Hexagon advances Radan automation to reduce sheet metal programming effort 

• Cycle time estimates at import help programmers assess production time earlier.
• Improved part marking and order allocation strengthen traceability across mixed-order nests.
• FABTECH demonstrations will include selected press brake programming and simulation workflows.

Hexagon is showcasing developments in Radan at FABTECH that help sheet metal fabricators reduce manual preparation, plan production, and keep parts linked to the right orders. Alongside updates to Radan CAD/CAM and complementary Designer Sheet Metal capabilities, visitors can explore selected press brake programming and simulation workflows. 

The focus is on the work that determines how efficiently a job reaches production, from assessing cycle times when parts are imported to maintaining order information through nesting and providing clear instructions for the shop floor.

“Fabricators need to respond to changing orders without programming becoming a bottleneck or machines waiting for work,” said Rob McConnell, Director of Product Management at Hexagon’s Production Software division. “Radan combines support for different machines and fabrication processes with the detail each job requires. When identical parts belong to different orders, that distinction needs to survive nesting. When a programme reaches the shop floor, the operator needs clear instructions. Our focus is on reducing the manual work involved in getting those details right.”

Customer experience shows the value of automation

US custom truck body and trailer manufacturer Stonewell Bodies illustrates the value of connecting design and fabrication. Through a custom integration between DriveWorks and Radan, the company automated part processing and nesting. Chief Engineer Robert Eckert reports savings of up to 30 minutes per part and a 15% reduction in material waste from that established implementation.

Earlier production information and clearer traceability in Radan

Radan can calculate cycle times as parts are imported, using the currently active machine tool. This gives programmers earlier visibility of estimated production time. For fabricators nesting identical parts across several orders, fixed-part allocation assigns each nested part to a specific order line, improving reporting accuracy and feedback to external systems.

Enhanced marking supports a scannable Data Matrix or QR code alongside human-readable text, with separate content for each. Automatic placement finds a suitable location while avoiding other geometry. In order mode, marks that conflict with tooling features are withheld from cutting, helping avoid incomplete codes and damage to adjacent parts. 

Less manual preparation in Designer

Complementary Designer capabilities simplify preparation through direct drag-and-drop import and automatic recognition of imported hole geometry. Improved thickness matching supports unfolding where design and manufacturing thicknesses differ, including work exchanged between metric and imperial environments. These capabilities depend on the Designer products and modules licensed. 

Exploring press brake programming and simulation

At FABTECH, Hexagon will demonstrate selected workflows for preparing and checking press brake operations, including bend sequence editing, collision feedback and tooling simulation. Demonstrations will also show how part identification and setup information can support operators on the shop floor.

Some demonstrated capabilities are previews of forthcoming software updates. Hexagon can advise visitors on currently available functionality and deployment options for their production requirements.  

Across these workflows, Hexagon helps programmers make production decisions with clearer information and resolve practical questions before work reaches the machine.

Visitors to FABTECH can see Radan at booth C6048.

For more information on Radan and other Hexagon Production Software products, visit hexagon.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  
Sarah Walton, Global PR Lead at Hexagon's Production Software division, + 44 (0) 7586 446 424, [email protected]