hand to optimize efficiency and profit.���
At Kubotek, the company plans to continue to focus on
interoperability between CAD file formats (the crux of Direct
Modeling). ���CAD and CAM will become even more integrated,
and emphasis on managing design changes to increase profitability,��� Marketing Communication Manager Andrea Giles
says. ���KeyCreator CAD has an integrated CAM program to
allow 2��- and three-axis milling. When the CAD is updated
the CAM is automatically updated.���
Plastic Flow and Cooling Simulation
CAE���s Lankisch sees simulation software providers making
a big push to integrate their simulation products with CAD
products in a seamless environment, which means that
true 3D simulation will become more prevalent. ���As has
always been the case, simulation of the molding process will
help moldmakers build better molds, more efficiently,��� he
says. ���Overall, the mold manufacturing process will continue
to become more robust and more efficient.���
Lankisch adds that the company is constantly evaluating
and comparing new technologies, specifically those geared
toward building finite element models for injection molding
simulation.
Autodesk���s van Raalte notes that additive manufacturing
processes like laser sintering are starting to make inroads in
the tooling industry. ���The technology allows for a great deal
of design freedom and opens the door for broader use of
conformal cooling,��� van Raalte says. ���Autodesk has invested
heavily in the simulation of new mold cooling processes
over the last few years in preparation for the broader use of
advance cooling technologies like rapid heating and cooling
technologies, conformal cooling as well as the use of heating
elements to temporary heat up critical areas in a mold.���
3D Printer/Scanner Supporting Software
SpaceClaim���s Hendrickson notes that 3D printers and scanners
are advancing quickly���as is the software that supports them.
���Creating a CAD model from scan data is faster and easier than
ever before. As a result, creating molds from scanned parts or
printing mold sections are likely to be increasingly common
steps of mold design and creation. Mold designers will be able
to better leverage existing parts and create more complex
designs. Also, model-based definition of parts is gaining traction. The latest ISO standards are defining an accepted format for semantic part manufacturing information in models.
Moldmakers who are equipped to handle the changes will save
time and money.���
SpaceClaim has partnered with 3D technology supplier
Geomagic, Inc. (Morrisville, NC) to create a new approach to
designing from scan data, Hendrickson says. ���A new product,
Geomagic Spark, combines direct modeling from SpaceClaim
with Geomagic���s mesh creation and editing tools to create a
single interface for going directly from a scanner to precise,
editable geometry.���
increased Sophistication
Mold manufacturers should take a close look at what software
manufacturers and suppliers are introducing���and how it
can improve efficiencies and operations on the shop floor. If
the current features and enhancements are a sign of what is
to come as the year progresses, chances are the offerings will
become even more sophisticated���further reducing design
times without sacrificing quality.
Video:
Cad/Cam advancements increase machine
Productivity
http://short.gardnerweb.com/vortex
For more inFormation:
Autodesk / (415) 507-5000
hanno.van.raalte@autodesk.com / autodesk.com
BobCAD-CAM/ (727) 442-3554
chris@bobcad.com / bobcad.com
CAE Services Corp. / (630) 761-9898
tim@caeservices.com / caeservices.com
CGS North America Inc. / (519) 737-1647
randy@camtool.com / camtool.com
CGTech / (949) 753-1050
bryan.jacobs@cgtech.com / cgtech.com
Cimatron Technologies, Inc. / (248) 596-9700
lsterling@cimatrontech.com / cimatrontech.com
Delcam North America / (877) 335 2261
mes@delcam.com / delcam.com
DP Technology Corp. / (805) 388-6000
stacey.wiebe@dptechnology.com / dptechnology.com
Kubotek USA Inc. / (508) 229-2020
agiles@kubotekusa..com / kubotekusa.com
Mastercam/CNC Software, Inc. / (860) 875-5006
michelle.nemeth@mastercam.com / mastercam.com
Sescoi USA / (248) 351-9300
jeffj@sescoi.com / sescoi.com
SpaceClaim / (978) 482-2100
laura.kriebel@spaceclaim.com / spaceclaim.com
Vero International, Inc. / (248) 869-4040
steve.sivitter@verosoftware.com / veroint.com
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