For companies that work with sheet metal parts, ProFold sheet metal unfolding software is completely integrated into KeyCreator 4.0. Engineers and designers use the product line, which consists of ProFold Solids, ProFold Wireframe, and ProFold Lite, to create accurate flat pattern layouts faster and more easily.
"We have been working with CADKEY, now KeyCreator, for 20 years. Many of our original customers continue to use ProFold and KeyCreator to unfold their parts," said Joe Bucalo, president of Applied Production Inc. "Translators included with KeyCreator allow our users to open the files they receive from all of their customers. Then, using ProFold, they develop the flat and prepare the part for manufacturing."
ProFold enhances KeyCreator''s sheet metal capabilities, complementing the geometry-based approach to design, and simplifies the unfolding process, quickly developing the correct flat pattern while remaining within the design file. Using information already in a sheet metal model means that errors are quickly eliminated, saving time and helping manufacturers meet tight production deadlines. ProFold''s features are also available in versions for CADKEY and AutoCAD.
- ProFold Solids: easily unfolds solid models with a click of the mouse. ProFold Solids stores your material and bend parameters in a database and automatically applies this data to the bends in your part. An interactive tree displays all the bends of the part, allowing you to fine-tune the parameters for each bend. The tree is color coded, letting you know if the data was found in the database as well as whether the bend data is valid for that bend.
- ProFold Wireframe: included with ProFold Solids, unfolds 3D wireframe models of sheet metal parts. Wireframe models may be drawn with or without material thickness. You can specify different bend parameters for every bend on the part. To save time in creating your models, ProFold Wireframe allows you to create a basic 3D model and then ProFold enhances the model by adding the material thickness geometry and creating arcs in the bend areas. Your model is then ready for the solidifying process. ProFold Wireframe creates a chart showing the bend parameters that were used to unfold the part. You may specify the K-factor, allowing ProFold to calculate the bend allowance, or you can directly enter the bend allowance to be used. ProFold Wireframe also allows you to fold a 2D wireframe part.
- ProFold Lite: entry-level program geared toward users whose parts are simple and have a limited number of bends.
ProFold Demonstration and Training Guide and 30-day trial are available for download at www.AppliedProduction.com/download.htm.