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New Custom Features: Mold Design

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Comments

  • romeograhamromeograham Member, csevp Posts: 682 PRO

    @jelte_steur814 The update button seems to update the values, but not using the variables that I put in the offset fields. Maybe I could use the variables - but would have to remember to edit the Mold Stock feature and update each time I change the variable. Not really what I'm after, but maybe that's the way it works.

    In terms of missing features - I'm not even completely sure because I'm not a mold designer! However, when I've shown it to other folks that know more, they were asking about things like standard pins, lifters, gates, hot runner systems, standard mold bases, etc etc. Some of the common elements that they'd expect for mounting, connections for cooling etc.

    All of that can be done manually, but I think that they are supported as standards.in some other tools.

    I like to do just the first few steps of making a cavity and core, because it helps me think about how to solve problems in the part design itself.

  • S1monS1mon Member Posts: 3,039 PRO

    I've never directly designed injection mold tools, but I've worked with a ton of toolers and molders, and launched 100s of tools. I could imagine some things which would help tool designers:

    1. Feature(s) to make cooling lines and the connections to them easier.
    2. Standard libraries of mold components from suppliers like PCS, DME, etc.
    3. Features to create "standard" mold bases.
    4. Moldflow analysis.
    5. Projected area measurement feature or built-in tool.
    6. Better built-in volume tools. (Yes you can add some FeatureScript and then get a BOM with volumes, but this should be easier).
    7. Integration with MES tools?

    If I was designing tools, the way configurations work in Onshape and Onshape's ability to take CAD data from just about any other system and do direct modeling would be a huge advantage over other systems.

    Over the years, I've noticed a lot of tool design is done very schematically in 2D in AutoCAD first or perhaps totally done that way, and 3D is perhaps just for CAM for EDM tools and any complex parting lines. Part of the challenge would be to be faster/cheaper than that. It would be fascinating to talk to a lot of toolers around the world about their problems and needs and help tailor Onshape for that industry.

  • jelte_steur814jelte_steur814 Member Posts: 232 PRO

    yeah, that's also how Iuse it often. also to show unconventional demoulding options/sequences. when they see it they'll believe it.

    If you want to quickly iterate the offset with a variable, just make the mold stock with the standard 25 mm offset.

    set variable offset=45 mm
    After the mold stock feature add a 'move face' with your variable to all 4 sides (or 6) sides of the stock (offset-25 mm).

  • romeograhamromeograham Member, csevp Posts: 682 PRO

    Yes - I am currently doing that type of operation: adjusting the offset after or before the Stock feature, with manual adjustments of the Stock feature if I want. Just trying to further codify my workflow so that it's more "standard" for the next part / project.

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