Import and export of many of the supported 3D file formats are now done using a common translation technology. This will make it easier in future releases to keep the software up to date with the latest file format versions. It also improves the software's ability to extract material details for setting the part's Manufacturing Properties.
This version of the software supports import of CATIA V5 R24, Creo Parametric version 2.0, Inventor 2015, Parasolid version 26, SolidWorks 2014, and Unigraphics NX 9 files.
Accuracy
Support for material names and automatic thickness calculation has been greatly enhanced which will improve automation.
Top Face
To further aid automation, the user can now specify the ‘top face’, i.e. the face that is to be considered top during the cutting and bending process.
Flat to Fold
The flat to fold module has been greatly enhanced to use extended geometry properties for analysis of the flat blank and a more stream lines process to create the final 3D part from 2D geometry.
Punching:
Tool Stations
The user can now – per tool – specify preferred tool stations. This will greatly reduce the need to configure and manage ‘standard turrets’ when using the system. Each tool station can also be designated as ‘specialised’, i.e. only tools of specific types may be loaded.
Sheet Deformation
New functionality allows automatic reduction of sheet deformation by altering the punching sequence.
Automatic Canned Cycles
This version allows users to make use of the machine’s canned cycles more automatically to reduce the memory usage of a program.
Profiling:
Undercut Lead-ins
For tight-fitting purposes, lead-ins can now be ‘under-cut’, removing the need for any manual finishing when the cutout has a tight fitting tolerance.
Heat Avoidance
A new approach will allow the user to easily specify a cutting sequence that automatically reduces the heat build-up in a nest.
Nesting:
Rectangular Nesting
RADAN’s rectangular nesting algorithm has been replaced with a version that is faster, more controllable and – most importantly – produces better results. The new algorithm is automatically applied for parts that are more or less rectangular in shape.
Optimisation
The user can now control the nester to produce more stable sheets, and/or more useable remnants.
Material Handling:
Sheet Loading
Support for sheet loading devices and manual sheet loading has been greatly enhanced.
Part Removal
Support for part removal devices such as part pickers has been enhanced to perform more validation checks to ensure more safe and reliable removal of parts and scrap.
RADBEND:
System Control:
Radbend now offers the user new configuration tools through the user interface to further optimise the bending processes.
Technology
Creating and managing heel tools has been made more intuitive and Radbend now offers more control over the hemming process.
