New SolidWorks Integrated mould filling analysis

I got a release through from UK SolidWorks VAR, New Technology CADCAM about it adding SimpoeWorks to its product portfolio. I recently talked, following the Autodesk/Moldflow acquisition, about how there were limited options for those looking to perform injection moulding simulation, citing the only other code I was aware of being Vero's VISI-Flow. It seems I was wrong and SimpoeWorks is "fully featured general purpose plastic injection simulation software for plastic injection analysis." It's a SolidWorks Gold Partner Product offering "complete filling, packing, cooling and part warpage simulation"

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Autodesk to maintain MoldFlow partnerships

Courtesy of RalphG at WorldAccessCAD, Autodesk's Buzz Kross has confirmed at the company is planning no change with regards MoldFlow's partnerships with other vendors.

I heard you were wondering if we intended to continue the link to competitive tools. Absolutely. We plan no changes. Moldflow is a key aspect of our CIM strategy. We intend to keep the solution open and will continue to work with everyone. Earlier today, I sent a e-mail to virtually all my competitors telling them that this is our plan.

Good news for everyone that's currently using MoldFLow for their simulation processes as this technology is pretty hard to come by. The only other solution that we're currently aware of that gets anywhere near to MoldFlow is Vero Software's VISI Flow application described in its own words as "a unique prediction tool, ideal for pre and post production analysis and concurrent engineering of injection moulded plastic components."

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Autodesk to acquire MoldFlow

News of Autodesk's intent to acquire MoldFlow came as a bit of a surprise. Considering Autodesk's Digital Prototyping plan over the next few years, to enable users to take a product from concept to manfuacture without too much in the way of physical prototypes, the move makes perfect sense - but how?

The answer is that if you look at what Autodesk are openly (to the media anyway) about in terms of current developments - such as Mould and Die design tools currently on test in China, its establishment of the 'Computers in Manufacturing' group (headed up by people instrumental in the development of IronCAD and CoCreate's SolidDesigner/OneSpace modelling tool), the demonstrations of Functional Design tools developed in partnership with Attilo Rimoldi of ImpactXoft fame), then the ability to simulate the injection moulding process is a missing peice.

What's perhaps interesting and won't become clear is how this will effect MoldFlow's work with other vendors. MoldFlow technology is built into SolidWorks (MoldflowXpress), CoCreate, and many others. There is also a huge range of MoldFlow products that are not quite so well known, but provide a huge arsenal that covers everything 'injection moulding' related.

The deal is expected to go through in the second quarter of 2008, so stay tuned.

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