Electric Climbing And Lifting Tricycle With Scale Hydraulic car jack lift, Single post car lift, Car lift platform, Car elevator lift Xuzhou Hezhan Locomotive Co., Ltd , https://www.hezhantricycle.com
Mold CAD/CAE/CAM is a crucial technology that has revolutionized traditional mold manufacturing methods. It represents a high-tech, efficient system engineering solution. Through computer software, it provides companies with powerful tools to assist engineers and technicians in designing and optimizing product performance, mold structure, forming processes, numerical control machining, and production management. The application of mold CAD/CAE/CAM technology has significantly reduced the design and manufacturing cycle of molds, lowered production costs, and improved product quality, becoming a widely accepted standard within the mold industry.
Over the past two decades, mold CAD/CAE/CAM technology has evolved from simple to complex, from experimental to widespread use. Since the beginning of this century, its development has accelerated, with broader applications emerging. To help mold workers better understand and utilize this technology, this article provides an overview and analysis of the most commonly used and representative types of molds—casting molds, forging dies, progressive dies, automotive cover molds, and plastic injection molds—and explores their current development status and future trends.
Development of Casting Die CAD/CAE/CAM
The exploration of casting process simulation began with solving the temperature field distribution during solidification. In 1962, Fursund from Denmark first applied the finite difference method to calculate heat transfer during the solidification of two-dimensional castings. By 1965, Henzel of General Motors successfully simulated the temperature of turbine castings, marking the start of numerical analysis for heat transfer within mold cavities. This technology quickly spread globally. From the 1970s to the 1980s, countries like the US, UK, France, Japan, and Denmark made significant progress in solidification simulation research and commercialization of simulation software. In the 1990s, Chinese universities such as Tsinghua University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology also achieved notable success in this field.
Early simulations focused on heat transfer, but they could not accurately predict casting defects. As a result, researchers began simulating the filling process in the 1980s, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) theories. Starting with simple 2D shapes, these simulations gradually evolved into 3D models, enabling accurate predictions of flow and heat transfer. Today, several commercial 3D casting simulation software solutions are available, including SOLIDIA, SOLSTAR, SIMULOR, NOVACAST, MAGMA, AFSOLID, and PROCAST. Additionally, Chinese institutions like Tsinghua and Huazhong have developed their own CAE tools, which support a wide range of casting materials and applications, from large-scale castings to small parts. These systems have played a critical role in reducing shrinkage, improving riser designs, and minimizing inclusions.
With the successful application of CAE in casting, CAD systems for casting processes and mold structures have also advanced. Commercial tools like AFS-SOFTWARE and FEEDERCALK have been introduced, aiding in riser design and other key aspects. In China, Tsinghua and Huazhong Universities have developed systems like TLESCAD and THFSCAD, supporting both 2D and 3D modeling. As 3D CAD becomes more prevalent, it is expected to replace 2D systems as the industry standard.
Development Overview of Forging Die CAD/CAE/CAM
Since the 1970s, extensive research has been conducted on forging die CAD/CAE/CAM technologies, leading to advancements in forging process design, die structural design, and metal flow simulation. Axisymmetric forgings, accounting for about 30% of all forgings, have simpler geometries and are often the focus of early CAD/CAM developments. These systems typically include forging design, process planning, die design, and NC programming.
Long shaft forgings, on the other hand, require more complex process and die design, making their CAD/CAM systems less versatile. Many existing systems are limited to specific products or applications. Future directions for forging die CAD/CAM include group technology, standardization, and deeper integration of CAE and AI technologies.
In terms of CAE, the finite element method has been widely used for analyzing metal forging processes. Researchers like Lee, Kobayashi, Zienkiewicz, Mori, and Osakada contributed to the development of rigid-plastic and viscoplastic models. Commercial software such as FORGE2, DEFORM, ABAQUS, and MSC/AutoForge have since been applied in forging, offering detailed insights into deformation, stress, strain, and load. These tools provide critical data for optimizing mold design and process parameters.
Progress of Progressive Die CAD/CAE/CAM
The development of progressive die CAD/CAM began in the late 1960s, initially focusing on 2D blanking and forming. Systems like Hitachi’s bending progressive die and Fujitsu’s curved die introduced 3D modeling in the 1980s. By the 1990s, international CAD/CAM systems like Pro/E, UG-II, and SolidWorks were adopted in the mold industry. While these systems lacked specialized modules for forming processes, they laid the groundwork for further development.
Companies like Striker Systems developed commercial CAD/CAM software, such as SS-DESIGN and SS-DIE DESIGN, supporting feature modeling and interactive design. More recently, NX-PDW, developed by UGS and Huazhong University, introduced 3D modeling capabilities for progressive die design. Other Chinese institutions have also made strides in developing CAD/CAM systems for various types of progressive dies.
Development Overview of Automotive Cover Mold CAD/CAE/CAM
Automotive cover mold CAD/CAM systems were pioneered by major automakers like Toyota, which adopted CNC technology in the 1960s. In the 1980s, Toyota used NTDFB, CADETT, and TINCA software to streamline body design, die CAD, and machining. These systems helped reduce mold design and manufacturing time by 50%. Today, Toyota uses Pro/Dieface, a Pro/E-based tool, for die design.
Companies like General Motors, Ford, and PSF have also developed internal CAD/CAM systems for automotive panels. In China, institutions like Hunan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology have made significant progress in stamping simulation and mold design. Tools like FASTAMP and CADEM series offer advanced analysis for wrinkling, cracking, and under-formation, helping optimize blank shapes and process parameters.
Development of Plastic Injection Mould CAD/CAE/CAM
Plastic injection mold CAD/CAM has evolved alongside general mechanical CAD/CAM technology. From wireframe models in the 1960s to surface and solid modeling in later decades, the integration of parametric features has enhanced mold design accuracy. Commercial systems like Pro/E, UG-II, and CATIA now include dedicated injection mold design modules.
CAE technology for injection molding has also advanced rapidly, expanding from 1D to 3D flow and cooling analysis. Moldflow’s MF software suite includes flow, cooling, warpage, gas-assisted, and stress analysis modules. HSCAE6.10, developed by Huazhong University, has evolved from 2D to 3D analysis, providing comprehensive tools for mold optimization and training.
Development Trends of Mold CAD/CAE/CAM
As technology advances, mold CAD/CAE/CAM systems are becoming more intelligent, specialized, and integrated. The next generation will combine AI, concurrent engineering, and parametric design. Professional software like NX-PDW, Cimatron, and DELCAM’s Power Solution now offer unified databases, 3D design linkage, and automated processing.
Despite progress, mold design still relies heavily on human expertise. New systems are integrating KBE (Knowledge-Based Engineering) and AI to make simulations more active and predictive. For example, HSCAE6.10 uses neural networks and rule-based reasoning to optimize injection parameters and evaluate molding outcomes. This shift aims to transform simulation tools from passive calculators to active optimization systems, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in mold design and production.
Mold CAD/CAE/CAM Technology
Introduction