Automated Sheet Metal Batch Unfolding
Blog Post 9.02.01 - Automatically Resize Parts Based on Standard Bending Processes
Automatically process daily production with the automated resizing of sheet metal CAD models based on standard bending processes. Read More ...
Global Edge Video Blog-9.02
Automatically Resize Parts Based on Bending Parameters
Global Edge Engineering Assistant provides functionality to perform batch unfolding of SolidWorks Sheet Metal CAD models into DXF Flat Files. This includes the automated resizing of the sheet metal CAD model based on the bending machine the part will be routed to. Additionally, this process includes Manufacturability Testing of each sheet metal part determine if they can be successfully fabricated on each of your bending machine tools. Global Edge Engineering Assistant incorporates the automated generation of Extended Data that is added to each DXF Flat File to include the following information to facility Automated CAM Bending Program Generation:
- Material
- Material Thickness
- Bend Radius
- Bend Lengths
- Bend Angles
- PEM Hole Sizes / Locations
- Cutouts / Embossments / Louvers
- Machine Tool Bend Processes
Global Edge Engineering Assistant includes the capability to define Machine Bend Processes that match the capabilities of your shop floor bending machines / tooling. As the software processes sheet metal parts, Global Edge Engineering Assistant matches the appropriate bend process with the CAD part parameters of each sheet metal parts. The following is an example of a bend process for a Stainless Steel (304-4) sheet metal part with a thickness of 0.07812 and a bend radius of 0.125000:
Automated Resizing and Production Processing of Sheet Metal Parts Using Bending Parameters
Harnessing Global Edge Engineering Assistant for Intelligent Sheet Metal Fabrication
In the rapidly evolving world of sheet metal manufacturing, precision and efficiency are essential. One key innovation propelling the industry forward is the automated resizing of parts based on specific bending parameters. This technology not only accelerates production but also ensures that each part is perfectly tailored for fabrication on designated machine tools, reducing errors and maximizing manufacturability.
Intelligent Automated Resizing Based on Bending Parameters
Modern sheet metal production often involves the manipulation of complex geometries, where even minor inaccuracies in bending parameters can result in significant downstream issues. Traditionally, resizing and adjusting CAD models to fit the constraints and capabilities of different bending machines was a manual, time-intensive process. Today, advanced engineering tools like Global Edge Engineering Assistant have revolutionized this workflow.
At the heart of this innovation is the ability to automatically resize sheet metal CAD models according to the specific parameters of the bending machines they are destined for. By leveraging precise data—such as bend radius, material thickness, bend lengths, and angles—the software recalibrates the geometry of each part to ensure it is not just manufacturable, but also optimized for the assigned machine tool.
Batch Unfolding and Automated DXF Flat File Generation
A core feature of Global Edge Engineering Assistant is batch unfolding. This process allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple SolidWorks Sheet Metal CAD models, efficiently generating unfolded DXF Flat Files. These files serve as the digital blueprint for fabrication, capturing every nuance of the part’s design.
What sets this process apart is the seamless automation of resizing during batch unfolding. As parts are unfolded, the software dynamically adjusts their dimensions based on the bending parameters of the target machine. This ensures that the resulting flat patterns are immediately suitable for production, eliminating the need for repetitive manual adjustments.
Manufacturability Testing: Ensuring Success on Every Machine
Automated manufacturability testing is another pivotal element of this workflow. Before any part is routed to the shop floor, Global Edge Engineering Assistant rigorously evaluates whether it can be successfully fabricated on each available bending machine tool. By analyzing the interplay between machine capabilities and part geometry, the system flags any potential issues—such as incompatible bend radii or excessive bend lengths—long before production begins.
This proactive approach not only prevents costly errors and material waste but also empowers engineers to make informed decisions when routing parts to specific machines. It transforms manufacturability from a reactive troubleshooting step into a built-in assurance embedded within the design and production process.
Automated Generation of Extended Data for CAM Integration
Beyond resizing and manufacturability checks, Global Edge Engineering Assistant enriches each DXF Flat File with extended manufacturing data. This extended data is critical for downstream automation, particularly in generating CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) bending programs.
Each DXF file receives supplemental information, including:
- Material type and grade
- Material thickness
- Bend radii for all features
- Bend lengths and corresponding bend angles
- PEM hole sizes and precise locations
- Details of cutouts, embossments, and louvers
- Specific machine tool bend processes required
By packaging this data within the DXF file, the system ensures seamless integration with downstream CAM software. The result is a highly automated pipeline where part data flows effortlessly from engineering to programming to the shop floor, supporting true Industry 4.0 manufacturing.
Automated Daily Production Processing
The transformative power of Global Edge Engineering Assistant extends to the daily production environment. With automated batch processing, daily production runs can be handled with minimal human intervention. CAD models are imported, unfolded, resized, and validated in bulk, drastically reducing lead times and freeing up engineering resources for higher-level problem-solving.Machine assignments are optimized based on manufacturability and bending parameters, and all necessary data is communicated directly to CAM systems. This means that daily production can proceed with confidence, backed by digital assurance that each part will be fabricated correctly, the first time.
Conclusion
The automatic resizing of sheet metal parts based on bending parameters, combined with robust manufacturability testing and extended data generation, marks a new era in intelligent manufacturing. By embracing solutions like Global Edge Engineering Assistant, sheet metal fabricators can achieve unprecedented levels of precision, efficiency, and integration—turning complex daily production into a streamlined, digitally driven workflow that is ready for the challenges of modern industry.