Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Delcam | Subject: PowerSHAPE CAD software and PowerMILL CAM
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 August 2007
CAD/CAM 5-axis system speeds mould
making
After five years working with CAD/CAM software a mould and die maker has found the specific design functionality for creating moulds and the toolpath calculation speed very fast and reliable.
Using Delcam's PowerSHAPE CAD software and PowerMILL CAM system has given Dutch toolmaker ProMould the flexibility it needs to supports its customers with the development and innovation of their new products, processes and production technologies Thanks to this support, ProMould's customers are able to manufacture their products more quickly and more efficiently and increase their competitivity
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Dec 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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ProMould was founded in 2002 and is located in Heinenoord in the Netherlands.
It focuses on developing, creating and producing models, moulds and prototypes for customers in foundries, the injection and vacuum moulding industry, and the design world, mainly for the automotive and aviation sectors.
To further increase its efficiency, ProMould purchased a computer-controlled 5-axis portal milling machine from Zimmermann five years ago.
Further reading
FeatureCAM supports advanced mill-turn centres
Delcam's latest FeatureCAM version offers more support for advanced CNC mill-turn centres with multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles.
CAD/CAM software speeds prototype lead-times
A US plastics and metal product prototyping company reported that use of Delcam's PowerSHAPE design software and the PowerMILL CAM system has reduced its delivery times by 50%.
The company then began looking for a CAD/CAM system, to control this machine and its use in the modelmaking industry.
After comparing several systems, ProMould chose PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL as the software that best met its needs.
Lennard van der Hoeven, product engineer at ProMould, was an early enthusiast for the software.
"PowerMILL was able to control the 5-axis portal milling machine without any trouble," he remembered.
"Furthermore, I could easily import 'strange' files into PowerSHAPE and the software contains functionality especially for the modelmaking industry.
Last but not least, PowerMILL had already been introduced successfully on identical milling machines in competitive companies".
After five years working with the Delcam software, van der Hoeven remained convinced that it was the right decision.
"I have found that PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL are highly reliable, fast, efficient and comprehensive; especially pleasing are the specific design functionality for creating moulds and the toolpath calculation speed," he commented.
"The great advantage of this integrated CADCAM system is the ability to switch between PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL quickly and easily.
While working in PowerMILL, I can simply switch to PowerSHAPE to edit the design.
Over and over again, we discover useful options".
Flexibility is ProMould's specialty.
It is a small company with as much CNC machining capacity as its larger competitors.
With this equipment, the company is able to manufacture and deliver components more quickly and with lower costs for their customers.
To be competitive, the company also needs a suitable CAD/CAM system.
"Delcam provides a really flexible CADCAM system that is able to find a solution for every problem," concluded van der Hoeven. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...
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