3D mould design software has features to make mould design even faster, both in the generation of the initial design and when making design modifications and integrates with assembly modelling.
The new version of Delcam's PS-Moldmaker 3D mould design software sees the use of the company's unique 'Power Features' technology extended to almost all of the items contained within the databases of standard components. This will make mould design with the software even faster, both in the generation of the initial design and when making design modifications. Other enhancements in the new release include full integration of the assembly modelling functionality with the solid modelling commands and automated production of drawings.

Parametric components that contain Power Features react automatically as they are placed within an assembly, adding all the necessary fit-features to the connecting components.

As each part is added, the tolerances between the various components are also defined automatically.

This automatic creation of relationships makes the development of the overall design much quicker than other 3D mould design systems and also makes errors in the design process less likely.

Of course, Power Features maintain relationships in a similar way to parametric objects in other CAD systems so that, for example, if an ejector pin moves, all the associated holes move with it.

However, the degree of associativity is more flexible, such that all component dimensions, tolerances and positions can be modified either individually, as part of a group of similar components, or by using a global edit for multiple groups of components.

As well as making it easier to modify the size and position of components, the new release of PS-Moldmaker also makes it simpler to swap one component for another.

The component wizard allows changes to be made quickly and easily, either by choosing alternative standard parts from the databases or by entering custom sizes.

Similarly, changes to the product design can be accommodated more readily allowing the user to identify and deal with part revisions quickly and effectively throughout the entire design process.

Assembly modelling is no longer a separate module within PS-Moldmaker.

This allows the user to work on individual components and assembly relationships within the same environment without switching from one module to another.

As well as making the software faster to use, this closer integration will make PS-Moldmaker easier for new users to learn.

Furthermore, all identical parts within an assembly are now automatically recognised as instances of the same component so preventing unnecessary duplication of data.

This reduces overall model sizes and makes regeneration of the model after design changes much faster.

The new drawing production process within PS-Moldmaker can generate the General Assembly and all the component drawings required for manufacturing and inspection automatically.

The sole exception is stepped sections, which still need to be produced manually.

With the high degree of automation, the time needed to produce a complete set of drawings for even a complex mould should be no longer than a day.

This compares with the two or three weeks that are typically needed with current drawing methods.

Furthermore, all dimensions are displayed on the drawings as tables of parameters.

This makes it much easier and quicker to program 2D machining operations than the more traditional drawing layout with dimensions displayed all around the drawing.

Multi-channel cable technology simplifies the installation of cavity pressure sensors in multi-cavity moulds and uses a multi-pin connector to eliminate eliminate connection mistakes.
The new multi-channel cable technology from Kistler Instruments simplifies the installation of cavity pressure sensors in multi-cavity moulds. In the past, each sensor needed a separate cable to the charge amplifier making installation time consuming with the potential risk of incorrect connection. The Kistler single wire technology, introduced in late 2005, made installing sensors in multi-cavity moulds simpler and less costly.

The new multi-channel cable system further simplifies installation by replacing multiple connections to the charge amplifier or analysis equipment with one or more eight-pin plug-in connectors.

With the new system, cables from up to eight sensors are brought to a single connector mounted on the mould from which a single multi-channel cable carries signals to the charge amplifier.

Using a multi-pin connector eliminates the risk of connection mistakes and saves time during set-up.

A new multi-channel, plug-in charge amplifier is available to compliment the multi-channel cable technology for use with all Kistler Unisens single wire sensors.

* About Kistler Instruments - established in Wintherthur (Switzerland) in 1957, Kistler is represented in over 50 countries and has subsidiaries in Germany, France, Italy, UK, Japan, USA, China, Korea and Singapore.

With a staff of 650, the Kistler Group is one of the world's leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation.

The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 150 million Swiss Francs in the 2004 financial year.

Kistler's core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force and acceleration.

Kistler's know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

Heavy investment in research and development, 15% of staff worldwide are engaged in research and development, has generated a number of innovations using piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive techniques to provide solutions to numerous force, pressure and acceleration measuring problems.

These innovations include the world's first commercial quartz sensor, two-wire constant current technology to integrate sensors with microelectronic circuitry, high-temperature pressure sensors for use up to 400 deg C and three-component force measuring sensors.