Recently, CAD/CAM has begun to extend beyond just modeling, detailing and NC into the area of collaboration. One important aspect of collaboration for the mold industry is how moldmakers and their customers share information and discuss issues concerning mold design and manufacture. […]
Many CAD/CAM systems on the market claim to have associativity, but very few systems have bullet-proof associativity. Associativity means that changes made to a design model will be shown every place where the design model is used – such as in an assembly, a drawing, a mold design, etc. […]
Robust, parametric, fully-featured CAD/ CAM software provides the ability to create all complex geometry, allowing the models created to survive major changes to the design part, even late in the development cycle, thereby avoiding model reconstruction that would delay delivery of the tool. […]
the system should be parametric. This means that selecting dimensions will modify models. Other features that are dependent on the modifications will update appropriately. […]
3-D solid modeling creates parts and assemblies permitting more accurate modeling. For instance, there is no way to accurately model anything that contains complex surfaces in 2-D because one would need to define an infinite number of cross sections. […]
Look for CAD/CAM software that provides best-in-class modeling and detailing solutions without sacrificing integration. A fully integrated suite of applications covers conceptual modeling, high-end surfacing, drawing detailing, mold cavity and mold base creation, plastic flow simulation, NC toolpath creation (including high-speed machining), CMM inspection and shop drawings – everything from art-to-part. […]
Although CAD/CAM software has become specialized for various functions such as conceptual design, surfacing, part and assembly modeling, drawing detailing, NC and tooling design, many manufacturers still rely on generic CAD/CAM solutions that fall short of these applications. In most cases, […]
The implementation of CAD/CAM software throughout the development cycle is critical to toolmakers. There are five main points to look for in the selection of CAD/CAM software for mold design and manufacturing: […]
New, efficient desktop 3-D design software eliminates these problems by creating an unambiguous solid model of a mold assembly. Working with topologically complete and accurate models, engineers and designers can ensure that parts fit properly and function as intended before tools are made. […]
3-D design differs from 2-D design in a pivotal way: in 2-D, drawings are the master documents that define how each part in a tool assembly should be made and illustrate how the product comes together. […]