Utilization Of 3D Modeling Application Data For Model-To-Machine Operation Of Cutting And Bending Fabrication Machines

A system comprising at least one processor, a communications interface operably coupled to the at least one processor, and a memory including instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to:

• generate, based at least in part on data representative of a three-dimensional (3D) model of a to-be-fabricated part or assembly, data representative of:
• an enhanced bend list including data representative of x,y,z positional information usable by a bending machine control application of or associated with a bending machine and capable of directing operation of the bending machine to bend a work piece of the to-be-fabricated part or assembly at least once;
• and
• a printing routine capable of causing a printer to print computer-readable bend instructions including the x,y,z positional information;
• and
• direct the communications interface to transmit the data representative of the printing routine to at least one of the printer and a computer device associated with the printer to enable use by the printer or the computer device associated with the printer to direct the printer to print a graphic encoding data representative of the computer-readable bend instructions for use by the bending machine control application to direct the bending machine to bend the work piece at least once in accordance with the enhanced bend list.

One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a machine to:

• generate, based at least in part on data representative of a three-dimensional (3D) model of a to-be-fabricated part or assembly, data representative of:
• an enhanced bend list including data representative of x,y,z positional information usable by a bending machine control application associated of or associated with a bending machine and capable of directing operation of the bending machine to bend a work piece of the to-be-fabricated part or assembly at least once;
• and
• a printing routine capable of causing a printer to print computer-readable bend instructions including the x,y,z positional information;
• and
• direct a communications interface to transmit the data representative of the printing routine to at least one of the printer and a computer device associated with the printer to enable use by the printer or the computer device associated with the printer to direct the printer to print a graphic encoding data representative of the computer-readable bend instructions for use by the bending machine control application to direct the bending machine to bend the work piece at least once in accordance with the enhanced bend list.