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Software By Sherry L. Baranek Software Advances Video Access video at end of article. Push Limits of Speed and Quality Software for moldmaking continues to evolve as sophisticated features and capabilities are introduced, enabling mold manufacturers to produce the highest quality work in the most compressed leadtimes to date. C AD/CAM, NC and mold flow simulation, 3-D direct modeling and support software for 3D printing/scanning are working in concert with advancements being made in cutting tools, high-speed machining and automation technologies to give moldmakers what they need to produce high quality work in compressed leadtimes. Some leading manufacturers and suppliers reveal common questions they are asked as they unveil the newest packages, features and capabilities. Image courtesy of Autodesk. Software Challenges When it comes to the topic of CAD/CAM software and its benefits, moldmakers typically want to know how the software handles the creation of machine cutting paths and programming, according to Chris Corbell, Vice President of Marketing of CAD/CAM provider BobCAD-CAM (Clearwater, FL). ���This is a vast subject that includes both automatic roughing and finishing of simple and complex surfaces, cavities and part files Using conventional mold cooling there is a large mold surface temperature variation, while a much more uniform surface temperature and product quality can be achieved with a conformal cooling layout, as shown here. 26 MoldMaking Technology March 2013 that can require up to five-axis machining,��� Corbell says. ���They ask, ���Can CAD/CAM help me machine this mold? How do I do it? Lastly, if it can, how easy is it to learn and is there support or service that comes with the software?��� Toolpath is also a big subject because of all the variations of complexity that fall into moldmaking with CAD/CAM software, which leads to, ���Is the automation that is available easy enough for someone to open a part model and setup material, tooling and then create the machine toolpath for the job in an organized manner?������ Mary Shaw, Marketing Manager for CAD/CAM manufacturer Delcam North America (Windsor, ON), notes that moldmakers are interested in anything that can help them provide a better service to their customers. ���Developments that can shorten their delivery times and improve quality are always important but as the shortage of skilled labor continues in North America more emphasis will continue to be placed on automation,��� she states. ���Companies will look for systems that link design, manufacturing and inspection in a more efficient manner. This does not mean a fully integrated CAD and CAM program, but rather solutions that meet the individual needs in order to improve processes and increase productivity.��� At CGTech (Irvine, CA)���a manufacturer of CNC machining software���Marketing Communications Manager Bryan Jacobs says, ���Moldmakers are looking for specific ways to increase machining speed, and that is actually much less simple than it sounds. They���re really looking for ways to reduce the overall time to produce a finished mold by having the mold come off the machine tool with little or no postmachining finishing work. That means dramatically larger NC program files with very small step-over to produce extremely smooth finish machined surfaces.��� Jeff Jaje, Marketing and Business Development Manager for Sescoi USA (Southfield, MI)���a CAD/ CAM, ERP and job management systems supplier���shares the question he is most commonly asked: ���How can we mill the components faster and more efficiently?���