CAE Software offers direct route from scan data to mold.

Press Release Summary:



CopyCAD reverse engineering program includes methods for generating split lines to provide efficient process for moving directly from scan data to mold design. It also includes wrapping option as well as ability to flatten 3D triangle models into 2D shapes. Included triangle modeling tools allows mold cores and cavities to be generated directly from triangle models. Software also provides ability to handle nested splits, and create geometrically-perfect forms.



Original Press Release:



Delcam's New CopyCAD offers Easier Route from Scan Data to Mould



The latest release of the CopyCAD reverse engineering program includes improved methods for generating split lines so providing an even more efficient process for moving directly from scan data to mould design. Other enhancements include the ability to flatten 3D triangle models into 2D shapes and an extra wrapping option, together with significant speed improvements throughout the program.

Most reverse engineering software requires the user to create a surface model from the scan data before work can start on the tooling design. In contrast, CopyCAD's range of triangle modeling tools allows mould cores and cavities to be generated directly from triangle models so giving major time savings.

A key part of this process is the generation of the horizon lines on the model. CopyCAD now allows smoother curves to be produced by applying a user-defined angular tolerance to the curve. This avoids the jagged split lines that would otherwise be produced from the edges of the triangles.

Once the curve has been created, developments in triangle splitting mean that dividing large or complex models is now up to ten times faster. The classification of the two parts of the split has been improved to give more consistent results, with fewer leftover triangles. Furthermore, CopyCAD now has the ability to handle nested splits, when split surfaces need to be generated to fill any gaps within the model.

Another common problem with reverse engineering is the difficulty in creating geometrically-perfect forms within the model since scan data will always include a degree of error. CopyCAD previously had the ability to create standard shapes, such as cubes, spheres and cylinders. The software can now use its morphing technology to convert scan data into perfect geometry. For example, the user can sketch a boundary around part of the model and then morph it into a perfectly flat surface.

The flattening of 3D triangle models is expected to be used mainly in the footwear industry to created leather patterns from reverse-engineered models of lasts. It could also be used to generate cutting patterns for reinforcement in composites manufacture.

The new wrapping option makes it possible to wrap a triangle model onto a surface model or another triangle model. This will be useful when creating a new design incorporating reverse-engineered data from two or more existing designs.

As well as the much faster splitting already mentioned, other improvements include an increase in the speed of Boolean operations of up to four times and a similar reduction in time taken for triangle intersection limiting.

For further information on Delcam's CopyCAD software, please contact: -
Peter Dickin, Public Relations Manager
Direct phone: 44 (0)121 683 1081 e-mail: marketing@delcam.com
Delcam plc
Small Heath Business Park,
Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK
www.delcam.co.uk

Delcam Inc.
3270 Electricity Drive
Windsor, Ont. N8W 5J1, Canada
www.delcam.com

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