Published 6/21/2023

Software Technology to Meet Moldmaking Challenges

Featured in this technology roundup are software solutions that can provide and improve design and manufacturing operations or data management practices during the manufacture of a mold.

Katie Leesemann, Former Editorial Assistant, Gardner Business Media

Software

Photo Credit: HCL Technologies

Advanced CNC Programming Interface Streamlines Tool Management

HCL Technologies (HCL) announces the implementation of Zoller TMS Tool Management Solutions Interface in HCL CAMWorks software. The Zoller Interface is said to supply customers with advanced tool database management options, an overview of available tools and eliminate the need to maintain multiple tool databases.

Photo Credit: ATC Diversified Electronics

Software Remotely Measures, Monitors Critical Process Conditions

ATC’s Sensert remote monitoring and alert system is said to set up easily, is affordable and uses a shop’s existing sensors. A variety of sensors can be hardwired directly to the Sensert base unit or wirelessly connected via the software’s remote I/O for true wireless, remote, online capability. ATC says sensor data is monitored in real time and alerts are triggered based on customizable thresholds, configurable through the Sensert mobile app or web portal.

Photo Credit: CGTech

Simulation Software Updates for Smarter Machining, Mold Manufacturing

CGTech announces the latest release of Vericut version 9.3, a software program used for simulating CNC machining, additive and hybrid manufacturing processes. The software operates independently, but also integrates with all leading CAM systems.

Vericut 9.3 focuses on creating “smarter,” more efficient manufacturing processes with features that bring in data around the machine, the tools and the stock to improve simulation and the overall manufacturing workflow, according to the company.

Photo Credit: Heidenhain Corp.

Digital Shopfloor Solution Monitors, Prioritizes Production Site Data

Heidenhain’s PlantMonitor is a digital solution to aid the manufacturing shop floor. PlantMonitor is now available for companies interested in simultaneously monitoring and analyzing production data at multiple sites utilizing machine tools where at least one is equipped with a Heidenhain TNC control/StateMonitor software combination per site.

Photo Credit: Open Mind Technologies USA

CAD/CAM Software Suite Optimized for High Moldmaking Productivity

Open Mind Technologies introduces its latest hyperMill 2023 CAD/CAM software suite, which offers users new and enhanced features for powerful and simplified NC programming in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to five-axis milling.

Photo Credit: Hasco

New Component Options Made Available to Parametric Native CAD System

With the latest update of its SolidWorks database, Hasco is providing its moldmaking customers with an exclusive tool that now includes approximately 100 additional products. The comprehensive parameter-controlled native CAD system for standard mold units offer designers several advantages, the company notes, including simple and precise working.

Photo Credit: Kubotek Kosmos

Enhanced Utility Programs Streamline CAD Data Transfer

Kubotek Kosmos has released version 5.0 of its CAD/CAM software interoperability products: Validate, Revision, Convert and View. These CAD utility programs use proprietary Kubotek Kosmos modeling technology to support transfer of precise CAD data across the manufacturing supply chain. This release drops the K-Compare and K-Display brand names and provides updates to CAD file readers and user interface improvements.

Photo Credit: ECI Software Solutions

ERP Software Enables Manufacturers to Maximize Operational Efficiencies

ECI Software Solutions’ JobBoss²is a manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for small- to medium-sized job shops. The software gives shop owners more control over how they scale their businesses, grow revenue and maximize profitability. The software’s key features and benefits include customizable features and workflows so users can make the software work for their business.

Photo Credit: CoreTech Systems

Latest Mold Analysis Software Meets Injection Molding Needs

CoreTech Systems responds to the transformational needs of plastic injection molding through Moldex3D 2023, its latest version of the molding analysis software. The new generation focuses on four main concepts: reliability, efficiency, augmentation and liberation.

Photo Credit: Molding Expert LLC

A Virtual Reality Solution for Injection Molding Training

Virtual reality has become mainstream for many industrial applications, enabling users to explore, learn and prepare for new technologies. Molding Expert LLC is developing a fully functional molding facility VR training solution. The goal is to create virtual reality courses for the injection molding industry, teaching users how to become “VR molding experts” and prepare for working on an actual shop floor.

Photo Credit: Longterm Technology Services

Updated Module Simulates Mold Designs for Full Cycle Collision Check

The latest version of Dynmik Design for Mold (DDM) from Longterm Technology Services (Longterm Tech) is now available. An industry-crafted module for Siemens NX Mold Wizard, DDM simulates mold designs in 4D motion for full cycle collision checking. Mold shops using the solution have saved more than $50K a year in time and money being lost to tooling design errors or unnecessarily long validation timelines, the company says.

Photo Credit: Shop Floor Automations

Machine Monitoring Enhances a Mold Builder’s Automation Strategy

Scytec DataXchange, a machine monitoring software available through North American manufacturing integrator Shop Floor Automations, is a Cloud and on-premise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and analytic manufacturing system with features that can automatically collect OEE metric data such as utilization, part counts and downtimes; monitor legacy CNCs, manual machines, welders, robots and more; maintains customizable data collection rules; and offers unlimited use of reports, charts and manufacturing dashboards.

CAD/CAM Software Update Adds Features, Functions

CAM-Tool from CGS North America, a CAD/CAM software designed for high-accuracy machining in the mold and die sector, is updating to version 19.1. Focused on increasing productivity and accuracy, this update includes several distinctive features and functions.

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.

Photo Credit: Cimatron

Software Simulation Eases Design Challenges for Moldmakers

Cimatron provides toolmakers with an integrated CAD/CAM solution for the design and manufacture of plastic injection molds and sheet metal stamping dies, as well as programming 2D to five-axis milling CNC machines. Cimatron is a single-source solution with a single, intuitive, easy-to-use interface for a shop’s entire workflow — from quoting, to design, to manufacturing.