Manufacturability Testing
Blog Post 9.03.01 - Automatically Test Production Batches for Manufacturability
Before releasing production batches to the shop floor, make sure each part can be successfully fabricated. Read More ...
Global Edge Video Blog-9.03
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Automatically Test Production Batches for Manufacturability
Global Edge Engineering Assistant provides innovative software technology that allows you to automatically perform a Manufacturability Test on either small or large batches of sheet metal CAD parts. This is accomplished with software functionality that performs a complete part parameter analysis on each sheet metal part and stores this information in the Global Edge database.
The CAD Part Parameters are then automatically compared with bending machine tool parameters to determine if a sheet metal part can be successfully fabricated. The CAD Part Parameters analyzed include the following:
- Material / Thickness / Part Weight / Bend Radius
- Blank / Flat (Length & Width)
- Cutouts / Holes (Count & Size)
- Minimum / Maximum Bend Length
- Minimum / Maximum Bend Angle
- Minimum / Maximum Flange Width
- Minimum Pem Hole to Bend Line Gap
- Minimum Embossment to Bend Line Gap
- Minimum Louver to Bend Line Gap
- Maximum Up / Maximum Down Bend
- Fold / Hem / Extrude Counts
- Minimum Taper / Die Cut to Bend Line Gap
Automated Manufacturability Testing for Production Batches
Ensuring Sheet Metal Parts Are Ready for Fabrication with Global Edge Engineering Assistant
In the high-velocity world of modern manufacturing, the ability to efficiently transition from digital design to physical fabrication is paramount. With the increasing complexity and diversity of sheet metal parts, traditional manual checks for manufacturability are no longer sufficient. Automation has become essential in guaranteeing that every production batch meets fabrication requirements before being released to the shop floor. This is where Global Edge Engineering Assistant steps in, offering cutting-edge software technology designed specifically to streamline and safeguard the manufacturability testing process for sheet metal CAD parts.
The Importance of Manufacturability Testing
Manufacturability testing is the systematic evaluation of whether a part, as designed, can be reliably and efficiently fabricated using available tools and processes. Without proper testing, manufacturers risk costly production errors, material waste, and delays—all of which can jeopardize deadlines and profitability. In sheet metal fabrication, where tolerances are tight and parts may feature intricate bends, cutouts, and embossments, ensuring manufacturability is especially critical.
Automated manufacturability testing empowers engineers and production managers to proactively identify potential issues, correct problematic designs, and guarantee that every part conforms to the physical realities of the shop floor.
Global Edge Engineering Assistant: A Solution for Automated Testing
Global Edge Engineering Assistant is a sophisticated software suite that brings innovation and efficiency to the forefront of manufacturability testing. Its core capability is the automatic analysis and validation of both small and large batches of sheet metal CAD parts. Through advanced parameter analysis, the software ensures that each part is compatible with available bending machine tools and can be successfully fabricated without manual intervention.
How Automated Manufacturability Testing Works
The process begins when a batch of CAD parts is loaded into Global Edge Engineering Assistant. The software then analyzes a comprehensive set of part parameters for each sheet metal component, storing this data in the Global Edge database for comparison and future reference. The key steps include:
- Parameter Extraction: The software reads each CAD file and extracts all relevant part parameters, such as dimensions, materials, thickness, weights, and feature details.
- Database Storage: Extracted parameters are systematically cataloged in the Global Edge database, providing a centralized repository of part specifications.
- Machine Tool Comparison: CAD part parameters are automatically cross-referenced with the bending machine tool parameters configured in the system. This step determines whether each part can be fabricated using the available equipment and tooling.
- Manufacturability Verdict: The software flags any parts that fail to meet manufacturability criteria, providing engineers with actionable insights and specific details about the issues detected.
- Batch Release Decision: Only parts that pass the manufacturability test are approved for release to the shop floor, ensuring that fabrication resources are allocated efficiently and error-free production is maintained.
Key CAD Part Parameters Analyzed
Global Edge Engineering Assistant performs an exhaustive analysis of all critical CAD part parameters that influence manufacturability. These include:
- Material: Verifies the specified sheet metal material is supported by available bending machines and suitable for intended fabrication processes.
- Thickness: Checks whether the material thickness is within the operational range of machine tools.
- Part Weight: Ensures the weight does not exceed handling and bending machine capacities.
- Bend Radius: Confirms that the bend radius is compatible with tooling and does not risk material failure or improper forming.
- Blank / Flat (Length & Width): Ensures part dimensions are manageable and suitable for the fabrication process.
- Cutouts / Holes (Count & Size): Verifies all cutouts and holes are within the capabilities of punching or laser machines, and that their placement does not compromise part integrity.
- Minimum / Maximum Bend Length: Evaluates if bends are feasible given tool length and part geometry.
- Minimum / Maximum Bend Angle: Checks bend angles against machine specifications to prevent tooling or part damage.
- Minimum / Maximum Flange Width: Confirms flange design is suitable for bending and assembly.
- Minimum Pem Hole to Bend Line Gap: Ensures there is sufficient material between pem holes and bend lines to avoid distortion or material weakening.
- Minimum Embossment to Bend Line Gap: Verifies embossments are placed at safe distances from bends.
- Minimum Louver to Bend Line Gap: Checks louvers for proper placement relative to bends to avoid fabrication conflicts.
- Maximum Up / Maximum Down Bend: Evaluates the extent of upward and downward bends to ensure part can be formed without interference.
- Fold / Hem / Extrude Counts: Reviews the number and type of folds, hems, and extrusions for manufacturability.
- Minimum Taper / Die Cut to Bend Line Gap: Ensures tapers and die cuts are placed to maintain part strength and fabrication feasibility.
Benefits of Automated Manufacturability Testing
Adopting automated manufacturability testing yields several key benefits that elevate both productivity and quality across the fabrication process:
- Speed: Automation accelerates batch analysis, saving valuable engineering time compared to manual checks.
- Accuracy: Consistent, algorithm-driven analysis reduces human error and ensures no detail is overlooked.
- Scalability: The system can handle small prototypes and large production batches with equal efficiency.
- Cost Reduction: Early detection of design issues minimizes costly rework, scrap, and production delays.
- Traceability: Storing part parameters in a centralized database supports audit trails and ongoing process improvement.
- Continuous Improvement: Systematic analysis provides valuable feedback to designers, encouraging stronger designs and manufacturability awareness.
Integrating Manufacturability Testing into the Production Workflow
To maximize the impact of automated manufacturability testing, manufacturers should integrate Global Edge Engineering Assistant into their standard production workflow:
- Design Stage: CAD designers input sheet metal part designs into the system for preliminary manufacturability checks.
- Pre-Release Review: Before batch release, engineering teams run the automated test to ensure all parts meet fabrication criteria.
- Fabrication Release: Only validated parts are sent to the shop floor, eliminating the risk of production bottlenecks.
- Post-Fabrication Analysis: Data from the production process is fed back into the system, supporting ongoing refinement of manufacturability rules and machine parameters.
Real-World Applications and Future Directions
Global Edge Engineering Assistant’s automated manufacturability testing is already making a tangible difference in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods—sectors where precision and efficiency are non-negotiable. Companies report faster turnaround times, fewer rejected batches, and smoother transitions from design to production.Looking forward, future enhancements may include deeper AI-driven analysis, real-time feedback for designers, automated correction suggestions, and integration with a wider range of fabrication machinery. As manufacturing shifts toward even greater digitization, solutions like the Global Edge Engineering Assistant will become indispensable tools for competitive, quality-driven production.
Conclusion
Automated manufacturability testing is revolutionizing the way sheet metal parts move from digital design to physical reality. By leveraging advanced software technology, manufacturers can guarantee that every part is ready for fabrication before ever reaching the shop floor. Global Edge Engineering Assistant stands out as a powerful solution, combining thorough part parameter analysis with seamless machine compatibility checks. Its automated workflow not only safeguards production quality but also drives new levels of efficiency, innovation, and reliability in manufacturing.
As the manufacturing landscape evolves, those who embrace automation will be best positioned to succeed—delivering products that are both expertly crafted and produced without delay. Through automated manufacturability testing, the future of production is smarter, faster, and more robust than ever before.
Eliminate Shop Floor Errors with Manufacturability Testing
To see a demonstration as to how Global Edge Engineering Assistant can eliminate shop floor errors with Manufacturability Testing, click on the link below to schedule a software demonstration.