HiCAD – For the entire sheet metal process chain

HiCAD offers a consistent, integrated CAD solution for the entire process chain in sheet metal processing – from the concept through to the finished sheet metal product. Conceive the base sheet directly in3-D, or convert existing 2-D data or 3-D solids - also from other CAD systems if required - for a direct, further processing in HiCAD.

• Create detail drawings of your CAD model. HiCAD allows a convenient insertion of vessels and pipe parts of various types, without requiring any additional design efforts.
• Use the sheet metal-specific CAD functions of HiCAD for an efficient processing of your sheet metal products: Adding or folding of flanges, bores, corner processing, punching or forming etc.
• Bending simulations automatically unfold the model to enable an easier processing and provide a clearer overview, even of very complex models. 
• Make arrangements for the actual production already during the CAD design phase by assigning all required technology and production parameters to your sheet metal models.
• At the push of a button, HiCAD automatically calculates the correct development, generates the corresponding drawing with dimensioned blank, and creates other production-relevant documents – such as workshop drawings, bills of materials or overbend tables. Furthermore, the cost calculation tool enables you to estimate production costs for laser cutting processes.
• Direct interfaces enable a linking of HiCAD to various CAM systems. Here, your construction data are immediately processed further, to form the basis for the generation of the NC machine programs.

For your sheet metal processing tasks you can choose between the following configuration levels of HiCAD:

• HiCAD Sheet Metal suite
  2-D variant technology, 3-D, 3-D fasteners, special functions for sheet metal processing
• HiCAD Sheet Metal suite premium
  2-D drawing functions, variant technology, 3-D, 3-D fasteners, special functions for sheet metal processing

If you are frequently dealing with cross-sectoral projects, you should also take a look at our solutions for mechanical engineering, plant engineering, steel engineering, glass, metal and facade engineering and metal working shops. Thanks to its modular structure, HiCAD can be customised and expanded, for instance, by our HELiOS PDM/PLM modules and our HiCAD extension modules, to perfectly match your individual requirements. And, via an interface to HELiCON, your HiCAD data can also be used for product configuration.

Suplacon b.v. – Industry: Sheet metal processing

Suplacon b.v. in Emmeloord, The Netherlands, specialises in the industrial co-supplying of sheet metal work. The process range of Suplacon includes high-precision and high-speed laser-cutting, punching, cutting, bench pressing and MIG/MAG welding. As an extremely flexible supplier, Suplacon always works in close cooperation with its customers - whether it concerns the laser cutting process, the manufacturing of semi-finished or finished products.

Such a wide range of services requires an absolutely consistent process chain - from the concept to the finished product. This could be realised by a combination of the CAD system HiCAD, the PLM system HELiOS and WiCAM. The sheet metal specialists at Suplacon can face great time pressure with composure, as many processes could be automated. Therefore, Suplacon has not only more time to react flexibly to customer wishes, but can also tap the full potential of their expensive NC machines.