Automatic workchangers on VMCs (vertical machining centers) facilitate the setup/tear-down of one mold cavity/component while another is being manufactured. This can significantly increase the spindle utilization of the machine—and dramatically impact the machine utilization and throughput on a single spindle machine. […]
Nowadays, most of the CAD software packages let you embed Part Manufacturing Information (PMI) as part of the model. The attributes embedded in a 3-D model are tolerances, finishes, material type, notes, etc. Everything that would be on the 2-D drawing can be embedded in the 3-D model’s PMI. […]
Top-Down Design as opposed to (I guess) bottom up, is really an approach — a philosophy. PTC touts it as a software feature in their sales pitches, and they do supply good tools for accomplishing it, but really, Top-Down Design is a methodology, not a software feature. You can do it with or without the [...]
A typical Pro/ENGINEER software package is made up of different modules, customizable to the customer’s specific needs. Pro/ENGINEER is available in a pre-packaged set of scalable packages which include a broad range of 3D CAD, CAID, CAE, data management and other design related capabilities. […]
PTC was founded in 1985, by Samuel Peisakhovich Geisberg, who previously worked at Prime Computer, Computervision (CV) and Applicon. Pro/ENGINEER (a.k.a. Pro/E), the company's first product, shipped in 1988. John Deere became PTC's first customer. Once an initial version of Pro/ENGINEER was developed, the company received venture capital funding from Charles River Associates and Steve [...]
Pro/ENGINEER, PTC’s parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution, is used by discrete manufacturers for mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing. […]
The best solution to the problem of movement causing stress was very simple. If component A is forced against component B thus putting both components under stress, remove the stress. […]
Mold designers and builders try to use the typical methods of minimizing wear—such as using differential metals; using low-wear coatings; specifying high metal hardness thus equating high hardness with low wear; […]
Designing a product for high production tooling involves considerations that must be closely evaluated: gating location, part ejection, wall thickness, material flow characteristics, cycle time, hot runner feasibility and assembly at high rates. […]
The following guidelines should be considered:Resins UsedDepending on the emissions or gas residue given off during the molding process and flash point of the resin, the molder will have to evaluate whether to use 7- or 20-micron pore size. Resins such as ABS, polypropylene, soft type PVC, polyethylene, acrylic, polyurethane, […]