Siemens PLM Software Blog

Simulation technology has a lot to offer to mold manufacturing. It’s a matter of recognizing the problems that it can help to solve. Our latest article, In Simulation We Trust, published in this month’s issue of MoldMaking Technology Magazine explores various challenges in mold manufacturing and how simulation technology can help to overcome them in order to:

+ Design better molded parts faster
+ Make more complex, higher quality and better performing tools
+ Create error-free programs faster and machine more efficiently

With the recent release of NX 8.5, state-of-the-art mold flow analysis technology has been added to NX ‘s powerful arsenal of validation tools. NX already includes data quality checking, molded part validation, interference/clearance analysis, tool kinematics simulation and cooling and strength analyses. The new mold flow analysis technology, EasyFill Analysis, integrates Moldex3D capabilities into NX to help designers save time setting up simulations, checking designs, and evaluating design alternatives.

Demonstration of EasyFill Analysis in NX 8.5 by Sam Kuan, Siemens PLM Software

For the next level of machine simulation accuracy and realism, NX 8.5 integrates the Virtual Machine Tool. Inside of NX CAM, the Virtual Machine Tool can be used on the shop floor for postprocessed NC code validation, setup, training, and even manual editing of NC code just like at the real physical machine.

Video of machine tool simulation inside NX CAM using the Virtual Machine Tool – a virtual copy of a physical machine tool with exactly the same controller software, features, HMI and operator panel.

The actual machine controller software,Virtual NC Controller Kernel (VNCK), is embedded inside NX CAM to drive the simulation resulting in a highly accurate simulation that can minimize the need for prove out and first-article machining trials. Machine tool builders that offer virtual machines can use it reproduce issues found at customer sites. With NX 8.5 it supports single-channel machines. Multi-channel machines are planned for a future release.

Are you taking full advantage of simulation technology?

Follow these topics: NX

Tags: CAM, machine tool simulation, machining, NX CAM, virtual machine tool, VNCK