Shorter Processing Thanks to Interchange
An optimal data interchange of CAD files occurs either directly via the DWG format from AutoCAD or via the two interface formats STEP for the 3D model and PDF for the 2D drawing.
In principle both 2D as well as 3D data can be retrieved.
Exchange Formats 2D/3D Model Data
File Format |
Release |
| DWG | up to and with R2006 |
| STEP | AP203 / AP214 |
| DXF | up to and with R2004 |
| IGES | up to and with R5.3 |
| SAT (ACIS) | up to and with R7.0 |
| STL | Stereo lithography |
| up to and with R7 | |
| Graphics | All current graphic formats such as JPG, BMP, TIF, WMF, EDRW (E-Drawing) 3DS, VRLM, EPS, IDF, WMF. |
Construction Clues for Bending Radii
While interchanging 3D data it is imperative to attach importance to formation of the bending radii while constructing sheet metal parts. While manufacturing a developed view automatically the deduction for the respective bending edge is calculated on the basis of the existing bending radii. In principle it has a favourable effect when the sheet metal parts are constructed sharp-edged, i.e. both internal as well as external radius are zero. Most of the time it is still not possible and not useful. In this case the following rules can be taken into consideration:
Type |
Internal Radius |
External Radius |
| Normal edging | 0,20 mm | 0,20 mm + Sheet thickness |
| Step folding | 0,10 mm | 0,10 mm + Sheet thickness |
| Folding (180°-bending) | 0,01 mm | 0,01 mm + Sheet thickness |
| Large radii | Radius | Radius + Sheet thickness |
All 3D models should have a constant sheet thickness in all edgings.
