4.20.2017
SA International (SAi), the leading provider of software solutions for the professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining industries, has announced the launch of SAi +EnRoute for Flexi, introduced to enable faster and easier output of Flexi-designed 2D engravings and signage to CNC machines.
An add-on to Flexi version 11 and 12, the new solution allows sign businesses with a CNC machine and Flexi software to simplify the file clean-up and toolpath preparation of 2D or 2.5D Flexi design files for CNC output. For such businesses, the addition of a low-cost, powerful CNC toolpath engine for the front-end stage ensures a smoother design-to-output workflow, faster turnaround times and a reduction in costly production errors.
Available from early May, the SAi +EnRoute for Flexi software add-on directly addresses the common pain points faced by Flexi users who are running CNC equipment that is not driven by SAi’s EnRoute CAD/CAM software.
In particular, SAi +EnRoute for Flexi offers the capability to:
reduce the number of manual steps required to prepare Flexi designs for production on the CNC machine
simplify the toolpathing procedure to make it much more streamlined and trouble-free; commonly needed toolpaths can be easily saved and reused, while an automatic clean-up tool converts curves to lines and arcs for CNC router output
improve output quality and reduce the chance of inferior engraved/routed signage thanks to advanced quality-enhancing tools not featured on certain other router software
From design to output in three easy steps
Designed to enable the easier production of signs and improve overall throughput for sign businesses, SAi +EnRoute for Flexi has been created with simplicity in mind. After completing a sign design in Flexi, users simply click the ‘Send to EnRoute’ button to automatically open the contour file of the job in SAi +EnRoute for Flexi. From here, the design file can be previewed, toolpaths easily applied and output created for CNC routers.
Reduction in mistakes and waste
Furthermore, thanks to its in-built efficiency-driving tools, the new software add-on is able to maintain uptime and decrease costs by minimizing potentially expensive production errors and reducing wastage. In addition to providing estimated cut time to enable better overall production scheduling, SAi +EnRoute for Flexi offers the ability to incorporate bridges into the toolpathing, as well as allow 2D and 3D simulation to verify output order and toolpaths before production.
“For any sign business using our popular Flexi software and owning – or looking to purchase – a CNC machine, SAi +EnRoute for Flexi offers the ability to take flat designs and send them to their router quickly, easily from one software source,” says EJ Nodurft, Product Director, SAi.
“With simple tools and a fast workflow, the new plug-in is an ideal solution for sign shops that want to cut thicker more rigid materials using designs that were created in Flexi,” he adds.
The SAi +EnRoute for Flexi add-on is compatible with Windows Version 7, 8 and 10 PC and supports drivers for hundreds of CNC routers and cutters. The solution will be shortly available by monthly subscription from SAi resellers worldwide.
