Product category:
Mould and die making, machining, CAD/CAM, software
News Release from: EDS, PLM Solutions | Subject: Mold Wizard knowledge-based software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 September 2002
Knowledge-based software streamlines
moulds
A precision mould tools maker has realised significant productivity gains and streamlined its mould tool manufacturing thanks to the use of knowledge-based software.
EDS has announced that precision mould tools maker, Ultratools, has realised significant productivity gains and streamlined its mould tool manufacturing process with the implementation of Unigraphics product development software and the specialised Mold Wizard application from EDS PLM Solutions Manchester-based Ultratools specialises in the design, manufacture and development of high volume injection moulds for the packaging and pharmaceutical industries
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Nov 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The company recently completed the implementation of Unigraphics and the knowledge-based Mold Wizard application following a comprehensive evaluation of available systems.
The new system replaces Ultratool's existing 2D computer-aided design system.
"With Unigraphics and Mold Wizard, our whole mould design and manufacturing process has been streamlined", says Gerry Mills, Ultratools director.
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"We are now able to import our customers' 3D product model data into Unigraphics and use it as a direct reference in the mould tool design process.
Mold Wizard then makes mould design very straightforward, accurate and fast.
Further, we no longer need to produce 2D drawings for use in NC tool path programming.
We export the 3D mould tool design data to our NC programming system and generate the tool path programs directly from that data".
"As a result", he says, "the time taken between receiving a customer's product data and cutting metal has been reduced and we can also be confident that the job will be right first time." Knowledge-based software.
An optional, specialised application module of the high-end Unigraphics 3D product development software suite, Mold Wizard encapsulates the expert knowledge of mould designers to deliver a highly automated and associative design environment.
The software provides a complete working environment of supporting functions and component data for creating mould designs.
Using Mold Wizard, the mould designers at Ultratools are guided step-by-step through the mould design process, making the software exceptionally easy to use.
As the mould design evolves, the geometric associativity, or dynamic link, between Mold Wizard and the Unigraphics 3D modelling environment automatically reflects any changes to all relevant parts of the design.
Changes made to the part model are automatically propagated to the core and cavity.
Similarly, changes made to the insert box, plates or standard components of the mould assembly are automatically reflected in the mouldbase.
This applies whether or not the plastic part model was created in Unigraphics.
This enables Ultratools to receive CAD data from multiple CAD systems, while maintaining associativity with the imported part models.
About Ultratools.
Founded in 1975 and based in Manchester, Ultratools today is part of the Inflite Engineering Services group of companies.
The company specialises in the design, manufacture, development and in-service support of high volume injection moulds for the packaging and pharmaceuticals industries.
With its modern, fully equipped design, manufacturing, inspection and validation facilities, Ultratools has built a reputation as a leading supplier of multi-cavity injection moulds, with an in-depth knowledge of both single face and stack moulds and hot runner systems.
About EDS EDS, the leading global services company, provides strategy, implementation, business transformation and operational solutions for clients managing the business and technology complexities of the digital economy.
EDS brings together the world's best technologies to address critical client business imperatives.
It helps clients eliminate boundaries, collaborate in new ways, establish their customers' trust and continuously seek improvement.
EDS, with its management consulting subsidiary, A.T.
Kearney, serves the world's leading companies and governments in 60 countries.
EDS reported revenues of $21.5 billion in 2001.
The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EDS) and the London Stock Exchange.
ENDS.
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