CAD
Before you can do any sheet-metal processing (for press brakes, panel benders, or laser cutters), you need to start with CAD data. When using Flux, this CAD data can come from the following sources:
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2-D Import of a drawing from a GEO or DXF file. If the drawing comes in from a DXF file, it may need some cleanup, and attaching of bend-line information to it.
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3-D Import of a sheet metal model from various 3D formats (like IGS, STEP, SLDPRT, STEP etc). These sheet metal models can be unfolded to create sheet metal flats for laser cutting, or can be processed directly by the bending module.
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Assembly Import of a 3D assembly model from various 3D formats (like STEP, SLDASM etc). The assembly can then be exploded by Flux and each of the resultant components that are sheet metal models can be processed using the modules like Bend or Cut.
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Creation of a sheet metal flat pattern from scratch, using the Sketch functions built into Flux.