ADDITIONAL PRODUCT NEW

Mastercam X2 Introduces CAD File Change Recognition

Every shop faces engineering changes. Often, it can be difficult to track which file is the latest, what modifications have been made, and what programming changes are needed. Mastercam X2 includes two powerful new tools – File Tracking and Change Recognition – that give you an easy way to identify these issues and streamline programming an updated file.

• Create a checklist of files to watch including Mastercam, SolidWorks, Autocad, or other CAD files. Mastercam alerts you when a newer version of any file on the list is available.

• Mastercam’s Change Recognition identifies modifications to any type of CAD geometry with no file type limitations – any combination of wireframe, solids, or surfaces.

• Mastercam marks any toolpaths affected by the updated CAD file. You can quickly select the new geometry and update the toolpaths.

• Once you update an affected toolpath, automatically update any additional toolpaths that use that geometry.

“The real power of these tools becomes clear when receiving engineering changes to a large file with multiple operations,” says CNC Software Vice President Brian Summers. “Something as simple as a few additional drill holes could be frustrating to identify. Now, with a few mouse clicks, you can immediately locate and program these changes, saving valuable time,” he adds.

New Mechanically Actuated Valve Gate

A new mechanical valve gate actuation system from hot runner supplier Heitec Heisskanaltechnik GMBH makes it possible to have an accurate and reproducible opening and closing of the injection gate.

Available in North America through Technoject Machinery, two mold components interlink diagonally and implement the needle movement via an actuating bar which is firmly connected with the valve gate needle. Each needle can be adjusted individually in length. In addition, one drive unit can actuate several needles. If necessary, very small cavity distances can be realized with this modular design.

Normally, the drive, the actuating bar and the needle are aligned in a row, but the actuating bars can be positioned at almost any arbitrary angle to each other, allowing the needle to be placed on an angle also. It is even possible with multi-cavity tools to arrange the needles at different angles.

The new diagonal drive can be operated with either a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder, or with an electric motor. As a standard the cylinder is mounted on one of the sides, but if requested can also be positioned at the top or bottom of the mold. Unlike conventional systems, the drive cylinder is located outside the tool and heat transfer from the tool is eliminated to a large extent. The mold construction results in a smaller stack height and a high stability, since the mold is not weakened by pockets.

Moldflow Announces Major Releases of CAD Connectivity Tools  

Moldflow Corporation announced the immediate availability of Moldflow CAD Doctor™ 3.0 and Moldflow Magics STL Expert™ 3.0. These products are CAD connectivity tools, which help users quickly create, repair and optimize the models they use for Moldflow analysis. The resulting faster model preparation and analysis time enables more in-depth analysis and optimization of part and mold designs.

Moldflow CAD Doctor 3.0 checks, corrects, heals and simplifies solid models imported from popular 3D CAD systems in preparation for analysis using Moldflow Plastics Advisers® or Moldflow Plastics Insight® software. With CAD Doctor 3.0, users can significantly reduce analysis times by performing model clean up and reducing the overall mesh size. CAD Doctor 3.0 checks and heals models up to six times faster than previous versions and also adds new model simplification tools that make it easier and faster to prepare a Moldflow analysis model.

Moldflow Magics STL Expert 3.0 allows users to convert IGES and 3D CAD solid models to the STL file format, locate errors within the STL model, fix the errors with editing tools and export a high quality analysis model for use with MPA or MPI. New features in the 3.0 version include a new workflow process that helps streamline common tasks, an enhanced wizard that simplifies repair of STL models, faster, more accurate mesh repair and better memory management that speeds processing of very large models. 

V-Flash™ Desktop Modeler from 3D Systems

3D Systems Corporation plans to introduce a revolutionary, fast, simple and compact new office modeler, the V-Flash™ desktop modeler, this summer.

The V-Flash can build ready-to-use, three-dimensional models within hours at home, school or office workstations. The company's development of cutting-edge proprietary, Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology enabled the development of this modeler, a solution that the company expects will surpass all other current technology 3-D printers on the market.

"The V-Flash(tm) desktop modeler is an easy-to-use, plug and play, economical model-maker that expedites part delivery and revolutionizes concept design as we know it,” said Abe Reichental, president and CEO. “With the capability to create stereolithography (SLA®)-like quality, three-dimensional models in the office, home or school setting, and the affordability of this solution, we believe that this modeler will usher in a new expansion era of Rapid Prototyping to a broader range of market applications."

The 25-by-26-by-27 inch V-Flash(tm) desktop modeler will weigh about 100 pounds and have a maximum build volume of 7 by 9 inches and 8 inches tall. With standard power requirements, plug and play set-up and simple operation, the V-Flash(tm) desktop modeler will be office, home and school friendly. V-Flash(tm) produced models will demonstrate SLA(r)-like accuracy, resolution and quality. The ready-to-use models will be ready for use, testing and verification within hours.