Product category:
CAD solid modelling software
News Release from: Vero International Group | Subject: VISI-Series
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 November 2005
Iona Unitool takes advantage of
VISI-series
VISI-Series software is integral to Iona Unitool's design and manufacturing operations
One of Europe's leading designers and manufacturers of models and components for aerodynamic assessment in wind tunnel environments now uses Vero International Software's VISI-Series CAD/CAM software solution for around 90% of its product design and machine programming The Cheltenham based Iona Unitool Group specialises in manufacturing high precision, high performance and safety critical components, offering design and prototyping facilities alongside regular batch production of complex assemblies
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 18 Nov 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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It installed its first seat of Surf 5 - a pioneering early version of VISI-Series - in 1997 and has since worked closely with Vero as its software partner.
Today, Iona Unitool operates five seats of VISI-Series with a 'floating licence' agreement in place, offering flexibility of access to VISI-Series which is networked throughout its operations.
Ten PC's share the licence as well as laptop access, often by machine operator's working at the machine tools.
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Iona Unitool has particular expertise in the aerospace and medical sectors with the aerospace work including the manufacture of wind tunnel scale models for aerodynamic testing.
Key components manufactured for assessment can include anything from propellers, fairings and undercarriage components up to complete aircraft models.
One of its most recent aircraft projects was to manufacture a wind tunnel model of the A400M replacement for the Hercules C130 transporter used to create low speed simulation testing during take-off and landing.
Using VISI-Series, Iona Unitool's designers were able to interrogate models of the original aircraft structures and components and create programmes for manufacturing to scale, miniature sections for assembly into the 1.5 metre long wind tunnel model.
With machining accuracy to 50 microns, there was also the requirement to create all of the components necessary to ensure the model displays the characteristics of the full size plane with exceptional stability and resistance to deflection being key criteria.
Iona Unitool takes particular advantage of the VISI-Analysis application which is installed on all of its machining licences.
This application is particularly beneficial at the start of the design process and allows for the analysis of the components to find undercut regions, check model curvature and, where necessary, split the component into a core and cavity for machining.
VISI Modelling is a hybrid modelling system offering very powerful surface modelling capability together with surface repair tools and 2D CAD functionality.
VISI-Machining includes a wide array of 2D and 3D HSM tool path strategies and Iona Unitool has recently added to its machining capabilities by adding the 4 axis machining option for VISI-Series.
This investment has allowed Iona Unitool to complete projects such as the multi-axis machining of the nose cone for the A440M model with minimised set-up times.
All of the 4 axis work is carried out on one of its Bridgeport VMC 100 XP2 CNC high speed machining centres.
Vero has also supplied Iona Unitool with its VISI-Wire EDM software for use on two Charmilles EDM machines.
Aside from the 3D and 4 axis machining capabilities of VISI-Series, Iona Unitool's designers have also been particularly impressed with the power and interfacing flexibility of VISI-Series design features and its ability to interface to other systems.
The translators supplied by Vero allow Iona Unitool to converse with other software systems such as CATIA and Parasolid based applications.
These latter formats are preferred by many of Iona Unitool's customers when supplying files and models.
Once the solid model has been received, designers are able to rapidly deconstruct and interrogate its features in order to create the machining programme.
Vero has also supplied direct translators for UG, Pro/E, Solidworks and Solidedge.
Iona Unitool has also extended its use and benefits of VISI-Series into its quality control procedures by allowing its co-ordinate measuring machine's software to interface with VISI-Series.
Inspection data can be created using a direct comparison with the original CAD model and is available in report or visual format which can also be transmitted to the customer as an e-mail report.
Mike Sullivan, Managing Director of Iona Unitool Group, commenting on the decision to work closely with Vero states; "While impressed with the all around capabilities of the software we have also been pleased with its ease of use and the levels of technical support supplied by the Vero team".
"Vero are highly regarded in our organisation as our software partners with VISI-Series having established itself as an integral part of our operations".
"It is important for us to know that we have a commitment from a key supplier to support us in a positive manner and Vero meets that criteria on an almost daily basis," he concludes.
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