News | November 22, 1999

Software Capabilities Facilitate Fast, Accurate Injection Mold Production

Software Capabilities Facilitate Fast, Accurate Injection Mold Production

The latest iterations of CAD/CAM packages aimed at moldmakers have some unique capabilities designed to make production of plastic injection molds faster and more precise.

Case in point: the Quick-Split core/cavity splitting function of Cimatronit CAD/CAM package. According to developer Cimatron Ltd., Quick-Split minimizes the time it takes to design a tool by saving up to 90% of core/cavity splitting time.

Cimatron's Quick-Split reduces the time required to split core from cavity in an injection mold from hours to only a few minutes.

The graphical software activates from within Cimatronit to separate the original model into core, cavity, inserts, and sliders. Visualization tools illustrate mold components in motion, and interactive mold analysis tools automatically generate parting lines and parting direction analysis. Users get a dynamic view of the core and cavity with different colored 3D parts, allowing them to quickly define pull direction, animate the part, and split the geometry. Flexible split options include curve, vertical plane, and silhouette.

Cimatron says the package can provide splitting capability even if input CAD data are not 100% accurate.

On the horizon from Unigraphics Solutions Inc. and C-Mold is a new software product called Mold IQ that will be tightly integrated with Unigraphics' MoldWizard application.

Mold IQ is designed to take the guesswork out of mold making, greatly increasing the designer's confidence in achieving a successful mold design.

Based on C-Mold's injection molding analysis technology, Mold IQ will add design validation and optimization tools to MoldWizard, including simulation of plastic flow through the mold, gates, and runners; optimization of gate locations, runner sizing, and cooling system placement and efficiency; and part cost analysis and evaluation of the mold's ejection system.

A Unigraphics spokesman says Mold IQ is a natural extension of MoldWizard, adding functions to ensure mold designs are developed as efficiently as possible with the least amount of cost. "We are creating value by moving design validation tools upstream in the product development process and increasing the designer's throughput," says the company's Chuck Grindstaff.

Cimatron North America Inc., 19500 Victor Parkway, Livonia, MI 48152. Phone (734) 432-6600.

Unigraphics Solutions Inc.,13736 Riverport Drive,
Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Phone (314) 344-5900.