autocad for molds?

[smokehouse]

Hello,
What Autocad package would you consider to be the best for plastic injection mold design?
Thanks,
Bill P

 

[Like2Strike]

If you need to use AutoCad products.
I have seen success using Mechanical Desktop.

Live Aloha

Frank M.
Tradewind Resources

http://twrusa.tripod.com

 

[smokehouse]

I get a sense that you don't really recommend autocad for mold design. I haven't tried it however I do see quite a few people using it and the price is right.
In your opinion should I not pursue AC?
Thanks,
Bill P

 

[DALER]

I have drawn molds on paper for 35 yrs. and had no problem
using AC for mold design for the last 4 yrs. in 2D.
As for 3D that is a whole different issue.

Dale

 

[Like2Strike]

Bill,
Sorry it took so long to respond back.
I have been out-of-town.

The Basic AutoCad package is great for designing in 2D.
When it comes to using a 3D package, I suggest the Pro/ENGINEER "Expert Mold". The Pro/E platform has a bit of a learning curve. Although all the tools needed to be successful are there.
By using the 3D package,
tool paths can be created from the database and by animating the mold drawing (within the CAD program) you can see how side actions, unscrewing cores, etc. will work. You can get a pretty good idea of what you can expect before the steel is cut. You have to have a good working knowledge of mold construction before using the software. Anyone who thinks that just by using the 3D software, will make them an expert, is very much mistaken.

Live Aloha

Frank M.
Tradewind Resources

http://twrusa.tripod.com

 

[agi]

I am a mold designer from 20 years.
I think the best softwares to use in mold design are "hybrid" softwares.(solid & freeform modeling)
There are some out there but very few for mold design.
Pro-E is exellent in solid modeling BUT... what if you need a freeform surface modeling in your mold, is perfect as long as you deal with regular shapes after that are only pains, the same solid works.
I will racomand CATIA (very expensive) or Think3 with the mold design package is exellent.

 

[cvkushe]

HI Smoke!

Autocad is ok when considering 2d drafting of mould views. But 2D by its very nature restricts foreseeing of structure related problems in the mould.

I have been using Pro/E for past 7 years for plastic part & mould design. Have also used I-deas , SolidWorks & CATIA(to some extent only)& find that there is no beating Pro/E when it comes to moild design & making. What with the new icon based version substantially shortening the learning curve.

do tell me if u need furher clarification.