New Sync View Option in Mastercam Simulator
With the new Sync View option in the Mastercam Simulator, commands like pan, rotate, and zoom now register simultaneously in both the Simulator and main systems graphic view. This makes it easier to line up view positions between the two. In previous versions, commands like pan, rotate, and zoom in the Simulator had no effect on the main system graphics view. Likewise, using those same commands in the main system graphics screen would not affect the Simulator view. This means meaning that in some cases it would be difficult to line up view positions between the two. Now in 2017, the new Sync Views option keeps the two displays coordinated perfectly. There are a number of toolpaths selected in the file shown below. Click the Verify or Simulator button to launch the Mastercam Simulator and the external window opens. Now, under the View tab in the Utilities section you can see that the Sync Views button is enabled by default. If you change the graphics view (either by selecting a pre-defined one or manually panning tilting or zooming) the main system graphics screen updates to stay in sync. If you return to the main system graphics screen and alter the graphics view the [...]
SolidWorks 2016 – Replacing Sub-assemblies with Multi-body Parts
Today we will explain how to replace subassemblies with multibody parts, a new function in SolidWorks 2016. Unlike previous versions of SolidWorks, in 2016 you can use a multibody part as a simplified representation of the assembly. When you make changes to the subassembly and save an updated multibody part, this version can replace the older copy without having to recreate the mates. Consider the assembly shown above. It contains two individual parts and two subassemblies. You can open one of the subassemblies and save it as a part while maintaining all geometry references. This part contains four solid bodies derived from the four original parts in the subassembly. To replace the subassembly with this multibody part in the main assembly, simply right-click on the subassembly and select Replace Components. Select or browse for the multibody part. Here is where you will confirm the position of the multibody part within the assembly with a series of existing mates. Take note of how all bodies of the part are constrained to their original position. When a subassembly is saved as a multibody part, the mates between parts of subassemblies are saved as internal data inside the new part. This is useful when you use [...]
Customized 3D Printed Medical Models
3D printing is making a profound difference at the University of Malaya’s Centre for Biomedical and Technology Integration (CBMTI). CBMTI uses Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D Printing technology to deliver a range of services including custom medical implants, prototypes for new devices and patient-specific models for surgical planning. But perhaps the greatest impact is in creating sophisticated training simulators for clinical procedures. Ear, nose and throat simulation model in three parts. At CBMTI’s inception, neurosurgeons were mentoring on live human cases, and practicing on cadaveric dissection and computer simulations. Its first 3D printer made spatially accurate models in a single material, but did not mimic human pathology without a costly, time-consuming post process. This changed when they acquired Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing technology. “Once we got the Stratasys multi-material 3D Printer, we were able to 3D print medical models that could, for instance, mimic the texture of the nose, the linings, and the harder tissue at the back of the nose. We found this very useful, especially in teaching trainees how to handle different materials,” said Vicknes Waran, MD, director of CBMTI. Better Prepared with Realistic Patient-Specific Models CBMTI now 3D prints detailed multi-material models that mimic real anatomy, even down to a [...]
3D Printed Mass Customization for Daihatsu’s Copen Cars
Daihatsu Motor Company, known for manufacturing compact, lightweight cars, will offer customers customized design elements for car exteriors. Customers will be able to customize their Copen Convertibles with Stratasys 3D printed effect skins. Stratasys FDM 3D printing technology was used to “build” these three-dimensional patterns, called Effect Skins, for the front and rear bumpers of Daihatsu’s Copen 2-door convertible. “Using Stratasys 3D Printing technology to customize and supply parts to customers and to allow self-expression within a single car is, I believe, a first,” said Osamu Fujishita, General Manager, Corporate Planning Department, Brand DNA Office, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. Daihatsu Copen owners will be able to choose from 10 Stratasys ASA 3D printing material colors and 15 base patterns to create their own signature designs. The auto experts at Daihatsu collaborated with designer Kota Nezu and 3D modeling artist Sun Junjie. Nezu’s firm, Znug Design, manages planning and design for industrial products, such as cars and motorcycles. Junjie has had extensive experience in fashion, as well as a deep understanding of what Stratasys 3D printing solutions have to offer, but had never worked with the automotive industry. The pair developed more than a dozen base patterns of Effect Skins in 10 different colors; [...]
Handy Scan – Versatile Metrology Solution
The Handy Scan 3D 700 is a portable yet versatile metrology solution from Creaform. Through 3D scanning, companies can effectively conduct reverse engineering and inspection operations throughout the product development process. The Handy Scan is a handheld laser scanner optimized to meet the demands of engineers. It features 7 lasers that produce a highly detailed point cloud from physical parts and assemblies. To setup the scanner, simply connect it to a laptop or workstation with a USB and power cable. Next, you stage your part by placing the targets, which will enable the lasers to triangulate and generate the scan data. Surprisingly enough, you can be up and running in just a few minutes. There are several great features about this scanner. For example, it features multi-functional buttons that allow me to do things like adjust the zoom, the shutter, and even initiate my scan without having to go back and forth to your computer. Another benefit is its accuracy and speed. It produces scans with tolerances of up to 30 microns and has one of the highest measurement rates on the market, 480,000 measures/s. This allows for timely scanning in an age where speed is critical to success. Finally, its ergonomic design [...]
Working With SOLIDWORKS 2016 Edge Flanges
In today's episode of “What’s New in SolidWorks 2016” I’m going to show you an enhancement to sheet metal flanges that will allow you to create edge flanges that are longer than the edge to which they are attached. In previous versions of SolidWorks, an edge flange feature would default to the length of the edge of the sheet metal part with no options to manipulate the flange length. This is no longer the case. Now, you can drag the edges of the flange preview or input a value for the desired flange length. Let’s take a look at how it works . . . Open a flat sheet metal part. Go to Insert > Sheet Metal> and select the icon for Edge Flange. Next, select the edge where you’d like the flange to attach and in the Property Manager, under Flange Length input a value for the length of the flange. In this example we set the length to 40 mm. Under Flange Parameters, click Edit Flange Profile. In the graphics area, drag each vertical sketch segment so they extend beyond the adjoining sheet metal edge. In the profile sketch dialog box, click Finish, and see how the edge flange is added [...]