System and method for processing sheet metal

A sheet metal processing method comprising:

• reading an engineering drawing, and setting punching parameters;
• laying out workpieces, and generating punching multi-layout data;
• selecting and laying out corresponding punching tools for the workpieces and tooling-holes, and generating punching tool layout data;
• generating punching codes according to the punching parameters, the punching tool layout data, and the punching multi-layout data, and saving the punching codes in a saving sub-system;
• retrieving the punching parameters, the punching tool layout data, and the punching multi-layout data of the punching codes from the saving sub-system, and automatically setting laser parameters and laser multi-layout data;
• and
• generating laser codes according to the laser parameters and the laser multi-layout data.

A method for processing a sheet metal, comprising the steps of:

• retrieving input messages from an engineering drawing;
• generating parameters and data of a first kind usable to apply in a first machining process according to said input messages;
• generating first machining codes to execute said first machining process according to said parameters and data of said first kind;
• retrieving said parameters and data of said first kind and said first machining codes;
• generating parameters and data of a second kind usable to apply in a second machining process according to said parameters and data of said first kind and said first machining codes;
• and
• generating second machining codes to execute said second machining process according to said parameters and data of said second kind.