Radan has launched the first of a series of logistics products to complement its sheet metal CAD/CAM software. Radimport automates a further part of the manufacturing process, saving time and adding to the user's bottom line, the company says. The 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 number of advanced features to optimize that process. Importing files can also be done with a configurable parts list in a CSV format from an MRP system. Benefits include geometry healing and removing double lines and arcs. Text information can be transferred to attribute values, and extra information can be added to the part attributes automatically. Information such as article or order number can be engraved on to the converted part. After the geometry conversion, the parts can be saved as Radan parts or as an optimized, clean DXF file. Information such as run time, weight and surface area can be saved as attributes in the part. Radimport can be set to watch specific directories and automatically process any files that appear in them. There are plans to introduce a 3D version later this year, where 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 in 2013 and 2014. The next three products to be launched later this year will make it easier for manufacturers to provide accurate price quotes, manage shop floor operations, and provide links to other systems, such as MRP, to simplify writing and reading CSV and other files. A machine management module is also scheduled for 2014. . For more information visit Radan. Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.
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