Published 3/27/2012

Mold Software Can Import Data in Multiple Formats

Missler Software’s TopSolid’Mold is an integrated CAD/CAM solution for designing molds and machining tools for mold and cutting tool makers.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Missler Software’s TopSolid’Mold is an integrated CAD/CAM solution for designing molds and machining tools for mold and cutting tool makers. The software can import external data from a variety of formats, including Parasolid, IGES, Catia v4 and v5, Pro-E, UG, STEP, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, ACIS, DXF, DWG, STL and VDA. Intelligent correction tools can isolate and repair geometrical problems often associated with imported data.

To speed the design process, the software also has tools that analyze the plastic part and then select appropriate molding strategies. It features functions to create parting lines and surfaces, wizards to install standard and preset components, and a fully integrated and associative drafting function to help rationalize the design process of tools while taking manufacturing imperatives into consideration.

The software provides features to split core and cavity blocks, and intelligent tools to extract inserts from molding blocks and prepare movements required to unmold the part. These tools and wizards use automatic features to detect insert areas and remove associated material, reducing human error.

The software enables companies to use and adapt standard mold bases such as Hasco, Meusburger, Futaba, Misumi and Rabourdin. In addition, mold makers can store their manufacturing processes in standard components, also reducing human error.

Once the 3D tool design process is complete, the company’s TopSolid’Electrode module can design and create 3D models of electrodes and guarantee that they are compatible with the specific characteristics resulting from EDM machining. Parts designed in 3D can be machined directly using the TopSolid’Cam and TopSolid’Wire CAM modules without having to re-enter geometry data or generating a draft. TopSolid’Cam automatically detects and machines hole features and tolerances coming from the 3D design. Using an associative link, it automatically updates tool paths when the design changes.