Saturday, July 29, 2006

Smart mould parts library speeds assembly

An extensive library of smart mechanical components for VX CAD/CAM users provides for the rapid development of complete mold base assemblies, automatically generating mold assemblies.
VX Corporation, the pioneering developer of advanced, integrated CAD/CAM solutions for engineers and industrial designers, announces the integration of VX CAD/CAM with Lib3D, an extensive library of smart mechanical components for mold makers. * Lib3D Smart Components - Lib3D, a third party product available from VX's Italian distributor, Antares Italia, includes a range of mold bases from popular catalogs along with standard mold components such as fasteners, waterlines, sliders and BOM management. When using Lib3D with VX CAD/CAM, complete mold assemblies are automatically generated and completely editable with the VX Mold and Die and End-to-End bundles.

With Lib3D smart components, users can select components for mold assemblies such as fasteners to a series of plates, and Lib3D automatically calculates the required length and clearances, and allocates manufacturing attributes to the resultant holes in the plates.

All attributes are 'attached' to the components such as supplier, material, code, etc, and are available in the VX BOM and the automatic hole making strategies in VX CAM.

Lib3D also includes a development tool that allows users to build their own standard library of components for assembly automation using the same Lib3D functions as catalogued components.

Lib3D is completely integrated with VX CAD/CAM and follows the VX Graphic User Interface standards.

'VX's advanced surface modeling and mold design tools have always appealed to developers of plastic products'.

'Now with the total integration of Lib3D smart components, they'll find VX to be even more efficient and productive,' said Bob Fischer, VX vice president of Sales and Marketing.

* About Lib3D - Lib3D is available in two different bundles: Lib3D Basic and Lib3D Advanced.

Lib3D Basic includes mold bases and standard fasteners from DME, Futaba and Hasco.

Basic is available as a free-of-charge download to all VX MoldandDie and End-to-End customers with VX Version 12 or higher.

Lib3D Advanced contains all standard elements and also advanced waterlines, sliders and BOM management.

Lib3D Advanced is password protected and requires a paid-up license to use.

Lib3D is available from Antares Italia and can be downloaded from their website www.AntaresItalia.it.

* About VX Corporation - VX Corporation is a pioneering developer of advanced, integrated CAD/CAM solutions for engineers and industrial designers.

Using VX's design-through-manufacturing solutions, companies can speed time-to-market, increase profitability and gain a sustainable competitive advantage - made possible by new breakthroughs in technology, price and performance.

Unlike conventional CAD/CAM systems, VX technology is built on an exclusive, high-performance VX engine that delivers sophisticated 3D hybrid modeling capabilities and provides interoperability with emerging process management and engineering tools.

Some of the world's leading manufacturers rely on VX software to power the design, engineering and manufacturing of innovative products.

Moulds combine UK design and Asian manufacture

Global mould tool engineering service combines cost-effective tool manufacture in Asia and advanced 'state of the art' manufacturing, tool design and project management in the UK.
Mason Pinder Toolmakers' 'best value' global tool engineering service provides a unique combination of cost-effective tool manufacture in Asia and an advanced 'state of the art manufacturing, tool design and project management capability in the UK. Mason Pinder's UK engineering team, based near Doncaster, South Yorkshire manages all design and tooling project management functions to provide 'best source solutions'. High quality data links to an office team in Hong Kong and three 'China tool' operation partners located in Shenzen, Guangzhon, and Changping in Guandung Province (Pearl River Delta) allow integrated data management, quality control and machine utilisation and rapid response.

The Doncaster facility includes complete tool manufacture, refurbishment and maintenance for tools up to 30 tonnes, while the full tool manufacturing service provides complex multi-impression tools with up to 128 cavities, especially for the caps and closures sector.

Manufacturing and project management at Mason Pinder Toolmakers' Doncaster facility is backed by advanced CAD/CAM and state-of-the-art automated tool production.

This gives customers global best value for individual complex tools and one-off non-complex tools and multi-tool suites.

This includes large machining capacity in terms of both milling and spark erosion up to an envelope of (4000 by 1700 by 1000mm).

This allows manufacture of complete tool suites for automotive interior, exterior and powertrain/loadbearing applications, and large consumer durables.

Toolmaking is allied to upstream and downstream automation services, with pre and post-moulding services and solutions.

Mason Pinder's full service supplier approach includes concept support, design studies, process engineering and physical 3D design, with guaranteed issue control of CAD data.

Every multi-tool project includes optimised mould design and construction to ensure guaranteed cycle times and full cost control.

High-end CAD/CAM, planning and scheduling systems, and project monitoring services are integrated using LAN links with Asian partners to give customers a whole new set of options.

Best value and complete lifetime support is achieved by choosing local, regional or global tool sourcing with on-site support from Mason Pinder's UK manufacturing plant at Doncaster.