CAD/CAM
Digital Prototyping Design Software
Autodesk Inventor 2010 uses automated capabilities to design injection molds for plastic parts. The software creates and validates the corresponding mold design, helping to reduce errors and improve mold performance. The software provides improved support for motion simulation as well as static and modal finite element analysis at the part and assembly level, the company says.
Read More2D High Speed Tool Paths
Mastercam X3 offers a suite of six 2D high speed tool paths—peel mill, core mill, area mill, rest mill, blend mill and facing—all of which are optimized for high speed machining and hard milling. The 2D tool paths are said to make processes more efficient and automated while minimizing programming and cycle times. According to the company, all tool paths deliver efficient, low-stress motion without using a high speed machine.
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Mold Design Software Improvements
TopSolid’Mold 2009 dedicated mold design software from Missler features complete CAM integration with TopSolid’Cam. The software update enables calculation of the shrinkage factor; analysis of undercuts; calculation of the parting line and surface of the joint; automatic creation and definition of the core block and cavity; implementation of the standard carcass systems of injection and ejection; and analysis of the cooling system. Molds can be designed in a collaborative environment with several users working at the same time, thus reducing design times.
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CAM Toolpath Strategies Push Limits Of Aged VMC
This shop was ready to capitalize on a heavy machine gun sight mount that could save lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, but its older VMC had difficulty producing enough models to bring the prototype to production. Tool paths generated by CAM developer Surfcam’s TrueMill technology enabled the light-duty machine to efficiently hog through the quantities of steel required to make the mounts and win large defense contracts.
Read MoreMultitasking with Enhanced Lathe Features
GibbsCAM MTM (multitask machining) now includes lathe features that are said to provide more efficiency through tool control and take advantage of newer high-tech cutting tools that turn harder materials and machine smoother surfaces. Among the features is a ProAXYZ module that enables MTM users to program thread whirling attachments on Swiss-type machines, thereby eliminating the complexity of time consuming, manual code modification at the machine control, the company says. Also, as a result of the company’s collaboration with Mazak, Mori Seiki and Tornos, the MTM module now includes features to support advanced machines from these partners.
Read MoreCAM Software Offers Ease of Use
The Esprit 2009 CAM software is designed to save time and money by importing solid models, recognizing features on those models and automatically drawing options from a database of machining practices for the machining of those specific features and for a range of machine types. The KnowledgeBase user interface has been centralized to make it easier to manage all of the data in the database, the company says. The single, consistent user interface allows users to access all the data from one central location, such as the processes, materials and cutting tools, and context-sensitive commands are available with a right-click of the mouse.
Read MoreSoftware User Interface Updates
The company has revamped the PartMaker user interface, improved capabilities for programming directly on solid models and the ability to automatically generate descriptive and visual setup information. The user interface features easy-to-use, user-configurable toolbars. Existing icons have been recast to make them easier to understand, the company says.
Read MoreMachine STL Files With SolidCAM
SolidCAM has implemented STL cutting capability into SolidCAM2009. The module enables the user to directly machine STL files, which can be used in 3D scanning and rapid prototyping applications to describe 3D surface geometry. The module generates the stock box and the CAM part directly from the STL file.
Read MoreCAE Software Optimizes Metal Machining
Version 5. 3 of Third Wave Systems’ AdvantEdge FEM computer aided engineering (CAE) software package is a materials-based solution for the optimization of metal machining. The software provides validated, detailed information about heat flow, temperatures, stresses, tool life and surface characteristics for machining processes.
Read MoreDownload 3D CAD Program
Alibre’s Design Xpress TM version 11 is available as a free download. The 3D mechanical CAD program is based on the company’s commercial CAD products which include Alibre Design, Alibre Design Professional and Alibre Design Expert. For the first 30 days, the combination evaluation and learning tool functions as a free upgrade to the Professional version.
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