SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD (computer-aided design) program that runs on Microsoft Windows and was developed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, S. A. (Vélizy, France). SolidWorks is currently used by over 3.4 million engineers and designers at more than 100,000 companies worldwide. […]
With the release of Mastercam X (10), the application became a true Windows-based application, as opposed to one ported over from DOS. It also represented a fundamental shift in the way the application was configured. […]
Founded in Massachusetts in 1983, CNC Software, Inc. is one of the oldest developers of PC-based computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software. They are one of the first to introduce CAD/CAM software designed for both machinists and engineers. Mastercam, CNC Software’s main product, started as a 2D CAM system with CAD tools that let machinists design [...]
Most moldmakers are already familiar with using surface modeling techniques to undertake minor modifications to product designs—such as adjusting draft angles or increasing fillet radii to ease the flow of material—and to create extra geometry for the core and cavity, such as split surfaces. […]
Some CAM vendors refer to optimized software as the software best suited for the types of machines, processes or parts being programmed. On one hand, having CAM integrated with the CAD program may be argued as the most effective and optimum way to work. Conversely, CAM programmers may be better served by selecting specialized software [...]
Data translation between CAD and CAM software applications is very high on the list of problems for buyers. The standard format IGES and the popular VDA in Europe are often flavored by software developers to fit their database structures. […]
With tribrid modeling, there is no need to convert the triangles into surfaces or solids. Furthermore, having all three modeling techniques in a single package reduces the need to transfer data between multiple programs and so streamlines the whole product development process. It means that moldmakers can move data captured with reverse engineering into the [...]
While the Internet may hold intriguing possibilities for the future, moldmakers need helpful, online options today. Fortunately, there are several sites that – if used correctly – can help moldmakers become more profitable. […]
These all meet the dictionary definition of “optimization”. However, one of the fastest ways for a moldmaker to achieve a dramatic improvement in efficiency and reduce NC program cycle time is to automatically optimize their NC program feedrates. Simply by optimizing NC program feedrates, moldmakers can achieve a 15 to 50 percent reduction in machining [...]
Software has become a fact of life in American manufacturing. CAD/CAM requirements differ among companies, so it’s not surprising that many find it necessary to customize their systems to meet their particular needs. A company’s customization may sometimes take up to one year to complete. With this in mind, what do design engineers and their [...]