RADAN Radm-ax
Multi-axis laser technology for 3D sheet metal components
Radm-ax is an industry leading 5 axis Laser CAD/CAM system developed specifically for the general engineering, automotive and aerospace industries. Radm-ax offers an intuitive environment for the comprehensive programming of multi-axis laser or water-jet cutting machines.
By using Radm-ax, not only will programming time be minimized, the eventual cut-path will be far more efficient, saving further time on the machine. Add in the comprehensive simulation and proofing tools and you have a system that not only streamlines day-to-day production, it also reduces costly errors and eradicates the need for dry-runs.
Features at a glance
- Intuitive graphical user interface
- Extensive range of CAD interfaces for both import and export
- Comprehensive machine and postprocessor database
- Locate large parts with simplified part location system
- Automated fixture design
- One-click application of toolpath for inner and outer profiles
- Manual application of toolpath for selected areas
- Edit cut technology and nozzle setting at unlimited positions
- Total control of nozzle angle interactively or explicitly
- Create and apply technology data at any point
- Inter- and intra-cut collision detection
Extensive range of CAD interfaces
Radm-ax comes with an extensive range of integrated CAD data translators that allow the direct import of CAD drawings in their native form or as industry standards, such as IGES, STEP and DXF. The standard system configuration comes with interfaces for DXF, AutoCAD DWG, AutoCAD-Inventor, VISI, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, IronCad and IGES. Optional CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Unigraphics, Pro Engineer, VDA and STEP translators are available. Radm-ax can display the CAD data as simple wireframe, solids and surfaces or a combination of both; which are used as the source for all cut-path programming and process simulation.
Machine and database
Radm-ax contains a comprehensive database of laser and water-jet machines from a large number of Machine Tool manufacturers; including NTC, Prima, Trumpf and Amada. Should a machine not be supported, Radm-ax also contains a Machine Setup utility that allows the configuration of bespoke machine types and postprocessing information. The advanced postprocessors aren’t just limited to the use of generic G and M codes; posts are easily configured to suit different head configurations and table sizes.
Automated fixture design
Stamped forms typically need to be held using fixtures and within Radm-ax this can be done in a number of ways. One way is to import clamps and fixtures from external files and then manually reposition them. Another way is to use the Fixture Design utility to create the support fixtures using sheet metal. Simply define the number of horizontal and vertical support sheets, how they interlock - including locking features if you require them - and how they run-off the part. Once these details have been defined, Radm-ax creates each sheet, nests them on standard sheet metal sizes, adds assembly notes such as number references and creates the NC code with which to manufacture them.
Cutting-path creation
Cutting operations within Radm-ax can generally be divided into two areas: inner and outer trims. Outer trims are the external forms of the part whilst inner trims represent the internal cut-outs and other features to be machined. The basic toolpaths for these cutting operations can be automatically generated by the automation tools built into to Radmax. User interaction is available for all toolpath types to allow for manual creation and refinement. Radm-ax provides a great amount of control over how each inner or outer trim is handled; for example, creating microjoints to hold the material in place until processing is finished becomes quick and uncomplicated. The toolpath can also be edited in terms of how the cutting nozzle is angled towards it or how it handles jigs and fixture features.
Reduce machine wear
Radm-ax has a wealth of in-built features that allow for the optimization of the laser toolpath. For example, by smoothing out the toolpath in areas around tight corners or small features, Radm-ax will optimize the toolpath to reduce the wear on the machine tool at the same time; ensuring that feeds and speeds are maintained across the job.
Toolpath verification and simulation Within Radm-ax the toolpaths are presented showing the angle of the nozzle as it moves around the part. Instant feedback is provided about whether or not a specific move is possible - either in terms of machine head movement limits or accessibility. Any collisions that are detected are highlighted both on the model and via on-screen messages.
The trim-path parameters can be edited directly or, in the event of a collision, automatically corrected at any time; ensuring that your toolpath is both safe and using the optimum strategy to reduce processing time. Once the toolpath has been optimized, simply select the piercing and cutting conditions from the pre-defined technology tables and Radm-ax quickly generates reliable NC code.
NC code simulation
The NC code can be re-imported into Radm-ax and simulated within the same environment in which it was created. The NC simulation shows how the tool moves through space, allowing the toolpath to be sanity checked before any metal cutting occurs.
