A leading supplier of precision sheet metalwork, electro-mechanical assemblies and engineered
components for more than 20 years, Glenrothes-based Fife Fabrications (FiFab) is using Radan and
Edgecam software systems to provide continuous improvement in its manufacturing capability.
Concept to component solution
FIFAB’S expertise extends throughout
the product development cycle from concept
design, prototype, trial and evaluation to
manufacture. The company provides its
customers with a concept to component
solution, both for low volume specialist and
high volume fabrication. The company has
found that jobs previously taking four hours
can now typically be completed in 30
minutes using Radan and Edgecam software
systems.
The Edgecam system is a recent purchase,
while Radan software was first installed in
1990 to replace an old DOS-based system.
Radan was found to be the best solution to
meet FiFab’s requirements for an advanced
CAD/CAM package with a wealth of
functionality that would allow a seamless
transition between CAD and machining.
Radraft solves the problems associated
with less than ideal geometry from imported
CAD files, with powerful manipulation tools
that convert it into fully defined machining
programs. The software examines the line
and arc geometry and corrects problems such
as gaps in profiles invisible to the naked eye
but sufficient to stop a profiling machine.
This functionality is the key to FiFab’s ability
to respond to customer requirements quickly
and cost effectively.
The company’s impressive machine set-up
includes two Trumpf TC500s, plus CNC
lathes, vertical machining centres and a
Trumpf TLC L2530 laser. Supported by the
advanced features of Radan’s Radpunch
system, FiFab has tremendous flexibility and
capability to consistently improve quality
and service across the whole operation.
‘Our continuous improvement systems,
key performance indicators, dedication to
lean manufacturing and total quality
management focuses the attention of the
entire workforce on the need to maintain the
highest possible standards of excellence,’
explains engineering manager Dougie
Smith. ‘Radpunch speeds up the process from
start up engineering through to punching
and improves our efficiency and accuracy.
We have increased output dramatically -
typically, a job that used to take us four hours
is now completed in just 30 minutes.’
RadbendCNC has proved invaluable in
allowing FiFab to import customer models
of sheet metal parts and assemblies and
march 2008
unfold them accurately. Offline
programming and simulation improves first
off reliability while the collision detection
feature greatly reduces expensive errors.
‘With many of our customers involved in
high tech industries such as aerospace,
telecoms and medical equipment, Radan
gives us the flexibility and reliability to
provide innovative solutions for a broad
range of requirements,’ says Smith.
‘Furthermore, working with expensive
materials such as aerospace-grade titanium,
our ability to maximise material utilisation
and automate nesting allows us to streamline
production and keep our costs down - savings
we can then pass on to the customer.’
Radview enables the drawings to be
viewed by the quality and production
departments, saving time and improving
efficiency throughout the business by
allowing feedback from users and increasing
overall control. Continuous investment in
world-class equipment has resulted in FiFabs’
steady business growth, allowing this
progressive company to compete successfully
against low cost manufacturers in the Far
East. This forward-looking attitude led to the
more recent purchase of Edgecam’s system
for NC part programming, based on the
forming & fabrication
positive experience with Radan software,
service and support. This installation was key
to FiFab extending its precision machining
capability to meet the exacting demands of
customers in the hydraulics, telecoms, oil,
aerospace and defence markets.
‘Edgecam allows us to make 3D models
and tool up our lathes and milling
machines,’ says Smith. ‘We chose this package
following endorsements from other users,
which were verified by demonstrations of its
3D modelling capability. The process is faster
and more accurate - and quite simply the best
tool to enable the engineering manager to do
his job. We employ a rigorous training
programme to ensure our workforce is
experienced in every aspect of programming
our CNC turning and machining centres.
With the support of advanced software
systems such as Edgecam and Radan, we can
ensure that our commitments to customers
are met every time.’
Established in 1972, Fifab is one of the
UK’s leading manufacturers of sheet
metalwork, electro-mechanical assemblies
and precision machined components. FiFab
has invested heavily in state of the art plant
and employee development, which give
added value to customers working in
industry sectors including instrumentation,
power generation, defence, telecoms and the
security and ATM markets within the UK,
Germany and the US.
Radan is probably the most powerful sheet
metal CAD/CAM software in the world,
helping customers increase their material
utilisation and reduce inventory - and offers
a significant return on investment. Radan is
a principal brand of the Planit Group -
recently ranked by CIMdata as the world’s
fastest growing CAM vendor, with most
industrial users.
Edgecam, a market leading computer
aided manufacturing (CAM) system for NC
part programming, offers a complete
solution for milling, turning and mill/turn
programming with unparalleled ease of use
and sophisticated toolpath generation.
Edgecam is a principal brand of the Planit
group - recently ranked by CIMdata as the
world's fastest growing CAM vendor, with
most industrial users.
www.radan.com
www.edgecam.com
MWP
87
To view a Ceros magazine you need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser and have the flash player 8 or higher installed. To install the latest flash player, click the icon above, install the flash plugin and then click here to refresh this page.