Hexagon proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: 50 years of its RADAN sheet metal CAD/CAM solution. For half a century, RADAN has been in continuous development and daily production use, consistently proving its value and adaptability within the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.
A Legacy of Innovation and Trust
First conceived in 1976, RADAN emerged from a clear need: to enable offline verification of punch press programs before costly material reached the machine. This foundational focus on practical problem-solving has been a constant driver throughout its five-decade evolution. RADAN has consistently adapted to new machine technologies and shifting supply chain dynamics, maintaining its relevance by offering manufacturers dependable preparation solutions in a complex environment.
Olaf Körner, Product Manager at Hexagon’s Production Software Division, emphasizes this longevity: “RADAN has remained relevant because it continually adapts to manufacturing reality. As machines become more capable, material costs more volatile and skill availability more uncertain, manufacturers need dependable preparation they can rely on, not disruption.”
Comprehensive Functionality for Modern Demands
RADAN provides extensive support for essential sheet metal fabrication workflows, including punching, profiling, nesting, and bending, across a diverse range of production environments. The solution integrates preparation, costing, and verification within a unified application, streamlining the entire manufacturing process. Users benefit from flexible part import options, including drag-and-drop functionality for RADAN DRG/RPD files and DESIGNER Manufacturing Packs, alongside bulk import capabilities via CSV files.
Driving Efficiency and Repeatability
A cornerstone of RADAN’s enduring success is its ability to embed machine-specific logic, tooling intelligence, and verified workflows. This intelligence allows RADAN to capture invaluable operational expertise, transforming complex processes into repeatable, reliable operations. By minimizing potential errors and optimizing material usage, RADAN continues to deliver the efficiency and precision critical for modern sheet metal manufacturers.
Acaddes Pro-Tip:
For manufacturers aiming to optimize sheet metal operations, integrating a robust CAD/CAM solution like RADAN is crucial. Its ability to embed machine-specific logic and unify workflows ensures accuracy, reduces waste, and empowers a truly repeatable production process. Prioritize solutions that offer deep machine intelligence and comprehensive process linking for maximum efficiency and sustained competitiveness.