• Easy to learn
• Many options even above the needs of the majority of users
• Does not take up large system resources
• Live updating
• Low cost nesting compared to Metalix competition

Jaime Martínez, Inspector, DHJ2 Construcciones Metálicas, S.L., Spain

MBend provides roughly 200 pre-configured machine models out of the box. If your specific model is not in the list, you can easily modify an existing machine to match yours.
You can also add a machine in MBend to those already available for simulation. A built-in wizard guides you in the process of configuring a new machine, including assigning the tools, whether from imported definitions, existing definitions in MBend, or manual configuration.

There are three ways to add a new set of definitions:
• Define all the parametric measurements.
• Import an IGES file.
• Import machine and tool parameters from another PC running MBend.
Defining a parametric frame is just a matter of measuring the machine and entering the relevant information in the template.

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“We are currently running Metalix 15 and have used Metalix from version 11. We have a few different operating and CAD systems but Metalix is the favourite with our programmers.
Easy to teach and to use, very user friendly, and some good features.”

Adrian Campbell (MD), Campbell Laser Cutters Ltd, UK
http://campbelllasercutters.co.uk

Use the MBend design module to sketch a part profile, refine its flange dimensions and angles, and save it in the profile library for later reuse.
MBend also includes a basic 3D CAD designer.

Profile Designer

Draw the profile design freehand, and then adjust the draft measurements so they are exactly what you need.
You can save the profile with a name in the library of profile templates, and then use it as your base whenever you need to create a part with a similar basic design.
When you want to use a profile from the template library, MBend shows you a preview of each saved template.

Preview of a template from the templates library 

You can edit the profile, changing its dimensions.
You can open it in the design module for adding 3D elements or open the part directly in the Simulation mode.

Editing the profile

3D CAD Designer

MBend includes a basic 3D CAD designer for creating sheet metal parts. Open an existing part or create a part based on a profile, and then add flanges, lips, cutouts, chamfers, fillets, and holes.

The post Designing Parts – MBend appeared first on 3D Experience.

“The main module that we are using is the batch processing. We usually run hundreds of parts every evening. In the morning we typically have over 95% of the parts processed. Thanks to MBend our productivity has increased dramatically.”

Eyal Azar, CEO, Micro Metal Works Ltd., Israel

Watch a video on how to use the batch processing feature
MBend can process parts in batches, using selections of native MBCAM, 3D (IGS, STEP) or 2D (DXF, DWG) parts to generate machine-ready NC files and setup reports.

You can determine how to process a group of parts and save the settings for later use as a script file.
Select individual parts or entire folders to process, choose a machine—optionally deciding to generate NC and reports—and configure backup processes to run if the first configuration fails.
MBend starts batch processing, running each part through automatic tooling, sequencing, simulation, and output generation using the configuration settings.

If processing a particular file fails (maybe because no appropriate tools are found, or because no sequence is collision-free), MBendproceeds to process the next part, and so on. When one part is processed successfully, output is generated. MBend then tries to process the failed parts using the next defined configuration.
You can manually change the predefined batch processing options.

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“I have used various software packages in the past for various laser machines and would say that the software provided by Metalix is comprehensive and very user friendly. The service back-up is also excellent and the adaptability of the software to your needs can be accommodated in most cases – well done Metalix for putting your customer needs to the fore.”

Tony Stafford, Fitzpatrick’s UK Ltd., UK

See some of the options when generating NC files

MBend can generate native NC files for most machines and controllers, including these:

• Cincinnati
• CoastOne
• Cybelec
• Delem
• Durma
• ESA
• Komatsu
• Muratec
• Toyokoki
• Trumpf

The post Generating NC – MBend appeared first on 3D Experience.

“The automatic functions of the Metalix software are very sophisticated and facilitate the programming considerably. The quality and speed of our punching work increased at least by a factor of three. Thanks to the Metalix software, we have also become considerably freer in the development of components since we now produce even more complex components.”

Gerhard Zeilinger, Ing. Zeilinger Maschinenbau GmbH, Germany

MBend provides a realistic visualization of the bending process in 3D, displaying any collisions that may occur during the process:
• With all moving elements
• Between the part and the machine, tools, and fingers
The realistic visualization includes overbend and springback.
Once MBend ensures the part will be collision-free, you can generate NC code for the machine and reports.

The video shows simulating bends on a press brake machine with 3D MBend simulation

Collision Testing for All Machine Parts

MBend simulates and performs collision detection for the part with all elements of the machine, i.e., fingers, tools, part, and machine frame. The simulation is done dynamically, displaying overbending and spring back, as well as finger movement between bends.
In addition, MBend can show the part handling – the movement of the part between bends. This is useful for viewing flips and rotations of the part and its movement between tool stations.

Tool Station Building

MBend automatically calculates the optimal tool stations for the part, taking into account:
• Available tool segments
• Secure spacing between stations to avoid collision during bending
• Secure clamping of segments
• Machine bending length
MBend looks for a solution with the minimal number of stations, and the minimal number of tool segments that allow performing the bending sequence.

You can edit the tool stations manually, changing segments, adding or deleting stations and more.

Predefined Setups

Another useful feature is saving the stations setup for reusing with other parts or in a batch script.

Video Capture

In MBend, you can grab images or record a video of the simulated hits and save them to file.
It is possible to create a separate video for every hit. You can also determine the maximum file size to create, so that your hard disk does not run out of available space.

See how to make a video capture of the bending simulation

The post Simulating – MBend appeared first on 3D Experience.

“Our new upgrade was up and running less than four minutes after installation. I am very satisfied with the new features and quality code.”

Mitchell Parlette, Allfab, Inc., USA

MBend automatic sequence setting capabilities:

• Calculation of a collision-free sequence for any number of bends
• Optimized tool station setup calculation based on tool segment availability
• Intelligent tool segment distribution and clamping
• Heel tools for overhanging flanges
• Tool rotation (when possible) to avoid part rotations
• Hit splitting to avoid holder and table collisions
• Hemming bends
• Divide and merge tools for collinear (in-line) bends

Automatic Sequencing

After tool selection, MBend can automatically calculate bend sequences, based on different properties of the hits. You can choose the sequence that meets your requirements.

MBend calculates collision-free bending solutions that are ready for production, ensuring the machine operator does not waste time and material on trial runs. If a collision-free bending sequence exists, MBend can find it.

Manual Sequencing in 3D

MBend enables full manual control of bending sequences:

• Set the bend sequence by folding the bends into the finished product
• Split bends into partial bends to avoid collisions
• Change sequences by dragging and dropping single and multiple bends into the order you want
• Use heels/horns
• Rotate the part or the tools

This video sets a bending sequence manually using interactive sequencing

The post Sequencing – MBend appeared first on 3D Experience.

“MBend software is just amazing. It helps to program the bending easier and quicker, reducing the amount of time required in the process, and improving the productivity like never before.”

William Perez, head of programming at TMP Manufacturing co. de México, Mexico

MBend tooling enables manual or automatic selection of tools, using your machine’s tools. You can save tool setups and use them for loading new parts.
MBend includes complete tool manufacturer catalogs. In addition, you can import tools and tool holders using DXF drawings or create tools parametrically.
MBend can unfold parts according to tool-specific compensation tables, ensuring precise cutting dimensions for blanks.
MBend supports tooling for all standard bend types:
• Normal bends
• Hemming bends
• Large radius bumping bends
MBend lets you designate preferred tools for one-click selection according to material and machine. This allows streamlined tool selection according to your preferences.

Automatic Tooling

Automatic tool selection efficiently determines the best bending die/punch/holder tool combination based on these things:
• Tool geometry
• Desired bend radius
• Maximum allowable force
• Tool inventory and favorite tools
MBend can also look for a valid bend sequence for each tool combination, testing if it is useful for braking the part.

Manual Tooling

Manually select punch, die, and holder combinations from your company’s inventory.
During selection, the original design details are clearly displayed and MBend prevents you from choosing invalid tool combinations.
Stacking tools in MBend is easy. MBend guides your choices so you can only select stackable components.

Hemming

MBend’s support for hemming includes
• Simulation of all common hemming tools: “Dutch”, spring-loaded, and flat
• Default hemming tools per machine for automatic selection
• Default and editable pre-bend angles
• Simulation of machines with hemming tables

Example of a “Dutch” hemming tool handled by MBend

Example of a spring-loaded hemming tool handled by MBend

Bumping Bends

Large radius bumping is made by a series of shallow angled hits, designed to create a smooth result.
Flat Adjustment by Tooling

MBend performs dynamic recalculation of flat size according to tool selection. You can select one of several optional calculation methods: bend compensation table, ISO, constant K, or Rolleri formula.
MBend can preserve the original flat pattern, regardless of the selected tools, while keeping the original folded product dimensions.

The bend compensation table for steel, 1 mm: the values are in a grid according to angle and tooling (V width)

The video shows the impact of tooling on the flat pattern.

Tool Library

MBend includes complete, ready-to-use tool manufacturer catalogs. In addition, MBend supports easy creation and import of tools.
Tool Import from DXF
Easily import tools and tool holders from your DXF drawings. MBend automatically identifies all relevant dimensions (punch tip radius, height, v-width, etc.) and populates the database.
Define default settings per manufacturer to apply to all newly created tools for this manufacturer (segments/tool sectioning, heel dimensions, and tang height).
Parametric Tool Creation

Create punch and die tools by defining their parameters. MBend supplies templates that resemble your new shape, allowing you to adjust the dimensions to create a complete fit. In addition to defining width, height, angle, and so on, define segments, heels, maximum power, tang height, and up and down joints.

The post Tooling Mbend – MBend appeared first on 3D Experience.

3D IGES/STEP Import

Watch the video of how to import a 3D IGES part into MBend
Use MBend to import parts in 3D IGES and STEP formats and unfold them. When you open the part, MBend analyzes the 3D geometry and unfolds it according to user-defined parameters such as a deduction table or DIN6935.
The part can then be tooled, sequenced, and sent to the machine.

Flat DXF/DWG Import/Export

The video demonstrates how to import a flat DXF part into MBend
Import parts a flat DXF or DWG into MBend. When you open the file MBend displays a preview of the flat geometry with a layering filter. You can turn off any layers that do not hold the contour or the bend lines. MBend analyzes the information and turns it into a part that can be folded and unfolded. It can then be processed and sent to the machine.
When your part is ready for production, you can export the flat pattern to a DXF file for further processing.

CAD Link Transfer

Part transfer from SOLIDWORKS to MBend via CAD Link
CAD Link is an add-on to 3D CAD systems that links them to MBend.
3D models are transferred directly between the systems, bypassing the need for intermediate exchange files. The 3D application unfolds (flattens) the part and CAD Link then transfers it to MBend. Once the export is complete, MBendopens, displaying the unfolded part.
CAD Link is available for the following CAD systems:
• Solid Edge®
• SOLIDWORKS®
• Autodesk Inventor®
• Catia®
• PTC Creo®

Direct Connection with cncKad

You can transfer parts directly from MBend to cncKad for cutting or punching, or from cncKad to MBend for bending.
The flat part can be sent directly from MBend to cncKad ready for cutting or punching blanks, with the bend lines differentiated by colors and dashes.
After processing in cncKad the flat part can be sent directly to MBend with contours and bend lines shown on different layers, ready for folding.

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