Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal is provided with a cost model that lets you generate a cost estimation of the sheet metal part. The cost estimation is done after the sheet metal part has been unfolded.
The cost model is a LISP program that uses the following information to calculate the estimate:
• Data from the last flat generation
• Unit material costs
• Unit manufacturing costs.
The cost model that is supplied with Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal is a sample to get you started. You can customize this sample to suit your particular requirements (or provide you own cost model). The cost-model function can be found in the subdirectory containing demo or sample files.
To perform a cost estimate:
1. Make sure you have generated a flat drawing.
2. Click Sheet Metal and then, in the Post Process group, click Cost Estim. The Cost Estimation dialog box opens.
3. Enter a name for the file in the Text File box.
4. Click .
Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal displays a text window containing a summary of the cost estimation, similar to the following.
Although most items are self-explanatory, some may need clarifying:
Quantity per Sheet
Number of parts that can be punched out of a single sheet.
Cost per Sheet
Cost per single sheet.
Cost per Part
Cost per part per lot.
Basic structure of a cost model function
A cost model is a LISP function that is initially defined within Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal. It is possible to redefine this function by loading a new LISP function definition. The sample function supplied with Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal is divided into the following sections:
• Define and initialize local variables by enquiring the results from the latest flat generation.
• Calculate number of flat parts per sheet by using the flat pattern, the enclosing box size, and the raw material size.
• Calculate punch-processing times (run-time and setup-time) and rates (price per machine hour).
• Calculate fold-processing times (run-time and setup-time) and rates (price per machine hour).
• Write header and general summary information to the output (for example, material, thickness, number of bends, punches).
• Calculate punch, fold, and material costs for different lotsizes and write them to the output.
• Raise an output window and display the output file.
The cost model function supplied with Creo Elements/Direct Sheet Metal is only a sample. Pricing and timing constants (about 18 prices and rates) may be not be applicable to your production environment.
Cost Estim. The Cost Estimation dialog box opens.
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