If you’ve employed a land surveyor or architect in the last 10 years then it is probable that the drawings or blueprints you have received from them have been developed by way of a CAD (computer assisted design) program. This is a marvelous tool that allows incredibly accurate measurements and lines to be produced and which will check a great deal of the mathematics of the work. There’s also many types of CAD software to sheet metal manufacturing companies too. The most efficient is called SolidWorks and sheet metal isn’t the only material with which it can work. As it features many onboard design options it is usually the preferred choice by those in the industry. A CAD system will ordinarily make it easy for a designer in sheet metal fabrication to input their design specs and then be given a two-dimensional computer model to work with. With SolidWorks a sheet metal product can actually be seen three-dimensionally, and the different options of the program will help designers to perform structural tests on the design to identify flaws before the production process takes place. In addition to the ability to asses the structure of the design, the program also makes it possible for you to test it under different conditions. You are able to try out different materials and designs and test for any eventuality until you are sure that the design is perfect. Essentially, those using SolidWorks for sheet metal projects will have the ability to take any kind of design from clients, input the data, test the design for flaws or manufacturing difficulties, and even alter the type or weight of the metal used to ensure cost-effective but high-quality results. Another powerful function of the software is the ability to create animations of the assembly process for just about any sheet metal fabrication project. Therefore training of on site staff will also be a part of the software’s functions too. When partnered with a CAM (computer aided manufacturing), an MRP (manufacturing resource planning), or ERP (enterprise resource planning) strategy, the SolidWorks design program can help to keep manufacturing productivity at optimal levels also. For instance, if a sheet metal or laser cutting business were to receive pencil sketches from a customer they would be able to quickly create a workable computer model, test the design (and if necessary improve it), and then run the numbers and the job specifications into the other software. This will then create a plan in which the deadlines for production are used to make a list of materials needed, the hours needed to complete the work, and even the purchase orders needed to get the supplies to the manufacturing facility according to schedule. These programs will also allow the business to use the onboard animation feature to instruct workers in the right methods to use in assembling the product. Access to an application like SolidWorks will help you take a design from beginning to end without the risk of encountering any problems in design, manufacturing, or deadlines. This is incredibly valuable in such a complex industry as sheet metal work, and is a reason why it should be explored as a very good option for improving profitability and cost-effectiveness. Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to Laser Cutting and Metal Manufacturing with state-of-the-art laser technologies, targeting medical, aerospace, scientific and transportation needs.
