Connectivity be => workshop

Other sections CAM
1

Hi everyone,

To deal with subcontracting and keep our production in-house, we absolutely have to reduce our study times.

As a result, I am currently working on a great improvement project: completely rethinking the workflow and the connection between our Design Office (BE) and our sheet metal workshop.

It's still at the reflection stage and the idea needs to mature, but here are the 3 main areas on which I would like to have your opinions:

  1. Switching to a global CAM

The idea would be to invest in a tool such as Trumpf TruTops Boost to program both our lasers and our bending machines.

The real plus: the operator would have the folding animation directly in front of his eyes, on the machine's screen.

  1. Say (almost) goodbye to 2D detail plans and move to PDM

The bent sheet metal parts would be managed directly by FAO.

We would only keep the classic drawings for the real exceptions (very specific machining, sharp geometric tolerances).

At the same time, we would set up a PDM to keep a clean history of each file and each document.

  1. Bringing 3D quality control directly to the workshop

Having the animation on the numerical control is great for the operator, but it's not enough to validate the quality of the part.

To permanently remove the paper plan, I would like to install terminals in the workshop with a 3D viewer (like eDrawings).

The operator could manipulate his part, take its control dimensions and make the direct link with the BE.

Before I dive into this, I would need your insights:

  • " Paperless " (or Model-Based Definition): Have any of you ever taken the plunge between design and sheet metal?

  • Software: What is your feedback on this type of flow (especially with TruTops Boost if some people use it)?

  • Pitfalls to avoid: What should you pay particular attention to when setting up? (Choice of computer equipment in the workshop, resistance to change of teams, management of tolerances...)

I'm super interested in all your advice, anecdotes or feedback to help me consolidate all this.

Thank you in advance for your help and have a good day!