Fold CAM
A sheet metal flat can be bent to its final shape using a panel bender. The Fold CAM[1] module of Flux is used to program panel benders. Here are some of the things this module can do.
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Compute a feasible and optimal bending sequence.
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Compose blank-holders suitable for processing the part.
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Engage or disengage ENW tools as necessary for appropriate bends.
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Engage or disengage ZBW blades as necessary where needed.
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Compute gauging locations for centering the part in the machine.
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Compute how the part is to be gripped by the part manipulators (the type of manipulator, the gripping surface etc).
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For automated benders like the TruBendCenter™ 7030 or 7020, compute optimized rotor positions, and also program rotations where needed.
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Generate NC programs that can be transmitted to a panel-bender for processing.
Flux incorporates algorithms and heuristics to compute these automatically where possible, and in most cases, you will not really need to intervene in this process. However, there is also a set of tools and operations to modify the sequence, tools used, gauging and other parts of the Fold solution.
As these edits are made, various checks (including a full range of collision and feasibility checks) are performed in real time, and you can always view the results of your edits as you work, without having to request for a recompute.
Here are some resources to get you started with Flux:
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All modules of Flux share a common user-interaction model called the Clarity interface.
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You can install panel benders from the Machine Database.
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You can use the Tool Inventory panel to import custom ZBW, ENW and other tools, and to configure the inventory of tools to match what you actually have on your shop floor.
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The starting point for all the CAM modules is CAD data, and you can get those CAD files by importing 2D or 3D data, or by drawing it using the Sketch tools built into Flux.