FastCAM TIB

Trademan in a Box

TIB is a complete software solution for the manual workshop

Tradesman in a Box software is ideal for hand cutting - Oxy or Plasma. We have experience in the development of shapes for all the different segments in the heavy engineering market, from simple Cones and Mining Buckets to complete Hydro-Electric Pen Stock type developments. We work in true thick plate computations and our software is purpose built for Boilermakers, Draftsmen and Engineers.

Want DXF output? Read about FastSHAPES® »

This large bifircate is just one example of the heavy shapes our system can handle with ease

This square to round transition was completed in minutes

TIB Brochure

Tradesman in a Box ^TM is designed for operation on the shop floor, to aid in laying out patterns and complex developments. Based on our reputable and famous FastSHAPES® & FastCAM® CNC programming systems, TIB is geared entirely for the workshop that does not have CNC/NC machinery or does not have a need for complete CNC automation when working with transitions. Workshops who just want a fast and simple method to layout flat patterns for heavy engineering. The program is ideal for semi-skilled tradespeople.

Tradesman in a Box will easily handle any number of thick plate transitions for hand cutting: There is 20 shapes in the 'library': Common Shapes - Rectangle to Round, Elbow, Pipe Branch, Cone and similar. Power Transmission - Chain Sprocket, Universal Sprocket, Rack & Pinion, Involute Gears. Complex Shapes - Tapered and transforming Lobsterback Bends, Offset & mitred transformers and more.

Output is in printed format allowing the person on the shop floor to layout from a list of co-ordinates. The detailed printout makes it simple to loft and cutout by hand, or printout at a 1:1 scale and use with an Optical Machine.

Complete system. No extra software required. Easier than CAD.
THICK PLATE development calculations with material usage for cost estimate. Inch and Metric.
Full manufacturing details ie. bend lines, bend angle, longitudinal seam offsets, 'green' allowance for forming. Caters for optimized seam locations.
Full 3D viewing of developed shapes.
Full printouts including flat pattern for manual markout.
Output to a plotter for exact scale plots for optical trace type machines.

FastSHAPES® lets you develop the most complex shapes in minutes, model the item in 3D and provides complete data including Cut Distance, Marking Distance and Mass of Cut Components and Parts List. To create a development you simply choose your 'shape', input your dimensions and create an instant 'fabrication ready' pattern with 3D view. You can then import the DXF data file into FastCAM® or your preferred CAM system for editing or nesting (if required). FastSHAPES® will also produce both a plotted pattern output for optical tracing machines and a printed coordinate listing in X,Y, for manual lofting of the patterns in the workshop or on site.

FastSHAPES® is much easier than CAD. It has uncomplicated user-friendly screens however it does presume a working knowledge of fabrication techniques and basic development skills (typically a tradesman or semi-skilled tradesman in a plate fabrication shop). FastSHAPES screen shots showing sample range of shape developments

FastSHAPES® programs can be purchased indvidually covering Common Blowpipe, Power Transmission and Heavy/Complex Transitions:

We attribute much of our productivity increase to FastCAM ..Phil Ryan, JCA Fabrication. I'd never done a drawing before in my life. After 10 days with FastCAM, I built the first tank truck. Now it's our livelihood....Ray Castleberry, Castlebrook Welding. By far, the quickest and easiest programs I have used......Rick Presseau, INCO Ltd.