Software Release Improves 3D Translation

Vero Software’s Radan 2015 release features more than 180 enhancements, including changes to help ensure that imported 3D files retain accurate information to resolve manufacturing issues throughout the production process. The strengthened 3D translation procedures are said to import the information more consistently. Routines that automatically calculate the thickness of imported parts have also be redesigned for faster, more accurate results, the company says. The software’s automatic face selection capability now applies to unfolding, and it is possible to manually specify the top face earlier in the process so that the visible face of a part remains scratch-free. Settings such as finger stops and tool settings can be changed onscreen early in the process, providing more user control. The central face also can be specified as above or below, further strengthening control of the hemming process.

Nesting enhancements include automatically applying rectangular nesting where appropriate for near-rectangular parts in the “true-shape” option. The software also creates a more compact nest than before and compensates for centrifugal placement that can leave a large gap in the middle of the sheet. The compacting functionality offers more off-cut areas and is used on all nests.

The software’s machine automation functions have also been updated, including enhancements to part removal. The amount of validation each “pick” instruction requires has increased. Key suckers can be defined on the picker and data introduced to the machine definition file to define key suckers that must be turned on and be over the metal when picking.

Vero will also display its all-in-one CAD/CAM suite, Visi 21, featuring enhancements to its CAD interfaces, flexible strip layout, two- to five-axis machining and standard parts libraries.