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[July 2006]
Delcam Extends Power Features in Mould Design Software
The new version of Delcam’s PS-Moldmaker 3D mould design software sees the use of the company’s unique 'Power Features' technology extended to almost all of the items contained within the databases of standard components.
This will make mould design with the software even faster, both in the generation of the initial design and when making design modifications. Other enhancements in the new release include full integration of the assembly modelling functionality with the solid modelling commands and automated production of drawings.
Parametric components that contain Power Features react automatically as they are placed within an assembly, adding all the necessary fit-features to the connecting components. As each part is added, the tolerances between the various components are also defined automatically. This automatic creation of relationships makes the development of the overall design much quicker than other 3D mould design systems and also makes errors in the design process less likely.
Of course, adds Delcam, Power Features maintain relationships in a similar way to parametric objects in other CAD systems so that, for example, if an ejector pin moves, all the associated holes move with it. However, the degree of associativity is more flexible, such that all component dimensions, tolerances and positions can be modified either individually, as part of a group of similar components, or by using a global edit for multiple groups of components.
As well as making it easier to modify the size and position of components, the new release of PS-Moldmaker also makes it simpler to swap one component for another. The component wizard allows changes to be made quickly and easily, either by choosing alternative standard parts from the databases or by entering custom sizes. Similarly, changes to the product design can be accommodated more readily allowing the user to identify and deal with part revisions quickly and effectively throughout the entire design process.
Assembly modelling is no longer a separate module within PS-Moldmaker. This allows the user to work on individual components and assembly relationships within the same environment without switching from one module to another. As well as making the software faster to use, this closer integration will make PS-Moldmaker easier for new users to learn.
Furthermore, all identical parts within an assembly are now automatically recognised as instances of the same component so preventing unnecessary duplication of data. This reduces overall model sizes and makes regeneration of the model after design changes much faster.
The new drawing production process within PS-Moldmaker can generate the General Assembly and all the component drawings required for manufacturing and inspection automatically. The sole exception is stepped sections which still need to be produced manually.
With the high degree of automation, the time needed to produce a complete set of drawings for even a complex mould should be no longer than a day. This compares with the two or three weeks that are typically needed with current drawing methods.
Furthermore, all dimensions are displayed on the drawings as tables of parameters. This makes it much easier and quicker to programme 2D machining operations than the more traditional drawing layout with dimensions displayed all around the drawing.
www.delcam.com
ENDS