Published 2/22/2024

Design, Management Software Resources for Mold, Die Applications

As technology advances, so too do the options available to efficiently design molds or manage the data involved in their progress and production. Here’s a roundup of some of those solutions.

Grace Nehls, Former MMT Editor

Software

Optimized Five-Axis Machining Operations Guided by Moldmaking-Focused CAD/CAM Software

Source: CAM-Tool by CGS North America

In the dynamic landscape of mold and die manufacturing, CAM-Tool CAD/CAM software by CGS North America is refining the path to five-axis machining with enhanced ease and efficiency. The software’s features enable streamlined conversion of three-axis tool paths to simultaneous five-axis tool paths with a single click, eliminating the need for users to create new, time-consuming programs specifically tailored for five-axis machines.

Visual Search Application Instantly Locates Data Needs

VizSeek visual search is an alternative software that enables manufacturers to use a file containing the desired shape — whether a photo, 2D drawing, 3D model, pdf or even a hand sketch — and drag and drop that into a search box, instantly locating every file in one’s database containing that shape. Users can then refine the results using text and shape search until the needed drawing is found, reportedly reducing the search time from hours to seconds.

Source: VizSeek

Robot Slicer Software Simplifies Wire-Laser Metal 3D Printing Technology

Source: Meltio

Meltio created the Meltio Space toolpath generator to facilitate the use of its metal 3D printing solutions. By offering a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, this robot slicer simplifies the integration of Meltio’s wire-laser metal 3D printing technology — which can be used for the manufacture or maintenance of medium parts and molds — by offering a built-in robot library and postprocessors for some of the most popular robotic brands, including ABB, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa.

Software Promises Synchronous Cross-System Data Analysis for Injection Molding

Source: Kistler

Kistler says its AkvisIO IME (Injection Molding Edition) data analysis software helps digitize injection molding by enabling all data from machines and process monitoring systems, like its ComoNeo and ComoScout units, to be visualized and analyzed synchronously across processes.

AI-Aided Software Accelerates CAM Programming Time by 80%

Source: CloudNC

CloudNC, a manufacturing technology company backed by Autodesk and Lockheed Martin, is presenting its CAM Assist solution as a plug-in for Autodesk’s Fusion 360 software platform, enabling U.S. manufacturers to precision machine components more quickly and efficiently.

Software Environment Provides “CAD for CAM” Functionalities for Programmers

Source: Open Mind Technologies

Open Mind Technologies offers a working environment in hyperMILL software that focuses on “CAD for CAM,” addressing the requirements of CAM programmers who are not traditional CAD users. HyperMILL CAD for CAM provides two formats for CAD functions to enable selections and interaction.

Robotic Programming Suite Introduces Enhanced Functionalities, Improvements

Source: SprutCAM Tech

CAD/CAM/OLP developer SprutCAM Tech is releasing the 17.0.10 update for SprutCAM X, the company’s all-in-one CAD/CAM/OLP software suite for complex and creative robot tasks. This update introduces enhanced functionalities, bug fixes and improvements designed to streamline the user experience.

CAE Software Enhances In-Depth Simulation Capability

Moldex3D plastic injection molding simulation software is proficient at achieving the levels of precision, efficiency and innovation required for injection moldmaking. It finds widespread application across diverse industries, from automotive and electronics to consumer goods and medical devices, serving as a critical enabler in crafting high-performance molds.

Source: Moldex3D

Machine Monitoring Enhances a Mold Builder's Automation Strategy

Source: Shop Floor Automations

Scytec DataXchange, a machine monitoring software available through North American manufacturing integrator Shop Floor Automations, is a key component to a mold builder’s automation strategy to gain real-time visibility and manufacturing integration across all robots and CNC, fabrication, assembly and manual equipment on the shop floor.

Mold and Die Suite Empowers Mold Manufacturing Operational Excellence

Source: Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has released HxGN Mould & Die, a suite of dedicated CAD/CAM, engineering and automation tools empowering mold and die and tool manufacturers to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and design and produce high-quality tools — plastic injection molds, progressive dies, forming dies and similar tools — for their customers across industries ranging from automotive to aerospace and beyond.

CAM Programming Efficiencies Streamline Mold Operations

Source: Siemens Digital Industries Software

Siemens Digital Industries Software announces some update releases to its NX software for manufacturing for enhanced production. While this announcement covers NX CAM in particular, Siemens also offers updates for NX Additive Manufacturing , NX CAM On-Machine Probing, NX CMM Inspection Programming, Part Manufacturing Data Management, NX Line Designer and Fixture Planner, and NX Assembly Line Planner.

CAM Software Solutions Streamline CNC Machining

SolidCAM highlights CAM solutions for faster, more efficient machining — seamlessly integrated and associative in Solidworks, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor.

SolidCAM’s iMachining is said to save 70% or more in CNC machining time, increase tool life 5X or more and provide users with optimal automatic feeds and speeds with the patented Technology Wizard.