Vero Software’s Radan 2018 R2 sheet metal programme includes updated functionality that enables users to have a greater degree of manual control when needed. It also provides automation tools for improving productivity. While Radan 2018 R2 continues to provide important automation tools for improving productivity, according to company officials, users’ knowledge and experience of a company’s components can address certain specifics that are often unique to their own manufacturing procedures.

One such new tool is Grid Nesting, which gives additional flexibility for users wanting to create or manipulate a nest manually. For example, if a sheet isn’t completely full, users can let the automatic nester take over, or, if they have a clear idea of what they want to do, this new function provides a simple way of filling a space with a particular part. Users can even stipulate the direction they want individual parts nested in.

Because plasma cutting generates high heat, users may need to reverse the cutting direction of the machine. Reverse Cutting Direction is another example of providing additional user control. This new functionality is particularly important for CNC plasma-cutting tools, where working thicker material often generates considerable heat, which can cause the metal to distort. With this feature, the challenge can be resolved with a single mouse click to simply reverse the cutting direction on certain areas of the material where there might be an issue.

A major automation update provides an improved way of calculating the most effective remnants. Previously, the operator had to manually choose the shape of the remnant – a square or rectangle – but the Improved Remnant Handling function reportedly ensures that the best possible option is always cut.

Picker Arm Movement provides additional automation on the machine tool. With this function, Radan predicts the best way to handle a part. This shifts responsibility away from the user.

The programme’s Production Pack feature saves time by eliminating the manual process for each nest. The user may use this feature by clicking a mouse to introduce additional information into the pack. The programme produces the pack automatically for any number of nests.

An updated set of Automation Options enables users to create templates to specify steps. Previously, these had to be set up manually. This feature applies to all parts without the need for the user to change anything manually.

DIN Unfolding enhances the way a part is unfolded and places more emphasis on the designer’s intentions, particularly regarding the importance of the radius, according to the company.

Other improvements to the Bend Sequence Templates allow information to be brought in detailing where joggles and hems should occur. Show Unfold Dimensions is an onscreen overview showing the key dimensions of the blank. It also appears on all reports so operators can readily check they have the correct part, streamlining the shopfloor process. The new Auto-Cut Review function provides assisted automation for more complex parts. Clone Change Points is a way of duplicating manual changes. A number of updates to Radan’s Logistics suite include giving users three different options on how they calculate the cost of material used to make an individual part. A workflow enhancement to import parts from CSV files into quotes and orders leads to a more streamlined process.

Finally, Batch Bending reduces the number of mouse clicks, by introducing all single part 3D files into the module.

The theme of Radan 2018 R2 has been balancing the quest for automation to improve productivity even further, with quick, manual options to give an extra degree of flexibility where required.

For further details contact Stillam CNC Programming Solutions on TEL: 011 663 2600 or visit www.stillam.com