【分享】最新連續模技術

JOEY19700213

這則新聞稿國外最具權威CAD/CAM Publishing 公司所發出。
  
他們針對3D Quick Press-3D鈑金連續衝模設計所作了令人讚賞的介紹，
  
並認為3D Quick Press是個令人精神大為振奮的3D連續衝模設計系統，
  
而且價格非常具有市場競爭力，
  
強烈建議所有需要使用到相關系統的公司都該去了解3D Quick Press
   
  
3D QuickPress小檔案：
  
1.一套完全整合SOLIDWORKS-全球超過30萬套、最多人使用3D CAD軟體-的設計系統。
  
2.傳統用2D設計的缺點可以完全避免如：草圖溝通困難、缺少干涉檢查、耗時、無法快速產生BOM表及建立衝壓工程圖。
  
3.3D Quick Press能最佳化產品設計，而且3D設計的效率與視覺化的介面，更能快速處理複雜的模具設計，較傳統2D圖無疑是項設計革命。
  
Progressive-die design-aid for SolidWorks
  
February 19, 2004 -- Progressive-die lines are fascinating to watch.  As a strip of metal moves through a press, punches along the line nip and bend the metal into its desired shape.  At the last punching station, the final punch shears the finished part from the strip and it drops into a hopper.  Designing these miracles of 20th century automation is tricky, and the industry is highly competitive.  According to one expert who studied the industry, net profits from progressive-die plants roughly equal the scrap value of the material left over from the punching operations.
  
Design of the strip layout begins with a three-D model of the part either created in SolidWorks or imported from another CAD system.
   
CAD software for progressive-die design dates back to the early 1980s.  The first product that we recall came from Auto-Trol Technology, a company that no longer makes CAD software.  In the late 1980s, Diemaker and Striker Systems each developed progressive-die-design applications for AutoCAD that have become popular.
  
Applications that employ two-D and three-D wire-frame geometry, such as Diemaker’s and Striker’s, help automate the production of drawings needed by machine shops to fabricate die blocks and punches.  They aren’t as much help in designing the punching process, which designers need to work out in their heads, aided by paper-and-pencil and physical models.
  
That situation changed when EDS’ PLM Solutions subsidiary introduced Progressive-Die Wizard for Unigraphics. (See “Unigraphics bets on wizards.”)  The Unigraphics wizard was the first program to help designers create unambiguous three-dimensional models of progressive-die sets.  This process enables designers to visualize how the die set will work and to fix errors before shop drawings are prepared.
  
Good software ideas rarely remain unique for long.  In September 2003, a Hong Kong company called 3D QuickTools Limited announced a three-D design application for SolidWorks called 3D Quick Press that also lets designers create three-D models of progressive die-sets.  We saw it demonstrated at SolidWorks World 2004 in January.  Here’s how it works:
  
Strip layout
  
After defining the bend allowances for each corner, 3D QuickPress develops a flat pattern.
   
The die-design process starts with a three-D solid model of the finished stamping.  3D Quick Press doesn’t require the model to be made with SolidWorks’ sheet-metal functions.  Models can be imported in any of the formats that SolidWorks can read. Customers also can use a third-party translator.  
  
3D Quick Press enables designers to assign bend allowances to each bend in the finished part, then flatten the part for use in the strip-layout design.  In a progressive die, material is bent or removed at a fixed number of stations along the die set. Designers begin their work by guessing at the number of stations the die set will require.  If they are wrong, they can modify this number later.  3D Quick Press also lets designers find the best orientation for the flat on the strip, rotating the part to any angle and having all stations follow that orientation.
  
3D Quick Press helps the designer find the best part orientation on the strip. (Click image for a larger view.)
   
  In designing the punches to notch out material between the parts, designers can sketch the shapes of the metal strips that will be retained to provide support for the piece until the final station.
   
The most important, and most difficult, part of progressive-die design is deciding which punching operations should be performed at each station.  Because it is built on a feature-based CAD program, 3D Quick Press is capable of recognizing cutouts and creating punch profiles for each of them.   
  
The process begins by defining the punches needed for holes. Then the designer outlines punches that notch out material between pieces.  Next punches that bend flanges are designed, and lastly the punch that separates the work piece from the strip is drawn.  When this process is finished, 3D Quick Press displays the entire sequence for manufacturing engineers to review.
  
The completed strip layout shows the material removed at each station. At this point in the process, the stamping maker can accurately estimate the cost of making the part. Press size, scrap rate, and feed rate all are known accurately. (Click image for a larger view.)
  
Die block assembly
  
   
The Die-Set Wizard in 3D Quick Press helps designers select the plate sizes needed for the die block assembly. (Click image for a larger view.)
   
When tool designers and manufacturing planners are satisfied with the punch process, the next step is to design the die- block assembly that fits into the punch press.  3D Quick Press provides a die-set wizard that enables designers to define the overall assembly configuration and select appropriate plate thicknesses.
  
  The software automatically generates the die-block assembly, including the top and bottom shoes, the die block, guide pins, punch holders and fasteners. The software also extrudes three-D models of each of the punches in the block and combines them in a single assembly. Boolean operations are used to cut all necessary holes in the die plates.
  
A die block supports the strip as it moves through the punch.  The die has holes that allow the punches to pass through the work piece.  Generally holes in the die are larger than the punch outlines. 3D Quick Press lets designers edit these hole profiles with the punch outline overlaid for guidance.
  
The end product of 3D Quick Press is a three-dimensional solid-assembly model containing every part in the die block. This model can be used with SolidWorks drafting tools to make shop drawings and a bill of material for ordering parts.  Use of templates for common parts can speed the drafting process.  3D Quick Press also estimates the material utilization or scrap rate of the process and the press force required.  
  
   
  
3D Quick Press uses the strip geometry to extrude solid models of punches in the die set.(Click image for a larger view.)
  
The completed die-set assembly. (Click image for a larger view.)
  
Pricing and availability
  
   
3D Quick Press is capable of handling more complex parts like this one, including forming operations.
   
3D Quick Press sells for $8,000 U.S. and requires a SolidWorks license costing between $3,995 and $5,495.  This price is slightly more than half that of the Progressive-Die Wizard for Unigraphics.
  
  3D Quick Press is a new product, so the usual caveats apply.  C. H. Lai, director of 3D QuickTools Ltd., says that the software requires training to use properly.  Whereas such training would not be hard to provide near 3D QuickTools’ Hong Kong base, potential buyers in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. should investigate local training and support resources before investing in this software.
  
Caveats aside, any firm that designs progressive-die tools should investigate the capabilities of both 3D Quick Press and EDS’ Progressive-Die Wizard.  Although they will not replace experienced die designers, these products have the potential to make designers more productive by reducing design time and cost, enabling designers to better optimize designs to reduce waste and processing time, and eliminate manufacturing errors that occur with two-D software.  

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213

JOEY19700213