This class will describe the benefits of using PowerShape software and Moldflow Insight to model and simulate a conformal cooling tool. With 3D printing on the rise, conformal cooling is becoming a more widely available option to create cooling channels in metal in order to more evenly cool a plastic component during the molding process. Utilizing the modeling power of PowerShape to build a mold with channels following the geometry of the plastic part-and then validating the channels using Moldflow-can save time and money by eliminating the need to 'build it and hope it works."

Visualizing and defining 3D models on a 2D screen has always been a challenge for CAD and CAM users. Tool paths and probe paths add other levels of complexity to take into consideration, as the user cannot fully appreciate the problem on a 2D viewer. Imagine yourself trying to define a tool axis on a complex shape-it's very hard to take every single aspect of the shape into account, except by guessing, calculating, and retrying repeatedly. With augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, the user gains the ability to inspect and define accurate 3D transformations (position and rotation) for machine tools in a much more natural way. We will demonstrate one potential workflow to address this during the class, which includes how to export relevant models from PowerMill software or PowerInspect projects; how to reconstruct, edit, and optimize models in PowerShape software and 3ds Max software; and eventually how to add simple model interactions and deploy them in AR/VR environments with game engines like Stingray or Unity.

Advanced composite materials are replacing more and more metal components in a variety of industries, most notably, the aerospace industry. While there are many benefits to using composite materials, there are also inherent challenges when working with composite materials. Composite structures are often formed into complex organic shapes, and they're subject to tighter tolerancing and accuracy requirements than is a similar component made from plastic or another material. This creates the need for highly accurate, often complex mold tools and patterns to be machined. PowerMill software and PowerShape software are uniquely suited for rapidly producing high-quality composite tooling, as we'll demonstrate in this course. Another significant manufacturing challenge is machining the completed composite piece. Companies often employ the use of highly complex and expensive fixtures in attempts to accurately align and set up the part for machining while minimizing the time they have in non-productive, manual setup processes. This course will demonstrate how PowerInspect software can make possible the use of simple, inexpensive work holding while increasing accuracy and repeatability of the part setup. This tool can also be used to verify the machining operations before the part is moved from the machine, making any required rework much faster and simpler, and significantly reducing the common bottleneck at the quality department.

Everyone is experiencing the skills-gap change to some degree. With the increasing breadth of this issue looming over manufacturing, automated processes and efficient workflows have become paramount to every business. Many CAD/CAM products offer solutions that come close; however, they can leave people feeling overwhelmed, which causes more of a setback rather than a solution. In this class, we’ll demonstrate how the new generation of cloud and advanced manufacturing solutions will help close the gap. The goal is to communicate how Fusion 360 software and PowerMill can improve the efficiency of subtractively manufacturing your parts, increasing productivity, and complementing your existing workflows.

Autodesk CAD, CAM, and CAE Solutions can be applied to the design and manufacture of high-quality molds to produce visually and dimensionally correct plastic parts at minimum cycle time. Moldflow tools ensure optimum mold design based on such considerations as best feed and cooling system placement and sizing. Designing molds for balanced and easy cavity filling will reduce mold stresses and extend mold life. Autodesk CAM tools, from Delcam, facilitate efficient design and manufacture of precision molds using subtractive and additive methods. Additive methods (also known as 3D printing) enable the manufacture of innovative, complex, and lighter-weight components in various applications. Netfabb tools can automatically generate lighter-weight designs, and then optimize component orientation, deflections, and supports to make the additive manufacturing process successful. This class will show the workflow utilizing the Moldflow, CAM, and Netfabb software systems to ensure right-first-time manufacturing.

Everyone is experiencing the skills gap change to some degree. With the increasing breadth of this issue looming over manufacturing, automating processes have become paramount to every business. Many CAD/CAM products offer solutions that come close; however, they leave people feeling daunted, which causes more of a setback, rather than a solution. In this class, we’ll demonstrate how the new generation of cloud and advanced manufacturing solutions will help close the gap. The goal is to communicate how Fusion 360 and PowerMill can improve the efficiency of subtractively manufacturing your parts, increasing productivity, and complementing your existing workflows.