Optimize Material and Labor Costs

Understanding labor and material costs across a variety of designs and well in advance of committing to production can mean the difference between successful project and potential profit loss. Cost parameters are assigned and then managed in the results manager feature within ExactFlat.

Current results can be saved, and history results can be viewed.  This allows users to compare and analyze the cost impact of different process and material selections as well as design changes or family-of-parts options.   Cost information can be viewed in a summary, or detailed results can be viewed by drilling down into individual features and operations.  Once complete the tabulated cost information can be placed on drawings or exported for use in other tools.

ExactFlat for SOLIDWORKS also includes material optimization or Nesting  capabilities.  These tools are used to automate discovery of the marker set with minimum material waste.  As with all of the digital patterning features, Nesting integrates directly with the 3D design and 2D patterning environments.  Users simply

• select the pieces to be optimized
• assign the grain line information
• execute the nesting routine

Nesting scenarios can be tested, and the most optimum nest can be exported.  Cost information for nested parts is based on actual nested data, perimeters and up to date material costs.  The optimized nested marker set is production-ready and in most cases can be sent directly to the CNC cutter for production.

Create Documentation

Drawings can be created automatically from the 3D model and 2D patterns.  Drawings remain associative. When a design changes, the drawings automatically update to reflect the changes.    In addition to the actual pattern features specific production data can be incorporated into the drawings. 

Edge Table

Edge tables allow the user to display a table of properties for each edge feature, label and length applied in the part file. 

Edge Balloons and Piece Call Outs

Balloons and Call Outs are used to help identify specific pattern pieces or features on the piece.  This data can be invaluable when helping designers communicate instructions to upholstery and assembly teams.

BOM's

Bill of Materials (BOM's) information captured in the 3D model or 2D pattern piece definition can also be incorporated directly on the drawings.   Users add these and any of the drawing features using the parameters specified in the ExactFlat Drawing Feature Editor.

Learn More

To learn more about how your business can utilize digital patterning, costing and production tools to address your on-demand product needs click on the link below.  You'll be able to schedule a time to meet with one of our experts to discuss the best solution for your needs.