Ardis optimization software from Eurosoft integrates easily with all design software that creates a cut list output. In addition, Ardis provides seamless data transfer to all makes of beam saws, and offers enhanced label printing capability. Eurosoft has extensive experience assisting IT departments with all integration and implementation issues.
Eurosoft, Inc offers a variety of solutions and tools for the ARDIS cutting optimizer software. These enhancements are designed to take advantage of actual production requirements and tolerances, as well as factors on the shop floor. In addition to several functions that improve yield, workflow and overall shop efficiency, Eurosoft offers label printing software with optional 2D barcodes and functions that address special production requirements, like perfect grain. Enhancements are fully integrated into the core ARDIS software, which means they are easy to use and install. Please visit our website at www.eurosoftinc.com to learn more about ARDIS enhancements.
If there is one persistently frustrating aspect of cutting plastic sheets, it is figuring out what to do with the 
remnants. How do you decide what remnant size is worth keeping? How do you organize your remnant inventory? How in the world are you going to find these pieces again when you need them?
In the struggle to answer these questions another important aspect of many cutting operations is often ignored: optimization. Saving and logging remnant pieces is a great way to improve your bottom line, but it is a “post process” method of increasing efficiency and only works if the remnants can be properly logged and recovered when needed.
Optimization increases efficiency before the first sheet is even cut. In its most basic form, an optimizer calculates how to maximize material yield based on your raw material sizes and your cut list parts. Most modern optimizers also take advantage of machine parameters such as stack (or book) height and can link to computerized CNC equipment. Some can be set to optimize factors besides material yield, such as material cost, machine operating time and labor costs.
So which aspect deserves more focus? Using an optimizer in its yield mode increases yield and reduces the number of remnants. That means the remnants do not pile up as quickly and there is more time to effectively manage a smaller scrap inventory, something the optimizer can help you with as well.
From Modern Woodworking Magazine:
For Top Drawer Components, it’s not about moving as much material through the plant as possible. It’s about how to maximize the efficiency of your cutting operations and reduce waste while increasing accuracy and improving margins on the drawers it makes.
The dovetail drawer manufacturer serves kitchen cabinet and furniture manufacturers nationwide from its 30,000-sq.-ft. plant in Apache Junction, Ariz. Calculating yield used to be a real headache for the company.
“We used to have a cumbersome optimization process installed,” says Brian Emerson, president. “It all had to be done by hand. Our biggest problem was our operators setting the rip fence on the panel saw at 3/8” rather than 5/8”, which led to a lot of parts that were the wrong size.”
Emerson took drastic measures and completely revamped his production process. He purchased Eurosoft’s ARDIS optimization software, and says the program now drives the company’s entire manufacturing process.
“We use it to cut our drawer bottoms and for generating our rip lists for drawer side material for use with our Selco EB100 CNC panel sizing center,” says Emerson. “We also use it to optimize all of our linear cutting on our Grecon OptiCut 104 optimizing saw. Once the job order is entered in the software, the program tells me how many pieces of material I need to put in front of the saw in order to cut up the day’s work into drawer parts. Basically, it handles most of our production process.”
Emerson says the time savings and accuracy provided by the ARDIS software were significant over the company’s previous manual optimizing calculations and production methods.
“I have to say that it has cut our preparation time for the day’s work by as much as 75 percent,” says Emerson. “The biggest boon for us has been that everything is consistently the right size because now the parts are being cut on a computerized saw and there is no manual entering anywhere. The only time we have a part that is cut incorrectly is if somebody put it in the order system wrong.
“Since we switched over to using the ARDIS software, we have improved our material costs by 15 percent as we have tweaked the program to do what we want it to do. Our material costs used to be close to 50 percent of product sold. Now, we are down in the 33-percent to 35-percent range.”
An ARDIS advanced training session will be held at our offices in Cary, NC on Sept 26-28. Register via our website today to reserve a seat!
A training class will be held in Winnipeg, MB during the week of June 18, 2007.
Contact Us for details.
Check out our ads in the following industry publications:
Wood & Wood Products(W&WP) - Feb: pg103
Furniture Design and Manufacture(FDM) -Mar: pg104
Plastics Design & Fabrication(PD&F) - Mar/Apr: pg44
and look for us in:
PD&F May/Jun issue
W&WP May
FDM Jun
We'd like to extend our thanks to the trainee's who braved airport delays and the muggy North Carolina weather to attend our training session. We wish all of you the very best of luck, and hope that you will put the skills you learned to use back at home.
Those of you not able to attend this time, no worries, an ARDIS training class is being planned for later this year. Check back soon for details.
ARDIS training class March 2007Just a little something we sent out to the magazine guys. Here it is for your enjoyment.
-The ARDIS Cutting Optimizer can print part labels in real-time with multiple barcodes and machining information including detailed part drawings. To achieve perfect synchronization with the cutting process the ARDIS label printing software can be installed directly on (or connected to via cable) almost any state-of-the-art panel saw.
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March 19-21: 3 day training session:(beginners - advanced)
Location: Cary, NC
March 29-30: Mid-Atlantic Expo - Free Registration Available!
Location: Edison, NJ
