Die Cast Units_cad files?

John,

The Solidworks files are in the form of executable macro (swb) files.

You "do" have to register (which irks the hell outa me, but may not bother you)

Regards

Mark

John,

Just dowloaded one. The macro ran without a hitch in SW2005, creating a complete assembly.

You have to offer 3D models these days if you sell mold bases. No one (that I know) designs tools by hand anymore, the parts are too complex.

Regards

Mark

Thanks Mark.

I've known about the cad files available from DME. I use the components sometimes, but use my own mold base library. My problem with the mold bases offered by PartStream (they offer PCS as well) is that they are not mated.

Anyway, the die cast unit bases are not on the web site that I can find. Mating isn't as important with those and I wouldn't have been as picky if they were up there-but I can't find them. `A' & `B' series mold bases for injection molding are there. No Die Cast Units.

jk

John,

I used to do die cast designs way back as well. Doing only plastics now. I have been to the end of the internet and back but unfortunately have never seen die cast units available anywhere. It would have been something I would have paid attention to since I used to do it.

You will probably have to model your own and estimate on the dimensions that DME does not make public. After all, these dimensions shouldn't be critical if you are purchasing the units from them anyway. The features would already be there when they arrived.

I had to do this same thing with Master Unit Die companion inserts. There is a lot of missing and unavailable information about these. Mysteriously, they are owned by DME as well.

I try everything possible to NOT specify anything DME related on a mold design. I have had some other issues with them as well. However, with the die casting inserts, I don't know of an alternative since it has been so long since I was in that industry (about 12 yrs.).

Sorry...

" have been to the end of the internet and back but unfortunately have never seen die cast units available anywhere. "

Yes, I made that voyage over the weekend and found nothing. I am in the process of modeling my own exactly as you suggested. I was able to rattle the cage of the local DME sales rep and he got me some more dimensions off some old drawings (dated 1962) that he had. I also sent an e-mail to DME directly and the guy replied saying that they were actually in the process of completing 3-d models for their die cast section and that they would be available in a few months.

The first shop I worked in back in Wisconsin was a die cast shop. I haven't done too much here in California. This new customer looks lke he's going to work out, so I'll build up my die cast library as I get the chance.

Anyway, I should be fine now. You're right about the missing dimensions not really mattering. I am just kind of fussy about showing things right and it was bothering me not having everything. (I don't show all of my chamfers-as you have poiunted out to me :)-but I DO like the basic detail to be there.

Thanks for the reply. Are you busy there in Carolina? We've really picked up out here. It's kinda nice to have a backlog for a change.

jk

Don't hold your breath. I was told that about Master Unit Die inserts a couple of years ago. It never happened. Therefore, I created my own library of virtually the entire catalog. I prefer using my own library over downloaded parts any day. I just checked. About the only thing available today is general components (leader pins, bushings, etc.). The only plate I saw was an ejector plate, I believe. There were still no assemblies as of yet.

I am with you here. I am very neurotic about everything being as perfect as possible to (except for chamfers as well). But sometimes, it truly is a waste of time. I have been working hard on trying to limit myself of unnecessary detail lately.

Our shop has been slammed for some time now. I, on the other hand, have been fairly slow with new designs. Looks like there are some new projects on the horizon though. Overall, most shops have been steadily busy around here.

" There were still no assemblies as of yet."

And when they do put the assemblies up there, they won't be mated. Therefore they will be next to worthless.

jk

That's one of the reasons why I model virtually ALL of my library myself. I just haven't found any that I consider acceptable. But I am a bit picky...