A leading supplier of precision sheet metalwork, electro-mechanical assemblies and engineered

components for more than 20 years, Glenrothes-based Fife Fabrications Ltd (FiFab) is using Radan and

Edgecam software systems to provide continuous improvement in its manufacturing capability.

FiFab’s expertise extends throughout the product development cycle from concept design, prototype, trial and

evaluation to manufacture. The company provides its customers with a ‘concept to component’ solution, both for low

volume specialist and high volume fabrication.

The Edgecam system is a recent purchase, while Radan software was first installed in 1990 to replace an old DOS-

based system. Radan was determined to be the best solution to meet FiFab’s requirements for an advanced

CAD/CAM package with a wealth of functionality that would allow a seamless transition between CAD and

machining.

Radraft solves the problems associated with less than ideal geometry from imported CAD files, with powerful

manipulation tools that convert it into fully defined machining programs. The software examines the line and arc

geometry and corrects problems such as gaps in profiles invisible to the naked eye but sufficient to stop a profiling

machine. This functionality is key to FiFab responding to customer requirements quickly and cost effectively.

The company’s impressive machine set-up includes 2 off Trumpf TC500, plus CNC lathes, vertical machining centres

and a Trumpf TLC L2530 laser.

Supported by the advanced features of Radan’s Radpunch system, FiFab has tremendous flexibility and capability to

consistently improve quality and service across the whole operation.

“Our continuous improvement systems, key performance indicators, dedication to lean manufacturing and total quality

management focuses the attention of the entire workforce on the need to maintain the highest possible standards of

excellence,” explains engineering manager Dougie Smith.

“Radpunch speeds up the process from start up engineering through to punching and improves our efficiency and

accuracy. We have increased output dramatically – typically, a job that used to take us four hours is now completed in

just 30 minutes.”

RadbendCNC has proved invaluable in allowing FiFab to import customer models of sheet metal parts and

assemblies and unfold them accurately. Offline programming and simulation improves first off reliability while the

collision detection feature greatly reduces expensive errors.

“With many of our customers involved in high tech industries such as aerospace, telecoms and medical equipment,

Radan gives us the flexibility and reliability to provide innovative solutions for a broad range of requirements,” says

Smith. “Furthermore, working with expensive materials such as aerospace-grade titanium, our ability to maximise

material utilisation and automate nesting allows us to streamline production and keep our costs down – savings we

can then pass on to the customer.”

Radview enables the drawings to be viewed by the quality and production departments, saving time and improving

efficiency throughout the business by allowing feedback from users and increasing overall control.

Continuous investment in world-class equipment has resulted in FiFabs’ steady business growth, allowing this

progressive company to compete successfully against low cost manufacturers in the Far East. This forward-looking

attitude led to the more recent purchase of Edgecam’s system for NC part programming, based on the positive

experience with Radan software, service and support. This installation was key to FiFab extending its precision

machining capability to meet the exacting demands of customers in the hydraulics, telecoms, oil, aerospace and

defence markets.

“Edgecam allows us to make 3D models and tool up our lathes and milling machines,” says Smith. “We chose this

package following endorsements from other users, which were verified by demonstrations of its 3D modelling

capability. The process is faster and more accurate – and quite simply the best tool to enable the engineering

manager to do his job.

“We employ a rigorous training programme to ensure our workforce is experienced in every aspect of programming

our CNC turning and machining centres. With the support of advanced software systems such as Edgecam and

Radan, we can ensure that our commitments to customers are met every time.”

-ENDS-

Established in 1972, the company is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sheet metalwork, electro-mechanical

assemblies and precision machined components. FiFab has invested heavily in state of the art plant and employee

development, which give added value to customers working in industry sectors including instrumentation, power

generation, defence, telecoms and the security and ATM markets within the UK, Germany and the US.

Radan is the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material

utilisation and reduce inventory – and offers a significant return on investment.  Radan is a principal brand of the

Planit Group – recently ranked by CIMdata as the world’s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users. 

For further information visit www.radan.com

Edgecam, a market leading computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system for NC part programming, offers a

complete solution for milling, turning and mill/turn programming with unparalleled ease of use and sophisticated

toolpath generation. Edgecam is a principal brand of the Planit group – recently ranked by CIMdata as the world’s

fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users. For further information visit: www.edgecam.com

Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone

industries. The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the

productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high

quality goods and services to their customers. Planit’s solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and

are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe. For additional information, visit

www.planit.com

Editorial enquiries to Sue Deane at Anderson Burnbreck Ltd on: +44 (0)1242 518399 or email: sue@andburn.co.uk