The right bending, avoiding waste. These are both examples of aspects that can often be improved in metal engineering. Unlike other industries, metalworkers often do not have the option of outsourcing. So what you get must be good. These are 4 tips for process optimisation in the metal engineering industry!
First and foremost is the creation of drawing rules and conventions. At the start of a metal product, there are many file types you can use. A sketch with a few lines transforms into a file generated by various CAD programmes. The diversity in the way of delivery is too great. Decide what you will and will not accept. This step is by far the most important tip for achieving process optimisation. Rules at the front end lead to more efficiency on the drawing and production side.
Creating drawing rules also affects tip 2. Metal engineering companies work in a highly automated way, but this also requires that you know what the input is at the front-end. Make clear which drawing rules a set part must comply with. If there is no clarity on this, a difference can arise between the wish and the product in practice. In a system, you can give a bend any radius you want, but to realise a bend in practice you need the right tools. This lack of clarity can be avoided with drawing rules. Incidentally, a more expensive production process is often possible, albeit at significantly higher costs.
Another thing that can give process optimisation in the metal engineering industry an enormous boost is the delivery of files in STEP format. These can be easily converted to sheet metal files within 3D CAD. HiCAD can then be used to generate workshop drawings from these files. All this requires no more than one or a few button presses.
Preventing waste is very important, especially with all the chain distortions and high material prices. Once a STEP file has been converted to a HiCAD file, you can calculate very precisely what the set-off loss will be of a flat sheet that you want to bend. It is also possible to create your own tables that clearly show which radius and angle lead to which correction. This prevents errors and reduces the risk of waste.
Preventing waste and working efficiently are perhaps even more important in the metal engineering industry than in other sectors. The reason is that outsourcing work is hardly possible. As a metal worker, you have the machines and knowledge that customers and partners do not have. The HiCAD sheet metal capabilities allow you to control machines very easily. In addition, you can be sure that the process from delivery by the customer to controlling the machines with the 3D CAD software will be optimised. The 4 tips then provide for a pleasant piece of fine tuning.