A new approach involving integrating flow simulation software with CAD/CAM software will be discussed in this article. We will show how CAD/CAM/CAE integration reduces the time and effort in running a flow simulation . Flow simulation software products have had limited modeling capabilities and no machining capabilities.

  Once the study was completed, the optimized design would have to be transferred to the CAM software for machining. This approach added hours (if not days) to a mold design project, especially if the designer did not have the CAD software from which the file originated. Unfortunately, this approach has been the only option available to the tooling industry . 

   Improved CAD Tools
 Integrating CAD/CAM/CAE allows the designer to build the part and tool from scratch and to make changes to imported files inside the flow simulation software. Important part attributes such as wall thickness, ribs, bosses, diameters, holes and radii can be modified. Damaged surface models can be repaired and closed to a solid using the CAD surfacing and solids modeling tools .
 The CAD tools can be used to modify the runner layout, runner dimensions, gate dimensions, cooling layout and cooling dimensions inside the mold model . 

    Increased Import Options
  This approach also allows the designer to import files in almost any CAD format. These imported files can be edited and repaired. The designer now can directly work with native CAD models and does not have to struggle with IGES or STL files to run a flow simulation .

   Easier Mesh Preparation
 The finite element mesh can be prepared directly on native CAD models. This approach reduces the amount of manual work required in creating a mesh as opposed to working with IGES or STL models, where often hours are spent repairing and generating an acceptable mesh.
Imported CAD files can be repaired using the CAD tools. Mesh preparation on files that are repaired is significantly faster. The integration also allows the designer to create a mesh on mold components and include them in the analysis .

   Development of New Functions
The integration of CAD/CAM/CAE allows developers of flow simulation software to create new functions that make mesh preparation on the runner and cooling system easier and faster. 

  Runner to Flow Function: The runner system is a critical part of the analysis. It is often left out of the simulation as it has been tedious to create inside flow simulation software. The runner to flow function significantly reduces the steps involved in preparing a mesh on the runner system. This function reads the mold CAD model and looks for the features that could possibly form the runner system.

  It prompts the user to select the start and end point of the runner system and then proceeds to create the mesh on the runner system. It reads the diameters and lengths of the channels, creates the necessary properties, and assigns them automatically to the runner channels; thereby, reducing time-consuming and tedious manual work. 

  Cooling to Flow Function: Similar to the runner to flow function, the cooling to flow function reads the mold files to recognize the cooling channels. It can recognize baffles and fountains as well. The user is prompted to click on the start and end point of the cooling circuit and the software creates a mesh on the cooling circuit .

    Improved Visualization of Warpage Results
One of the more important results obtained from flow simulation are the warpage results. Typically, warpage results are displayed as contour results in the X, Y, Z and global axes. These contour results give valuable information, but sometimes they are difficult to interpret.
Integration of CAD interface and results visualization allows the user to overlay the warped model over the original CAD model inside the CAD interface.

  This enables the user to use CAD functions such as sectioning tools and measuring tools, to better visualize the results and compare the warped model to the original model. An inverse model can be generated from the warped model. This inverse model can be used to create the core and cavity.

     Faster Transfer to Machining
In a CAD/CAM/CAE approach, all the changes necessary for the improved design are made directly to the mold model. The CAD and CAE functions are used to optimize the design. The process continues in the same interface. The final design can be sent for machining using the integrated CAM functions .

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