Radan 3D is a high performance and versatile 3D modelling package designed to make sheet metal design and engineering assembly modelling simple.

Based on the ACIS solid modelling kernel and employing modern parametric techniques, it provides design flexibility, and a unique 2D-to-3D method of creating 3D objects. In addition, Radan 3D allows the import of a range of file formats, including Inventor, Solidworks, Catia V4 & V5, SAT, IGES, STEP and Parasolid, as well as the creation of assemblies in the 3D environment.

The software is specifically focused on the rapid creation and modification of 3D sheet metal parts and assemblies. The system understands the attributes of sheet metal and utilises user-definable parameters for precise automatic unfolding.

Unfolding in Radan 3D is automatic and flexible. Capable of unfolding both designs created in Radan 3D and models imported from other systems, it makes flat blank development easy.

Parts can be unfolded directly into the sheet metal part editor, ready for onward processing. This enables a smooth and efficient workflow from design to manufacture.

Unfolding parameters, such as bend allowances, can be controlled independently of the geometry, enabling an accurate development that is based on actual bending machines and tooling to be used in production. This leads to more accurate flat blanks, more accurate folding and ultimately, a higher quality product.

The unfolder can flatten models, such as intersecting cylinders, producing complex profiles in the developed shape. In order to manufacture such shapes efficiently on CNC machinery where the cutting entities available are typically lines and arcs, the software can automatically translate these complex profiles into a series of lines and arc elements. The process is designed to create the minimum number of geometries necessary to make the part to the required accuracy. The benefit is shorter programs and better quality parts.

Advanced features in 3Ds unfolder include the ability to completely eliminate corner relief, or to replace corner relief generated from the model with a standard-sized corner relief hole.