The Step-by-Step Process of Creating Product Drawings with DELEM DA-58T
Creating accurate and high-efficiency product drawings is a pivotal part of metalworking production, and the DELEM DA-58T system offers a professional solution for this critical task. Mastering the standardized drawing process of this system not only ensures the precision of metal processing parts but also optimizes the overall production workflow. Whether you’re a beginner getting familiar with the DELEM DA-58T or a seasoned operator looking to polish your drawing skills, this detailed guide will walk you through the core steps and key operational points of creating product drawings with the system, helping you unlock its full functional potential.
Setting General Product Properties
The first step in creating a product drawing with the DELEM DA-58T is to configure the general product properties, which lays the foundational data for the entire drawing process.
If you need to edit an existing drawing, simply select the corresponding product from the system’s Product Library and click the Drawing option to open it. For a brand-new product drawing, initiate the process by selecting New Product in the Product Library, which will bring up the general product properties setup interface—all parameters here must be set before proceeding to the formal drawing stage.
Two core identification parameters require careful input: the Product ID, a unique identifier for each product program with a 25-character limit (supporting a mix of letters and numbers), and the Product Description, also capped at 25 characters, used to briefly explain the program’s application and purpose. If you enter a Product ID that already exists in the system, a warning prompt will appear, asking whether to overwrite the original product data. Selecting "yes" will delete the previous product information, while "no" will require you to re-enter a unique ID.
In addition, you need to set a series of key technical parameters:
• Thickness: Input the specific thickness of the sheet metal to be processed.
• Material: Choose from four pre-set material types in the system; additional materials can be programmed in the Settings module and activated by selection when needed.
• Bending Length: Define the Z-axis length of the sheet metal.
• Dimensions: Select either outside (A) or inside (B) dimensioning for new surfaces and sides, with the default setting determined by the Default Dimensions parameter in the system’s Settings mode.
• Radius: After tool selection in the Tool Setup phase, the system will automatically recalculate the product radius; if you want to retain the original setting, select the "use programmed" option to disable recalculation.
• Bend Allowance: Choose between "use calculated" (applying the Delem formula) and "use programmed" (applying the system’s bend allowance table) based on actual processing needs.
To modify the active storage directory of the drawing, use the "Save as" and "Change directory" functions—the current drawing file will be automatically copied to the newly selected directory for convenient file management.
Creating a 2D Product Drawing
Once all general product data is set correctly, the system will load the 2D drawing interface, where you can start drafting the product profile.
The upper information bar of the drawing interface displays key product information including Product ID, description, and basic dimensions for quick reference. You can first use the system’s "sketch" mode to create a preliminary product profile: simply tap the interface to outline the basic shape, then input precise dimensions and other technical values via the keyboard to refine the design. Direct keyboard input of bend angles and side lengths (confirmed by pressing the Enter key) is also supported, allowing for flexible and efficient drafting.
This iterative design process continues until the desired product profile is achieved. If adjustments are needed during drawing, you can modify the core product data in the Product Properties section; for fine-tuning individual angles and lines, select the target element and click the Properties option to make changes. The system highlights the currently active element (either a line or an angle) for clear operational feedback, and supports graphical programming of up to 99 bends per product, meeting the needs of complex part processing.
Upon completing the 2D product drawing, you can proceed to the subsequent programming stages of the DELEM DA-58T system: first complete the Tool Setup configuration, then determine the Bend Sequence for the sheet metal processing.
Configuring Line Properties
Line properties are a key detail in 2D drawing, and the DELEM DA-58T allows for customized setting of each product line’s parameters by selecting the Properties option when the cursor is positioned on the target line. The core configurable line properties include projection settings and precision selection, both of which directly affect the drawing’s accuracy and subsequent processing feasibility.
Projection Settings
In the line properties setup window, you can program two core projection parameters for the selected line:
• Horizontal projection: The fixed horizontal distance of the line, independent of its actual angle.
• Vertical projection: The fixed vertical distance of the line, regardless of its actual angle.
The projection function is a practical tool for drawing diagonal lines: it eliminates the need for manual calculation of precise side lengths. Simply input the required horizontal or vertical projection distance for the selected line and press Enter, and the system will automatically calculate and apply the exact line length to the segment. The system labels the normal line length as L, vertical projected length as V, and horizontal projected length as H for clear identification. If a set projection parameter is not feasible for the current line, the system will display a prompt on the interface to avoid operational errors.
Precision Selection
When the drawing cursor is on a specific line segment, you can set the precision level for that segment by accessing the Precision parameter in the Properties menu. The system offers three precision options:
• Normal: Delivers standard accuracy for the line segment, suitable for general processing requirements.
• High: During bend sequence calculation, the system optimizes the back gauge stop position to achieve the highest possible precision for the line segment, for high-precision processing needs.
• Closing Dimension: The system adjusts the back gauge stop position during bend sequence computation to ensure the tolerance requirements of the line segment are met, for parts with strict tolerance control.
For optimal precision, line segments marked with an open circle are best positioned directly between the back stop and the die center. It’s important to note that setting High or Closing Dimension precision for line segments may extend production time due to more complex system calculations. Additionally, if the system’s "front extend ratio" is set to "comply if possible", the Precision parameter will take priority in the calculation process.
Adjusting Bend Properties
Bends are the core structural elements of sheet metal product drawings, and the DELEM DA-58T provides detailed bend property configuration options, including standard air bends, large-radius bumping bends, and hem bends. Each bend type has customizable parameters to match actual processing scenarios, and you can adjust the properties by selecting the target bend and opening the Properties menu.
Air Bend
Air bending is the standard bend type in sheet metal processing, and programming an air bend involves refining line lengths and angle values until the product shape meets requirements. Key configurable parameters for air bends include:
• Angle: The target angle to which the sheet metal is bent.
• Preferred Radius: The intended bend radius, with the sheet metal thickness as the default initial value; a larger preferred radius may require matching specialized bending tools.
• Computed Radius: The actual bend radius generated by the system based on control settings and selected tools. For large computed radii, a dedicated punch is either required or the bumping method can be used as an alternative. It is critical to ensure the bend radius does not exceed the length of adjacent sides to avoid processing conflicts.
When programming line lengths connected to a radius bend, the lengths of the two adjacent sides (L1 and L2) must be greater than or equal to the bend radius (R). An alternative way to create an air bend is to position the cursor at the flange end where the bend is needed, select Properties, and complete the additional parameter settings in the pop-up window.
Large Radius: Bumping
If specialized large-radius bending tools are not available, the DELEM DA-58T’s bumping method can be used to create large radii by performing a series of small, successive air bends to form the desired curved shape.
To use the bumping method, first select the Angle Definition (either the system’s default angle or the central angle, which is 180 degrees minus the default angle). Then program the following key parameters:
• Central angle: The supplementary angle of the target bending angle.
• Radius: The intended large bend radius, with the sheet metal thickness as the initial default value.
• Number of segments: The number of segments the large radius is divided into; the total number of bends is the number of segments plus one. More segments result in tighter tolerance for the large radius but require a smaller V-die opening.
• Equal bumping-segments: This parameter controls segment size. Enabling it sets all segments to the same size; disabling it makes the first and last segments half the size of the middle ones for a more refined bend effect, though this may complicate die selection. If die matching issues arise, the system allows for recalculation with equal segments enabled.
The programming steps for a bumping bend are as follows: first create a standard angle with adjacent sides, then return to the angle, select Properties, and set the Bend Type to Bumping. Input the required radius, number of segments, and segment size setting, and the system will generate the large radius in the drawing. A prompt will also appear displaying the minimum segment length, which is a key reference for subsequent die selection.
Hem Bends
Hem bends are a specialized sheet metal bending process that combines a pre-bend (a sharp-angle standard air bend) with a hemming operation using dedicated tools.
To create a hem bend in the DELEM DA-58T drawing interface, first create a flange with a pre-set prebend angle, then position the cursor on the target bend and select Properties to adjust the relevant parameters in the pop-up window. Alternatively, place the cursor at the flange end where the hem bend is required, select Properties, and configure the additional custom parameters that appear.
Key configurable properties for hem bends include:
• Prebend angle: A sharp angle (30 degrees by default) that can be adjusted according to actual processing needs.
• Hem opening: Defines the gap between the two flanges after hemming, a critical parameter for calculating the beam position during the hemming process; the default value is set by the Default Hem Opening parameter in the system’s Settings module.
The only key side property for hem bends is the Side length, which refers to the length of the flange to be hemmed and needs to be set according to the product’s design requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What to do if the DELEM DA-58T product drawing is displayed incorrectly?
If the drawing has display errors or does not match the design intent, first double-check all input parameters and system settings to ensure the accuracy of dimensions, bend angles, radius values, and other core data. Additionally, verify that the DELEM DA-58T machine is properly calibrated, as inaccurate calibration can also lead to drawing display and subsequent processing errors.
Q2: How to optimize DELEM DA-58T product drawings for higher efficiency?
Optimize drawing efficiency by organizing drawing layers in a logical manner, keeping the operation interface clean and uncluttered for quick parameter access and modification. Regularly updating the DELEM DA-58T system software to the latest version is also recommended, as official updates often include functional optimizations and bug fixes that improve drawing and processing efficiency.
Q3: How to correctly save and export DELEM DA-58T product drawings?
Use the system’s "Save As" function to save and export drawing files, and select a file format that matches your subsequent application needs for cross-software compatibility. The most commonly used formats are DXF, DWG, and PDF, which are fully compatible with most mainstream CAD software and facilitate file sharing and secondary editing.
Conclusion
Mastering the process of creating product drawings with the DELEM DA-58T system hinges on grasping the logical sequence of operational steps: from the foundational setup of general product properties, to the detailed creation of 2D product drawings, and the precise configuration of line and bend properties. Each step requires strict adherence to parameter setting rules and operational details to ensure the accuracy and feasibility of the final drawing.
By following the standardized steps and best practices outlined in this guide, operators can significantly improve their proficiency in creating DELEM DA-58T product drawings, ensure the consistency between drawing design and actual sheet metal processing, and maximize the system’s performance in metalworking production. For further professional guidance or to resolve complex operational issues, feel free to contact the official technical support team, which provides customized solutions and expert advice. You can also explore the system’s official documentation library for more in-depth operational tips and optimization strategies to elevate your DELEM DA-58T application skills.
