Radan launches Radimport to faciltate conversion of 2D geometry files into tooled Radan parts

The Radan Radimport software's basic function is to make it easy to convert 2D geometry files such as DXF and DWG into tooled Radan parts, either from single files or in batches, and it comes with a raft of advanced optimising features. Importing files can also be accomplished with a configurable parts list in a CSV format from an MRP system. Benefits include geometry healing; for example, closing profile gaps, and removing double lines and arcs. Text information can be transferred to attribute values; for example, material, sheet thickness and customer name. Extra information can be added to the part attributes automatically, and information such article or order number can be engraved on to the converted part. After geometry conversion, the parts can be saved as Radan parts or as an optimised clean DXF file. Information such as run time, weight and surface area can be saved as attributes in the part. For many sheetmetal fabricators the work to prepare parts for nesting is extremely time consuming. Once Radimport has created the Radan parts, the geometry files can be converted to a nest project. The user has the option of editing the quantities and other properties of the parts before creating the Nest Project. Radimport can automatically launch the Radan Nester to start nesting straight away. Radimport can also be set to 'watch' specific directories and automatically process any files that appear in them. When the MRP system writes a CSV of the next day's production, the watcher picks those parts out from the DXF files, turning them into tooled Radan parts so they are ready for manufacture. There are plans to introduce a 3D version later this year. Radimport will take 3D assemblies and files from packages such as Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks, and flatten out the sheet metal parts that need to be cut, before carrying out the same conversion and nesting processes. Radimport is the first of five logistics products being launched during 2013 and 2014. Due this year are products to allow manufacturers to provide accurate quotes, manage the operation on the shopfloor, and provide a link to other systems, such as MRP, and to simplify writing and reading CSV and other files. A machine management module is scheduled for 2014.