FOCUS ON CAD / CAM
Sheet metal parts at TCI .
“ A key benefit is the ability to edit automatically-generated nests , so that programming control remains with TCI .”
KEEPING CONTROL
U . S . sheet metal contractor , TCI , used new CAD / CAM software to reduce the nest creation process for its laser and waterjet cutters from several hours to ‘ a couple of minutes ’.
Before investing in new CAD / CAM software , creating manual nests took a sheet metal fabricator several hours , meaning shop floor staff moved onto other tasks while nests were being generated . However , a day ’ s worth of nests can now be produced in ‘ just a couple of minutes ’.
“ This makes a huge difference to us ,” said Tindle Construction Inc .’ s ( TCI ’ s ) engineering manager , Jesse McGinnis . “ We have an employee who only programs for half the day , freeing the rest of his time on engineering projects . Because of what we can do with our new RADAN CAD / CAM software , it ’ s no longer necessary for someone to generate nests full-time .”
TCI provides its customers with an array of options to complete their projects with precision . This includes design drafting ; material selection ; waterjet / laser cutting and ‘ start to finish ’ collaboration .
Efficiency in focus
Continuous improvement has always been the goal at Tindle Construction , Inc .
( TCI ) where industry expertise and the implementation of efficiency-boosting technologies has helped the company to create high-quality products since 1994 .
Headquartered in Fredonia , Kansas ( USA ), TCI is a family-owned , multi-divisional metal fabricator and specialised industrial services company working across the USA . Operating across two divisions , Industrial Services and Fabrication , the company offers products , design and planning services to a wide variety of customers .
Jesse McGinnis confirmed that some of the
46 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR May 2021