is achieved by cutting profiles that are in danger of tipping, into smaller pieces before cutting the final shape. Instead of cutting it in one go, RADAN now cuts a grid across it first, and the small parts of the grid simply fall away when the final profile is cut.
Part of the Vero Software Group, RADAN is an industry leader in the world of sheet metal fabrication, providing solutions for the design and manufacture (punching, profiling, nesting and bending) of sheet metal products, where efficiency and material utilisation are a top priority. Improving these attributes in any company helps increase profitability. Vero has direct offices in the UK, Italy, France, Japan, USA, Brazil, Netherlands and China, while supplying product to more than 45 countries through its wholly owned subsidiaries and reseller network.