Mr. Guan-Qiu Lu, Owner, Yi Hao, Taiwan

Metalix provides an advanced platform for cost estimation of production times and costs to assist you when preparing quotes.
The cost estimation module is available in cncKad and AutoNest. The estimation data is presented in both a dedicated viewer and generated report documents.
The estimation process enables you to view a wealth of data:
• Total cost and time for the entire daily job
• Processing time for all the parts and SubNests produced
• Detailed processing time of the different production stages: cutting, piercing, head traveling, etc.
• Amount and cost of gas and electricity used
• Cost, weight, and efficiency (percentage of the sheet occupied by parts) of material used

Daily Job Estimation Viewer showing estimation data for all SubNests
The estimation calculations are based on a wide database of technology information and user-configured parameters:
• Properties of the product: shape, thickness, material, etc.
• Machine cutting technology tables
• For punch machines: punch and nibble speeds, time for changing tools and moving turrets, etc.
• User-defined prices:
– Engineering and programming
– Machine setup and processing
– Material prices per weight
– Electricity and gas

Daily Job estimation report in AutoNest

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Ville Otranen, Reifer Oy, Finland

The Metalix job tracking add-on is a database system for management purposes running over cncKad and AutoNest. Using JobTrack you can
• Record and monitor the production\manufacturing process\flow
• Store all parts, tubes, daily jobs, SubNests, etc.
• Sort and filter all the data, and search using complex search queries
• Manage and monitor material consumption and usage efficiency
The JobTrack management tool provides a clear picture of every ordered part’s state.

For managing parts:
• Viewing all handled parts
• Finding and selecting parts from history
For managing/monitoring the ordered parts’ production process:
• Daily jobs
• SubNests
• Actual machining (production)
• Data mining capabilities for managers
• Efficiency
• Machine time utilization
• This PDF document details the requirements for SQL Mode and JobTrack.

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Ingo Kaufmann, KLARLUFT Lipow – Hertweck GmbH & Co. KG, Germany

cncKad and AutoNest offer an extensive Application Program Interface (API), so they can be tailored to any specific application, and connected to any ERP/MRP system.
cncKad includes a complete development environment for creating, running, and debugging Parametric Part Description (PPD) files. cncKad can load PPD definition files created by ERP/PDM systems.
Using the API and the parametric programming module, you create programs that control all aspects of cncKad and AutoNest operations, from part loading to punching/cutting, automatic nesting, and NC code generation. Those modules come with complete documentation and a set of code examples in VB.NET and C#.
You can use the API to integrate cncKad and AutoNest with ERP/MRP systems. This solution allows you to fully automate the production process from ERP to NC code, and feed the output back to the ERP.
Many applications already utilize the facilities that Metalix provides for integrating with its powerful software.
Read about the flow of data when using the Metalix API.

Doors and Door Frames

Door and door frame manufacturers can use a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC code in a fully automated fashion.
Metalix’s DoorsApp can be tailored to any type of door and door frame, using an unlimited number of parameters such as height, width, frame profile, lock type, hinge type, quantity, position, and any other parameter you require.
DoorsApp can be integrated into your ERP system.

This PPD template can generate a complete set of parts for building a door, with individual parts for frames and wings

Building Covers

Building covers by Garrigues, France
Manufacturers of aluminium building covers can use a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC code in a fully automated fashion.
Metalix’s CoversApp can be tailored to any type of building, using an unlimited number of parameters such as height, width, cover type, cover profile, and any other parameter you require.
CoversApp can be integrated into your ERP system.

AirCon Units

Air conditioning units by Ingenia, Canada
Air conditioning unit manufacturers can create a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC code in a fully automated fashion.
Using the extensive API from cncKad and AutoNest, you can tailor a solution to any type of air conditioning unit, using an unlimited number of parameters such as height, width, and any other parameter you require, and integrate it into your ERP system.

Elevators

Elevators by Mitsubishi-Hitachi

Home Elevators, Japan
Elevator manufacturers can use a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC file in a fully automated fashion.
Using the extensive API from cncKad and AutoNest, you can tailor a solution to any type of elevator, using an unlimited number of parameters such as height, width, door type, roof type, floor type, number of divisions, and any other parameter you require, and integrate it into your ERP system.

Busbar

Power units by Stierli, Germany
Busbar manufacturers can use a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC file in a fully automated fashion.
The Busbar App can be integrated into your ERP system.

Tubes for Bus Construction

Buses by Yutong, China
Bus manufacturers can use a dedicated app to streamline the production from order to NC file in a fully automated fashion.
Metalix’s BusTubeApp can be tailored to any type of bus construction made of rectangular, round, or special tube profiles, using an unlimited number of parameters such as height, width, profile type, connection type, and any other parameter you require.
BusTubeApp can be integrated into your ERP system.

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3D CAD Integration with cncKad via CAD Link uses the same master deduction table, allowing a seamless flow from design to programming with cncKad and MBend.
CAD Link transfers part attributes directly between the systems, flattening (unfolding) the part and maintaining integrity between the part in the CAD software and the part in cncKad.

When you make changes to the part in the CAD software, you can use CAD Link‘s update feature to automatically reflect the changes in cncKad, with almost no need to reprocess the part:
• Punches and cuts are automatically updated according to the new dimensions.
• New entities are visible on the 2D part, ready for processing.
• New bends in the 3D model are shown as bend lines on the 2D part.

CAD Link enables you to select bend compensation directly from the Metalix compensation tables and apply them to your CAD model. This ensures correct unfolding for cutting and bending.
CAD Link is particularly useful for shop-floor production, as you can design a part in the CAD system, process it in cncKad or MBend, and send the code directly to the machine.

Watch a video demonstrating how CAD Link exports a part from a 3D CAD system into MBend.

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Henk Van Nierkerk and Derrick Van Nierkerk, Directors, METALFORMERS Pty. Ltd., South Africa

MBend is an application for programming and simulating CNC press brakes to maximize production resources.
MBend enables offline calculation of tooling setups and bend sequences, with dynamic 3D simulation for avoiding collisions of the part with the machine elements. When required, all automated processes can be done manually, allowing full control over the entire process from flattening to simulating and bending your parts.

MBend enhances your productivity, accelerates design-to-production times with automated features, minimizes machine down-time thanks to offline programming, and reduces stock wastage because of collision-less bend sequences.
MBend is you need to generate NC code for producing (bending) the part.

Batch Processing

When you have groups of parts to prepare for production, feed them into the MBend automation and sit back.
MBend runs through your parts, processing them according to the strategy you set. If parts fail during the first run, backup strategies are initiated. MBend produces reports and NC programs for all the parts in the batch.

Tandem Machines

MBend provides support for your tandem press brakes, taking into account all the fingers available for gauging your parts.

Machines with Multiple Fingers

Whether your machine has two, three, four, or more fingers, MBend faithfully simulates and generates NC for your parts. MBendenables automatic and manual control of finger positioning, and also supports delta-X configurations for multiple fingers.

Parts Requiring Splitting of Bends (Partial Bends)

Sometimes, your bends cannot be created with a single hit because the part collides with the table, the die, or even the beam. For such cases MBend offers you automatic and manual splitting—bending partway, then later closing to the final angle.
In the picture, bend 6 (circled in cyan) to 90° causes a collision with the upper clamp.

Splitting bend 6 in two hits allows for collision-free bending, initially only with a partial bend as you can see in the picture, and finalizing the bend to 90° with another hit, later in the sequence.

Parts with Double-Digit Bend Count
Parts with six to eight bends can be sequenced without too much trouble.
Parts with 12 or 16 bends are much tougher. More than twenty bends are a real problem.
MBend can take your part, whether it has ten, twenty, or thirty bends, and find a collision-less solution, if one exists.

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Patrick Douziech, Garrigues S.A., France

Tube Processing SolutionMetalix software is specifically adapted for tube processing with tube cutting machines. The combination of MTube, cncKad, and AutoNest allows you to
Import complex tubes and tube assemblies
Design complicated 3D tube parts
Produce NC to run your tube machine with the best production solutions and best material usage

Laser Tube

cncKad for tubes + MTube is your best solution for tube processing with laser tube machines, both for a tube-only machine and as a rotary option on a standard laser machine.
MTube supports 3D design of complicated tube parts. MTube can import tubes/tube assemblies in all native formats including SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, CATIA, Creo, and Inventor. Based on cutting tables for optimal tool path and cutting parameters, cncKad automatically generates the best technology for your machine, including automatic common cuts.
AutoNest for tubes gives the best nesting results in the industry, including flipping and rotating, for best material usage and common cuts. 3D simulation of machine and parts allows verification of the cutting process.

Plasma/Oxy Fuel Tube

cncKad for tubes + MTube is your best solution for manufacturing with plasma/oxy fuel tube machines, both for a tube-only machine and as a rotary option on a standard machine.
MTube supports 3D design of complicated tube parts, and importing tube/tube assembly in all native formats including SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, CATIA, Creo, and Inventor. Based on cutting tables for optimal tool path and cutting parameters, cncKad automatically generates the best technology for your machine, including automatic common cuts.
AutoNest for tubes gives the best nesting results in the industry, including flipping and rotating, for best material usage and common cuts. Three-dimensional simulation of the machine and parts allows you to verify the cutting process.

The post Tube Processing Solutions – Metalix appeared first on 3D Experience.

To achieve good use rate of materials, we apply the auto layout function in cncKad with AutoNest Pro. The results are always marvelous—the joints generated during the common cut avert any collision between laser cut heads and materials.

Mr. Jian-Yuan Wang, Manager, Jaw Hwa, Taiwan

Metalix supports most sheet metal processing technologies and updates its software in accordance with advances in the industry.

Coil

cncKad for coil + AutoNest is your best solution for manufacturing with coil punch and shear machines:
• cncKad supports automatic tooling, multiple cassette layouts, special tools, optimized double hits with both cassettes, and automatic common cuts.
• AutoNest gives the best nesting results in the industry, while maximizing common cuts. The software organizes the parts with identical lengths (or with a predefined length range) into slices/SubNests. Then it adjusts the slice length according to the parts’ lengths.

Router

cncKad for routers + AutoNest is your best solution for manufacturing with routers.
cncKad supports automatic tooling, multiple passes, multi-milling, various drilling tools, and automatic common-cuts.
AutoNest gives the best nesting results in the industry, while maximizing common cuts.

Busbar

cncKad for busbar + AutoNest is your best solution for manufacturing with busbar machines.
cncKad supports an extensive library of busbar parts, with automatic tooling, part marking, and automatic common cuts.
A bending program can be generated for each part.
AutoNest gives the best nesting results in the industry.

The post Coil + Router + Busbar Processing appeared first on 3D Experience.

To achieve good use rate of materials, we apply the auto layout function in cncKad with AutoNest Pro. The results are always marvelous—the joints generated during the common cut avert any collision between laser cut heads and materials.

Mr. Jian-Yuan Wang, Manager, Jaw Hwa, Taiwan

Metalix supports most sheet metal processing technologies and updates its software in accordance with advances in the industry.

Water Jet

Water cutting machines are easily operated and automated using the cncKad system.
Water-oriented features include bridge cutting, chain cutting, and CCW/CW cutting directions.

Punch

cncKad for punching + AutoNest is your best solution for manufacturing with punch machines.
cncKad for punching supports:
• Automatic tooling
• Automatic repositions for working range and clamp avoidance
• Automatic part handling:
• MicroJoints
• Chute
• Pickup with vacuum
• Support for advanced tooling, including forming, tapping, wheels, marking, deburring
• Automatic common cuts

Punch + Cut

Parts processed with cncKad for punch + laser/plasma machines are automatically tooled and optimally nested.
AutoNest Pro gives the best nesting in the industry, while considering tooling and turrets and maximizing common cuts.

Punch + Shear

Shearing allows you to cut your sheet with scissors; i.e., with two blades positioned at a 90° angle. After cncKad processes your parts with internal shapes, chamfered entities, etc., you can shear your sheet:
• Choose between single hit and long cut, with or without clamp reposition.
• Shear horizontally or vertically, or allow cncKad to select the best option.
• Determine the bin number for the scrap or part yourself, or allow cncKad to deposit the instances of your parts automatically in a bin.

The post Water Jet + Punch + Punch & Cut + Punch & Shear appeared first on 3D Experience.

To achieve good use rate of materials, we apply the auto layout function in cncKad with AutoNest Pro. The results are always marvelous—the joints generated during the common cut avert any collision between laser cut heads and materials.

Mr. Jian-Yuan Wang, Manager, Jaw Hwa, Taiwan

Metalix supports most sheet metal processing technologies and updates its software in accordance with advances in the industry.

Laser

cncKad for laser together with AutoNest is your best solution for sheet metal processing with laser cutting machines, handling most precision laser cutting projects.
Based on cutting tables for optimal tool path and cutting parameters, cncKad automatically generates the best technology for your laser cutting machine:
• Best lead-in point with reduced speed
• Corner handling (slow, cooling, loops)
• Automatic MicroJoints/hole slicing
• Advanced piercing control
• Automatic common cuts
• Automatic fly cut
AutoNest Pro gives the best nesting results in the industry.

Plasma

cncKad + AutoNest is your best solution for sheet metal processing with plasma machines.
cncKad allows you to reach your machine’s optimal performance by enhancing your plasma machine operation and adding extra functionality.

Based on cutting tables for optimal tool path and cutting parameters, cncKad automatically generates the best technology for your machine:
• Best lead-in point with reduced speed
• Corner handling (slow, cooling, loops)
• Automatic MicroJoints/hole slicing
• Advanced piercing control
• Support for different marking options
• Bridge cutting and chain cutting to reduce piercing
• Automatic common cuts
• Multi-head support
• CCW/CW cutting directions
AutoNest Pro gives the best nesting results in the industry, including support for multi-torch machines.
Watch a video showing plasma cutting with cncKad.
Plasma with Bevel: cncKad supports plasma machines with a 5-axes bevel head, including 3D simulation of the machine and the part.

Flame (Oxy Fuel)

cncKad is a fully featured programming solution for flame cutting machines. Cutting with flame machines can be as easy as clicking your mouse.
Flame-oriented features include multi-head support, bridge cutting, chain cutting, and CCW/CW cutting directions.

The post Laser + Plasma + Flame (Oxy Fuel) Processing appeared first on 3D Experience.

1. It can be integrated on various different machines to use the same programs on the same working platform.
2. The software can be customized according to the special requirements.
3. The programs can be applied to different machines in a short time.
4. The files can be managed easily.

We have been using the Metalixsoftware for more than a decade and that keeps it being superior to the competition.

CHIH KANG (Jyh Gang), Taiwan

cncKad + AutoNest + MBend offer easy software and machine integration. One integrated solution is suitable to work with any mix of machines: laser, punch, plasma, tube cutting, and press brakes.

Part information is shared for all machines, even including nest information, when applicable.
CAM layers enable assigning different tooling in the same part on the same geometry. For example, you can have a punch layer and a laser layer.

One master deduction table is shared between bending and cutting, ensuring both cutting and bending use the correct flat geometry.

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