Efficiency Of Fabrication Operations Maximized With Cutting Edge Software

Not too long ago, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines took the sheet metal fabrication world by storm

. Working in conjunction with plasma, laser and other types of cutting machines, the arrival and subsequent integration of computer programming into these machines has all but eliminated laborious manual cutting tasks. As with so many areas in our lives from sheet metal fabrication to the ways in which we communicate technology has helped make things more efficient.

Sheet Metal Software

In order to achieve the desired results, laser, plasma, waterjet and punch machines all need to be programmed according to detailed specifications. By using the latest generation of CNC laser software, cutting and forming parts from sheet metal is now an exercise in extreme precision. A level of consistency now exists that was never imagined when cutting and shaping was done mostly manually.

After programming information is entered and sent using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, a CNC machine will operate autonomously with little or no human intervention other than to administer to the occasional contingency. Any glitches in the system or issues with the performance of a laser cutting system can be remedied by sending an alert to a programmer or technician.

Plasma Cutting

CNC plasma cutting machines are very powerful tools that are CAD/CAM programmed. The intense, concentrated plasma stream used for cutting is created by ionized gas, which is infused with an electrical charge and directed out of a small opening. Though this plasma stream is very powerful and can even cut through thicker sheets of metal than a laser cutter, it is not as quite as precise or detailed as laser cutting.

Nesting Software

Nesting allows manufacturers to get the very most out of their fabrication operations with very limited waste. Nesting software integrates with almost all fabrication software. Once a file is created in 3D for a proposed part, the nesting software will convert it into a 2D format where information about size, thickness and placement of cuts and holes among other design characteristics will become more detailed. Nesting software will also store this information for repetitive production.

The reporting capabilities within nesting software is another advantage, which includes information on just about every aspect within an operation such as utilization, production, inventory, cost and even man-hours.

Nesting software can assist with everything from reducing programming time and increasing the speed of an operation to optimizing material usage. Overall, nesting software has vastly improved the production process for sheet metal fabrication operators. Its safe to say the technology surrounding the sheet metal fabrication industry is cutting edge.

by: Cornel S TerreBlanche

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