Delcam adds Power Features to PS Moldmaker

By DE Editors

Parametric component automatically adds fit features to connecting components when placed into an assembly.

In the latest release of its PS-Moldmaker software for the 3D design of injection molds for plastic components, Delcam (Birmingham, UK) has introduced a new type of parametric component incorporating Power Features. The new release also offers an extra wizard for the design of mold locks, the ability to create stepped split surfaces in the Die Wizard, and faster creation of 2D drawings from the 3D model.

A parametric component that contains Power Features will react automatically as it is placed into an assembly, adding all the necessary fit-features to the connecting components. For example, if a designer adds an ejector pin to the mold assembly, the software will automatically create the corresponding hole features in the plates through which it passes. Tolerances are also defined automatically.

Of course, Power Features maintain relationships in a similar way to parametric objects in other CAD systems so that, if the pin moves, all the associated holes move with it. However, the automatic creation of relationships makes the development of the design faster than other systems and helps reduce errors.

PS-Moldmaker will recommend standard sizes whenever these are available from the many catalogues within the system.  Similarly, the software will continue to recommend the nearest alternative component when changes are made to the design, rather than use simple mathematical changes to the component dimensions. This reduces the need for non-standard components.

The new Mold Lock Wizard in PS-Moldmaker provides a similar automatic method for defining these parts. The locks can be created and edited individually, or the complete set can be generated together using common pre-defined layouts, with automatic mirroring of the initial assembly to create the others in the set.

Since many mold design projects need as much time to create 2D drawings as is needed to generate the 3D model, an outline general arrangement drawing and a full set of component drawings are created automatically by PS-Moldmaker from company-specific templates as the computer model is developed. It enables faster initial production of drawings and faster associative updating of the drawings if the design is changed.

For more information, visit delcam.com.