Modern 3D software solution for off-line programming of press brakes

The AutoPOL sheet metal software concept is a modern 3D system for off-line press brake programming and unfolding of 3D CAD files. The software consists of 3 simple steps. Import and unfold, bend simulating and production. Offline programming offers you plenty of ways to 3D Design and to import and correctly produce 3D drawings. AutoPOL’s biggest advantage when compared to other OEM software is its ability generate NC-code for several brands of controllers.

BendSim

AutoPOL BendSim is a modern 3D software solution for off-line programming of press brakes.Programming a press brake off-line gives many advantages regarding productivity and economy. The main areas where you benefit are:

Drastic reduction of machine down time
Instead of occupying the machine when programming on the controller, you produce parts while new programs are created on a PC.

Reduced programming time
Programming off-line does not only help you avoid down time, it is also faster.

Quicker machine set-up
With well documented and clear production reports, machine preparation and tool rigging is more efficent.

Less scrap
With extremely accurate flat pattern calculation, due to AutoPOLs unique methods, initial scrap parts are heavily reduced. Get the first piece right!!!

Validate productivity
Thanks to off-line programming you can discover and avoid potential manufacturing problems before the part is taken into production. Finding out in ”mid-production” costs a lot of money…

Optimize production
With smart and highly visual interface it is easy to create more efficent programs. More helpful back gauging, smart auto-sequencing and optimized set-ups are examples where AutoPOL can help you create programs with shorter cycle times.All of the above benefits are achieved through the use of advanced, but still easy to use, functionality built into the software. Throughout the whole process the user can get help selecting tools, calculating an optimal bend sequence, positioning back gauges, making efficent tool set-ups etc.

Technical features
There are many technical features that assist the user througout the simulation process.

Import of 3D files…
…from all major CAD systems is included. No extra charge.
In the unlikely event of not supporting its native format, several neutral file formats are available.
Here you can see a list of supported file formats.

Auto sequencing…
…is often used to find an optimal sequence in order to be as productive as possible. As solutions are presented, they are ranked according to the search criterias defined by the user. It is also often used to see if the part can be bent at all or if special tooling is nedded. If doing it manually is prefered, just select the bends and click bend…

2D Converter…
…is a tool to take 2D files, such as DXF and DWG, and convert them to 3D files that can be used by AutoPOL.
The modern concept of AutoPOL is based on the use of accurate 3D models, and therefore this converter covers the need to lift ”old school” 2D data into accurate 3D. Old 2D data is often inaccurate and incomplete, but with AutoPOLs unique methods those limitations are overcome.

Automatic tool set-up…
…will help you find an optimal set-up of tools to rig the machine with. It will try to create as few and simple stations as possible with the segments available in your tool library. Of course you can also manually alter the tool set-up to suite any specific need or other method you would like to use.

Back gauge fingers…
…are always positioned automatically and the part is inserted with the prefered side, according to user defined priorities, into the machine. If another position is to be used, the back gauges are easily moved using drag n drop or numeric values. There are also intelligent functions to position the part in pockets of the fingers, if available.

Tooling…
…is naturally an important part of the BendSim concept.
Setting up your own tools is very easy in AutoPOL. Many of the major tool manufacturers already have their catalogs available in AutoPOL. If not, new ones are created using templates or imported from CAD files.

Discovering potential problems…
…will not just save you from agony later on, but also money. During the whole process AutoPOL is performing real time collision detection and will alert if problems arise. Also other things, such as tool loads and machine limitations, are monitored to help avoid mistakes.

Hemming, dutch folding, flattening…
Same thing, different name. What ever you call it the methods are the same an AutoPOL support most of them.

NC-code generation and process documentation…
…is a simple click of a button and is what will help get your machine running quickly.
Simply transfer the program file to the machine, load it and set up the tools according to the detailed process documentation.The process documentation is fully customizable to fit every users need.

Unfold

AutoPOL Unfold is software for calculation of flat-pattern from 3D models created in CAD systems.
AutoPOL Unfold is stand-alone software, completely independent of other CAD platforms. It is also more production orientated than other similar software, taking into account things like material and tooling to create more accurate flat patterns.
Those are major factors in getting good production results.
The main benefits of using Unfold are:

Unfolding everything single-curved…
…means that you are able to get flat patterns from all models from simple profiles to advanced pieces with free form surfaces.

Adapt to production…
…is crucial to get an accurate calcualtion of the flat pattern. AutoPOL will, in contrast to many others, take things like material and machine tooling into account.

Stand-alone and independant…
…means that you do not have to bother what other CAD/CAM software you encounter. They can all output files that you can use.

Output ready for production.
All the output from Unfold is ready for production, meaning that no additional input is needed.
The pattern contains bend lines, angles, tool info etc. and is CAD/CAM software friendly and user configurable.

Quick to learn and use.
AutoPOL Unfold is a piece of software that is very easy to learn and use.
The user interface is very intuitive and self explaining. Actually very little computer skills are needed…

Technical features
Below you will find a short description of the main technical features of AutoPOL Unfold

Import of 3D files…
…from all major CAD systems is included. No extra charge.
In the unlikely event of not supporting its native format, several neutral file formats are available.
Here you can see a list of supported file formats.

Worlds most comprehensive unfolder…
…with both automatic and advanced mode.
The unfolding function is able to unfold even the most complex free-form surfaces as long as they are single-curved. It can even make partial unfoldings from a single model.

Using tool data…
…will ensure that you get a good unfolding result, since that affect the bending result. Often much more than the compensation factors…
Setting up your own toll library is easy and makes your work fast and accurate.

A material database…
…is easily created and is then used to calculate the behavior of the parts you unfold.
Unfold will, based on material, tooling and angle calculate inner radii and compensation factor for the bends.

The flat pattern…
…is easily created with all the production info you need.
The DXF output can be configured to suite different software for cutting/punching and is CAM friendly, meaning that it contain no spline, double lines, gaps etc.