New Products
March 1999s

Free-Form Surfacing Technology
Surfacer Version 8.5 surface modeling software from Imageware Corp., Ann Arbor, MI, allows users to go seamlessly from rough concept surfaces, to Class 1 surfaces, through tooling design. Flexible surface creation supports Bezier and NURBS patch layout, and provides the ability to choose a preferred surfacing methodology based on curve network, direct manipulation, or a hybrid methodology. Other features include intuitive, process-driven surface creation tools that deliver savings in overall product development cycle time; interactive surface modification tools to facilitate rapid exploration of multiple design iterations; and real-time diagnostics. The software provides seamless integration to standard CAD systems.


Handheld Laser Scanner
Polhemus, Colchester, VT, offers the Handheld Laser Scanner (HLS) for converting physical models to digital models. The system allows engineers to examine and modify conceptual design models for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of parts. Measurements are made by sweeping the HLS wand over the desired object in a manner similar to spray painting. The system follows the movement of the wand, relays the coordinates to the software utility, and provides an instant digitized image of the object on a computer screen. The 3D data then can be saved in industry-standard formats such as IGES, ASCII, and VRML for use and re-design. The system is designed to scan non-metallic opaque objects. Movable objects may be scanned by attaching a second Tracker Receiver to the object. Top

Surfacing/Reverse Engineering Tool
Alias/Wavefront, a subsidiary of Silicon Graphics, Toronto, ON, Canada, has introduced SurfaceStudio™, which provides modeling and reverse engineering tools, real-time diagnostic tools, and scan data processing technology. Designed for surface modeling and reverse engineering, the software features new user interface panels designed to support the technical surfacing workflow. Cloud Processing and Manipulation allows large cloud datasets to be read, displayed, manipulated, modified, and processed. Reverse Engineering Tools include sectioning, curve fitting, surfacing, and deviation measurement tools. Real-Time Diagnostic tools allow viewing of deviation from specified criteria, surface curvature, reflection lines, highlight lines, and cross-sections. Top

High-Performance Material Parts
AccuCast, a lost-mold technology application from Cubital America, Troy, MI, is based on the company's Solid Ground Curing (SGC) methodology. The process allows the creation of accurate mold tools for casting. Molds are divided and built from several sections; each module may contain complex cavities and undercuts. The process incorporates the Wax In Shell (WIS) build style, in which the wax enclosed by a photopolymer shell serves as the final building material. The WIS modules are disassembled by removing the thin photopolymer shell from the mold surface and dissolving the wax. Top

Model Visualization Software
VisionShare interactive digital mock-up software from InterData Access, Westchester, IL, supports product design and manufacturing processes by integrating concurrent engineering technologies. The program offers collaborative viewing and analysis of complex designs, configuration management, measurement, interference analysis, and viewing of CAD/CAM designs. Design data from multiple CAD applications can be combined and viewed as an assembly. The user can then check possible collision points, verify fit and function, and measure distances within components or across the design. Other features include real-time conferencing/whiteboarding capabilities, PDM system integration, and bi-directional CAD interfaces, allowing problems found in the design to be highlighted in the native CAD application. Top


New Parts Materials
Ciba Specialty Chemicals, East Lansing, MI, has introduced Parts-In-Minutes polyurethanes and Ren Shape boards for machining of foundry patterns and fixtures. The Parts-In-Minutes line provides for demolding of thermoplastic-like parts in less than 30 minutes. The materials offer high heat resistance, impact and flexural strength, and UL 94 V-O flame retardance. New materials include RP 6461 R/H polyurethane with heat resistance to 309oF; RP 6473 Si silicone for casting clear, flexible molds; and four soft elastomers. The Ren Shape 5169 is a red-colored board for machining foundry tools, including patterns and core boxes. Ren Shape 472 is a low-density material with flexural, tensile, and compressive strength, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Top

 

 

 

Manufacturing Optimization
Signature Control Systems, Denver, CO, has released SmartCure™ Version 3.0 manufacturing software that integrates Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); Human Machine Interface (HMI); and an expert system module for intelligent control. The program's historical database can be queried by date, customer, operator, part number, serial number, and material type. The software optimizes the manufacturing cycle times of engineered thermoset, thermoplastic, and elastomeric materials. Running in Windows NT, the software allows for auto and manual operation of a variety of processes, including injection, compression, and resin transfer molding. Top

3D Prototype Parts
Rapid Prototype Co., Auburn Hills, MI, offers Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a process that converts parts from two-dimensional CAD data to functional prototypes made from a variety of materials, including Duraform™ Polyamide, Protoform™--Composite nylon, fine nylon™, Cooper Polyamide™, DTM Polycarbonate, and DuPont Somos 201 Thermoplastic Elastomer. Using the SLS process, prototypes can bolt together; accept fasteners and self-tapping screws; hold motors, circuit boards, batteries, and other components; be drilled, painted, or machined; and form living hinges that can be flexed without separating. They also can be snapped together and absorb stress without breaking.

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