Missler Software has just recently launched the 2008 version of its TopSolid CAD/CAM software range. Many new time-consuming functions have been added to TopSolid'Mold 2008 which you can discover on the MoldMaking fair, booth 310.

TopSolid'Mold is a dedicated mold design software offering complete CAM integration with TopSolid'Cam. (Including the standard design elements and machining processes involved in the mold making industry.) TopSolid'Mold enables calculation of the shrinkage factor, analysis of undercuts, calculation of the parting line and surface of the joint, automatic creation and definition of the core block and cavity, implementation of the standard carcass, systems of injection and ejection and analysis of the cooling system.

Here are some of the main improvements in the 2008 version:

• Parting line creation assistance:
  • Supervise separation of parting lines
  • Split in 2 shells
  • Visualisation of critical zones during the parting line separation

• Improved components:
  • TopSolid'Mold 2008 offers the possibility to manage components by grouping them in a " favourites " or bookmark document which enables a quicker insertion of TopSolid'Design components
  • Availability of new components - such as the Polimold and Totalmatrix libraries
  • Update existing libraries such as Meusburger, DME and Rabourdin
  • Components server - Standard components which are driven by numerical control can now be inserted by a server. TopSolid'Mold 2008 can now manage all identical TopSolid'Design components in such a way that file size and time are reduced to a minimum. Thanks to the components server the geometry is calculated only once which permits important gains on several levels:
    • Quicker assembly updates
    • Reduce memory consumption
    • Smaller file sizes thanks to better mold component management

• Improved management of mold data:
  • Availability of the associative rough
  • Generation of dedicated sub-assembles : machined elements, bolts and screws, ejector pins, … to manager and exploit more quickly 3D mold data
  • Easy use of industry BOMs using these functions

• Management of mold design with several versions: This important improvement consists of several new functions which can quickly and efficiently manage different versions of a mold design This enables more than 1 designer to work on a version which is later integrated in the final mold design.
• Rheological analysis and technological integration with Moldflow - Once your plastic part has been designed in TopSolid'Mold 2008 you can transfer the 3D date to Moldflow Plastics Advisers (MPA). The great advantage of plastic simulation software during the early stages of your plastic mold design is the possibility to quickly detect the manufacturing feasibility of your mold.
• TopSolid'Mold 2008 includes a direct link to Ansys to carry out the structural analysis necessary to validate the part.