Have your provider put a clause in your contract that makes this clear. They should be able to create test files made with the software for your equipment and have you run it before you take delivery or install.

Taking the full training in advance before the delivery date; using the time in between is a perfect chance to make a smooth transition. Vendors are less motivated to help you quickly once you are paid in full, so make sure that you take advantage of their before-the-sale enthusiasm and have them impress you before you give them all of your money. If you need to pay for this time, do so and have part of it applied to the purchase price. This creates a win-win situation for both parties.

1. Choose modeling tools that are powerful yet easy-to-use.
The system must have the ability to model 3-D parts in solids, surfaces and wireframe. This provides the user with the flexibility to choose the best or easiest method to create parts. Feature recognition also is going to be of major importance. It will allow features to be created regardless of the system in which it was originally modeled, thereby speeding up the process of implementing engineering changes. Additional tools that can help to speed up the design process involve mold design-specific options. Core and cavity separation, draft angle analysis, shut-off creation and mold base designs can be extremely useful.

2. Make sure that you get a reliable translator.
There are many different types of CAD systems in use at shops all around the world. The best way to work with these various types of data is to work on a model file in its own native software. For most companies the cost of purchasing a CAD system to support each one of your customers would be prohibitive – not to mention the time and cost to learn and implement each software package. The next best alternative is to choose a CAD/CAM system that provides reliable translators. Some of the file types that you may have to consider are AutoCAD (DWG and Inventor), SolidWorks, Solid Edge, ProENGINEER and CATIA. Also, there are the neutral formats such as IGES, ACIS, Parasolids and STEP to consider. The more available the translators are, the better your ability will be to import and manipulate your customer’s design data. This is very important when trying to decrease turn-around time.

3. Examine the breadth of machining options.
The basic necessities are 2.5-axis through five-axis milling, turning and wire EDM. When producing molds, most of the attention is spent on milling, but many shops also have to consider a system that supports wire EDM. Choosing a system that supports both milling and wire EDM will save the cost of training and implementation when compared to having different packages for each. Functionality to look for in a milling package includes intelligent stock removal, pencil tracing for cleaning fillets and sharp corners in a part and slope cleanup.

4. Look at its high-speed machining functionalities.
Better surface finishes can be obtained through HSM techniques. It also allows the ability to machine harder materials while saving wear on the tools and machine. Functionalities to look for include tasks that include ramp and helical entry into cuts as well as corner rounding and looping (higher speeds can be maintained with more fluent motions). Feedrate optimization is another big plus. (When sharp motions are detected, the feed rate is automatically lowered to accommodate the motion.) Another application that merits attention is trochoidal machining – a trochoidal motion uses the side of the tool to remove material and moves in a circular pattern (when buried and uses conventional moves when not buried). The curved motion also allows for a higher feedrate.

5. Ask for training support and stability.
Product features are nice, but they don’t mean a thing unless you have made allowances for formal training. You’ll also need access to a good support staff that is preferably local.
Some questions to ask are: How long has the developer been around? (The same applies to the reseller if one is involved.) What is their market share? Having access to a supply of trained users can be a real benefit as your company expands. If the training and support are good there should be a cost involved. Be suspicious of what is offered for free. The old saying is true – you get what you pay for.