As part of a larger synergy project for reverse engineering and casting, VISI 2019 R1 introduces an extended direct interface to multiple portable measuring arms and Leica scanning devices from Hexagon. This functionality, together with enhancements to the dedicated module, provides a reverse engineering solution, as well as the ability to generate casting and stock models from VISI’s existing modelling and machining environment.
VISI product manager Marco Cafasso says it means that a points cloud can be loaded either directly or indirectly, while the relative mesh can be created by setting different options for refining and smoothing. “Also, surfaces can be created automatically or semi-automatically by extracting different geometrical references from the refined mesh. Scan data, stock or reference casting mesh models can easily be aligned to the original geometrical CAD model using dedicated commands to allow comparisons, gap analysis and optimised toolpath processes.”
The new ejector pin labelling functionality, which has been produced specifically for plastic mould designers, enables all the ejector pins in a mould design project to be identified in a table by a user-defined label. Says Cafasso: “This feature simplifies the maintenance process of the mould itself, where one or more ejector pins need to be replaced. It easily identifies any ejector pin for maintenance purposes, and updates it accordingly if it needs replacing.”
VISI 2019 R1 introduces a function for the advanced sketching of conformal cooling channels. This feature allows the use of wireframe circuits, previously created in CAD, along with selecting pre-defined or user sections, and automatically creates the conformal channels to form the desired cooling circuit. “It’s also possible to edit those channels, even after subtraction from the mould insert,” says Cafasso. “All the information defined on the conformal cooling during the design phase is automatically managed by VISI Flow’s thermal analysis. And the thermal analysis itself has also been enhanced to provide a graphical temperature display on a dynamic insert section.” The result is a simplified process, and quicker mould design and VISI Flow analysis.
VISI’s blanking process has also been enhanced, to set the faces on the model affected by the pressure pad by simply defining the relative force to apply. This functionality allows the material to flow, based on the applied force on the pressure pad. Cafasso says users can also set constraints to simulate the effect of a uniformly distributed blank-holder force. “In fact, it’s possible to define a friction value and the force value to be applied for the blanking phase. This leads to a more accurate blanking process, which gives additional support to the user during the design phase of the die.”
