Again, the process is well defined as users move from defining patterns required for multi-part moulds, through definition of runners, gates, cold wells and cooling. As is common within tooling-focussed systems, everything is driven predominately by standard catalogues (Inventor Tooling includes DME, HASCO, Futaba, and LKM libraries) but custom sizes can also be created, depending on the project requirements. Once the basic mould configuration is in place, then users can move on to adding the components and sub-systems that make the system work such as ejectors, sliders and lifters to enable the moulding of undercut or complex features. Hardware is then added to link up the moulder, such as sprues and locating rings, or specific elements for cooling channels. The system provides a mix of tools that allow users to define these features automatically or dive in and add the geometry manually. Again, the integration of Moldflow technology at key stages lets users validate their decisions or they can have the system suggest new potential. Once happy with the mould they’ve designed, users can carry out the final 3D work to consolidate the core/cavity with the remainder of the mould tool.

There’s plenty of support for the various different approaches typically used, whether that’s a single piece plate to hold the part form, or single or multiple inserts for multi-piece moulds. Inventor has three different options to get the required form, and to add all of the various cut outs to ensure things are production-ready. Once done and ready, users can then move onto create the 2D documentation that’s required, not only for manufacturing, but also for assembly by shop floor staff. Inventor already has a wealth of 2D documentation tools and while there’s no way to automatically generate exploded views, users have the benefit that representations of the assembly are available (such as core half or cavity half, cooling channels and such) and much information can be extracted from the rich 3D model and the associated metadata.

Inventor 2010 features a new user interface based on Microsoft’s ubiquitous Ribbon, which helps bring all the new functionality together in one consistent environment

Conclusion

What’s we’ve looked at this month is a very task- or process-specific set of updates made for the Inventor 2010 release. While

the UI changes will come as a shock to the system for many existing users, I have to say I’m impressed with how it’s been implemented. While I’m not a huge fan of the Ribbon toolbar, you have to admire it purely for its ability to concentrate your mind on the task at hand. The interface adapts to the process or task you’re working on and I found there’s much less hunting around for icons.

As for the huge amount of work done to support not only the design of plastic parts, but the process of taking them through to production, I have to say that I’m impressed. It’s clear that these tools have been developed in a pretty rigourous and consultative manner and while many mainstream vendors have dipped their toes into mould design, it’s always been the specialists that have ruled the roost. But perhaps no longer?

I would hazard a guess that CAM is also going to feature quite heavily at some point soon. While there are many CAM vendors that integrate and integrate well with Inventor, you do have to wonder what the system would look like if Autodesk acquired a CAM developer and integrated those tools in a similar manner.

In terms of Tooling, by combining the new plastic part design tools with an impressive level and wide ranging integration of tools from Moldflow, Inventor is now offering a capable environment in which to take your first steps into design for injection moulding.

But what if you’re not directly involved in tooling design? Is there ground for adoption of these tools? In addition to offering real benefits to those making their initial moves into developing moulds in 3D, Inventor’s new tooling technology can certainly help designers get a better understanding of the process so it can aid their design for manufacture knowledge.

Related links and articles:

Review: Autodesk 2010

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Al Dean is editor of Develop3D magazine (London, UK). This story originally appeared in the May/June 2009 print edition of Develop3D magazine.

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