ADDITIONAL PRODUCT NEWS

Kubotek Releases KeyCreator V6.5 for
Mechanical Design 

Kubotek USA, makers of geometry-based design and engineering software, announced KeyCreator™ 6.5, a new version of its widely used mechanical design and manufacturing CAD/CAM software.  KeyCreator 6.5 uses Kubotek’s Face Logic technology to further expand the software’s leading capabilities in direct editing of history-free 3D models. Additional significant productivity enhance-ments targeted to vehicle and equipment design and mold design are also included as well as additional file export formats. 

“This 6.5 release significantly expands the breakthrough Direct Dimension-driven Edit capabilities debuted in our 6.3 release in January. The response we’ve gotten to the Direct Dimension-driven Edit capabilities has been very encouraging. There is a growing understanding this is an entirely new and intuitive way to look at solid model editing”, stated John Wright McCullough, Kubotek USA Product Manager. The Direct Dimension-driven Edit functionality in version 6.5 now supports Ordinate, Coordinate, and Chamfer dimensions, as well as Hole feature labels such as counterbored holes. 

A new tool in 6.5 specifically for the design of injection molds saves hours by dramatically automating the modeling of parting surfaces. Also expanded in this version are 3D export translation capabilities which now support Adobe 3D PDF/U3D and optionally CATIA V5.

UGS PLM Software Launches “Synergy” for Automotive Industry 

UGS PLM Software announced its new UGS Synergy™ program for the automotive industry that will revolutionize the vehicle design and manufacturing collaboration process. 

The new program provides for asynchronous design information sharing in a computer-aided-design (CAD)-independent environment.  For the first time, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers at all levels of the supply chain will have a single optimized process for exchanging vehicle design and manufacturing information. UGS Synergy enables suppliers to set up their own PLM environment and leverage its power to optimize the entire enterprise.  

“Suppliers will now have the capability to easily and securely share information across multiple OEM program teams, develop product development best practices across the entire company and optimize expertise and business savvy on an enterprise-wide basis,” said Dave Shirk, executive vice president, Global Marketing, UGS PLM Software. 

The UGS Synergy program leverages its JT™ data format, which has emerged as a standard for 3D visual collaboration in the automotive industry.   

Delcam Launches New Versions of PartMaker and SwissCAM 

Delcam’s PartMaker Division has launched new releases, Version 8, of its PartMaker family of CAM systems.  The new versions of PartMaker and SwissCAM feature a wide range of improvements including enhancements to the system’s unique synchronisation functionality, plus improvements in 3D simulation, handling of solid models and 3D surface machining operations.  PartMaker Version 8 also marks the introduction of the Full Machine Simulation module, which allows users to view a photo-realistic 3D model of the machine for which they are programming. 

"Version 8 represents a seminal release for the PartMaker family because it includes so many productivity-enhancing features,” according to Hanan Fishman, PartMaker Division President.  "From improved 3D simulation, to enhanced solids-based programming to better NC program optimisation tools, PartMaker Version 8 is another major step forward for our technology, a step forward that will allow our users to seriously enhance their productivity in CNC programming.” 

V-Flash™ Desktop Modeler Coming This Summer 

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

The V-Flash™ desktop modeler can build ready-to-use, three-dimensional models within hours at home, school or office workstations.

The V-Flash™ desktop modeler is based on a breakthrough fourth technology platform. This innovative and advanced technology platform enhances 3D Systems’ already comprehensive portfolio of Rapid 3D Printing, Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions. The company’s development of cutting-edge proprietary, Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology enabled the development of this simple, fast, compact and affordable desktop modeler, a solution that the company expects will surpass all other current technology 3-D printers on the market.

Economically priced at $9,900, the 25-by-26-by-27 inch V-Flash™ 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™ desktop modeler will be office, home and school friendly. V-Flash™ produced models will demonstrate SLA®-like accuracy, resolution and quality. The ready-to-use models will be ready for use, testing and verification within hours.

Moldflow Structural Alliance Improves Part Quality

Moldflow Corporation announced the commercial release of Moldflow Structural Alliance™ (MSA™) 1.0. MSA is a new product that allows Abaqus® and ANSYS® users to significantly improve the quality and accuracy of their structural analyses for plastic parts. MSA has the unique ability to map Moldflow Plastics Advisers® (MPA®) or Moldflow Plastics Insight® (MPI®) results to any 3D structural analysis, especially those involving fiber-filled materials. This unique mapping feature creates a mesh-independent link between the injection molding simulation model and the structural analysis model. This makes it very easy to experiment with different materials and design options and automatically analyze the effects on the structural integrity of the model without adding additional time to the analysis in Abaqus and ANSYS.

Structural analysis software programs assume plastic parts have consistent material properties throughout the entire part. However, due to the nature of the injection molding process, the flow pattern of molten plastic introduces variations in the structural performance of the part. MPI and MPA are designed to analyze these flow patterns and with MSA, this valuable analytical data is made available to Abaqus and ANSYS without adding time to the analysis. With accurate data that reflects the material properties of the final molded part, the analysis results from Abaqus and ANSYS will be more precise. Consequently, plastic product designers can optimize the structural performance of their designs. In addition, designers will no longer need to overcompensate for the uncertainties introduced during the injection molding process. This means they can use less material, which leads to lower part costs and shorter cycle times.