The 2018 R2 release of sheet-metal software Radan, includes newly developed functionality that gives users a greater degree of manual control whenever flexibility is required for certain aspects of their individual production processes.

According to the company, while full automation is ideal for simple parts, and plays an important role in manufacturing complex components, there is often the need for some complementary manual input. As a result, the company has added several more focused tools that allow users to better control this requirement.
One such tool is ‘Grid Nesting’, which gives additional flexibility for users wanting to create or manipulate a nest manually. For example, if a sheet is not completely full, users can either let the automatic nester take over or, if they have a clear idea of what is required, deploy Grid Nesting to provide an easy way of filling a space with a particular part. Users can even stipulate the component nesting direction. The previous version allowed users to manipulate automation to get the required result, but Grid Nesting achieves it much faster.
Moving on to new automation functions, a major update is an improved way of calculating the most effective remnants. Previously, the operator had to manually choose the shape of the remnant – square or rectangle – but the ‘Improved Remnant Handling’ function ensures the best possible option is always cut.
Another newly developed function, ‘Picker Arm Movement’, provides additional automation on the machine tool. Automated systems which manipulate the part after it is cut are becoming increasingly popular, even for large, complex components; Radan now automatically predicts the best way to handle the part, so the operator does not have to make that decision.
For further information www.radan.com

A cutting-tool distributor has reduced a customer’s machining cycle on a complex aerospace component from 4 hours 20 minutes to just 93 minutes, by programming it with Edgecam.

It was part of the technical solutions programme from Advanced Cutting Tools (ACT), where the company optimises customer machining strategies. The technical solutions programme is a partnership with Vero Software’s CAM package, Edgecam.
ACT owner and managing director Michael Richardson says the company now provides its customers with machining strategies and Edgecam CAM programming for specific parts. “Our philosophy is that the cutting tool you buy from us isn’t important, but what you do with it, is. So we look at the components our customers want to produce with the cutting tools, and what they’re looking to achieve with them. That may include increased productivity, greater efficiency or faster machining cycles. In many cases we’ll suggest changes to the strategies and give them an Edgecam program for optimum machining of the part.”
To ensure that the cutting tools are always implemented with the correct CAM strategies, two ACT employees have recently undertaken a four-day Edgecam training course, one of whom is Mark Ranft. “We introduce Edgecam to our customers whenever we believe that there’s an opportunity to improve their manufacturing process,” he says. “It gives our technical department considerably more depth and means we can offer an important added-value service, giving us a serious competitive edge.”
Ranft programs parts on Edgecam at customer premises, and says they can instantly see the benefits. “We’ve recently carried out a job where Edgecam reduced a cycle time by more than half, from 25 minutes to 12 minutes.”
For further information www.edgecam.com

NCG CAM Solutions has released the latest version (v16.0) of its NCG CAM software.

This major release includes a number of new features, including: selected surface machining for waterline passes; combined passes for waterline and constant step-over; tangential extension for raster passes; five-axis flank machining; and many user-interface functions and enhancements.
Selected surface machining for waterline passes provides the ability to machine up to the surface edges without the need to create a boundary, in the same way as can be selected for shallow raster, radial and spiral strategies.
Retaining the waterline theme, a further new routine is available that allows the creation of waterline passes between the upper angle of 90° down to a specified lower angle. Constant step-over passes are then created to ‘fill in’ the shallow areas between the specified lower angle and 0°. Linking is a single operation from the top down, so that the linking order is a combination of waterline, constant step-over, waterline, and so on. This strategy will give a smoother finish because it allows the machining to be done in one operation, avoiding the problem of cutter wear.
In previous software versions, extending raster passes would allow the cutter to roll over the edge. Now, a new extension option creates passes which are extended at a tangent to the ends of the existing passes, and therefore extend the path beyond and away from the material being cut. The result of this functionality is that sharper edges are maintained. A horizontal pass extension has also been added.
With regard to five-axis strategies, flank machining is a new process that can be used typically for turbo-engine components, including turbine and impeller blades.
For further information www.ncgcam.com