Add Para-Flex profile library
How to add, set and use profiles in Para-Flex 25.6
In the manufacturing industry, not only sheet metal is used. Profiles such as steel tubes, aluminum L-profiles, wooden beams, skirting boards and trim are found in almost every project. Since Para-Flex 25.6, it has been possible to add additional material libraries. With its own profile and beam library, Para-Flex becomes more versatile and these components can be used in cut lists, reports and optimizations within trade lengths.
This article tells you how to easily link and use a profile library.
Why a profile library?
Adding a profile library allows:
- automatically include profiles in saw lists
- manage different materials such as steel, aluminum and wood
- Optimize profiles based on available trade lengths
- Extend existing catalogs and workflows within IronCAD and Para-Flex
As of version 25.6.1.5, much has been prepared. The roadmap is simple:
- Link the profile database
- Adjust optimization settings if desired
- Expand the database as desired
Linking profiles database
A ready-to-use profiles database (.mdb) is supplied with this article. It contains various material types such as steel, aluminum and wood.
Download and places
- Download the .mdb file
- Place the file in the Para-Flex database folder
Default location when installing on one computer: C:Para-FlexDB
Set location in Para-Flex
- Go to Settings and open the Para-Flex tab
- Select the profiles database here
Restart IronCAD and Para-Flex so that the new database is loaded. From then on, the database access button has a drop-down menu to easily select the correct profile type.
Customize optimization settings
After installing Para-Flex, a profile optimization process called ProfileMetalCutting is automatically created. Its settings can be adjusted. Go to: Options -> Settings -> Optimization
Here you can set the following, among other things:
- desired cuts
- leftover pieces
- material-dependent optimization settings
In the list, for example, choose the Profile Nesting process, depending on the materials used.
Using profiles library in IronCAD and Para-Flex
The database provided can be expanded. Here the following points are important.
1. Cutting size for profiles
For profiles, the cutting length is determined by the H (Height) value. The L and B values determine only the shape or cross section. For new profiles, use a standard Shape or an existing profile as a basis. Do not use a Slim Panel.
2. Behavior within IronCAD
Para-Flex directs at profiles none:
- thickness settings
- color or texture
These can be set freely with SmartPaint.
3. Modify or expand equipment
- Select an existing profile
- Choose Edit Material
- Name remains the same: material is modified
- Name changes: a new material is added to the drawing and possibly to the database via External Database update
4. Apply to a component
The Saw or CNC button links the material to the IronCAD part.
Processing in reports
Profiles to be cut appear automatically in:
- saw reports
- material overviews by material type
When a report only supports sheet metal, the report can be expanded. A simplified option is the updated optimization report provided with this article. This report includes:
- an overview of all profiles
- An example of optimization within available trade lengths
Downloads
The following files accompany this article:
- Profiles catalog (Metal):(PF25) Metal profiles.icc
- Wood Basic Materials including beam wood: (PF25) Wood Basic Materials.icc
- Renewed optimization report: optimize.repx
- Profiles database: mprofilev11.mdb
Learn more
Want to know more about adding and using profiles in Para-Flex? Contact our support department. We’ll be happy to help.