Solidworks Moldbase

After going to flex license (we installed a server) and upgrading from SW2004 to 2005, I am finding out from our VAR that Solidworks Moldbase is GONE. *Poof* Now, our 2004 installation is gone, along with the functionality of SW Moldbase. Today was NOT a good day.

WTF is up with that? I can't believe that no one has posted something about this before, but I am too lazy to Google it. We're an injection molding company with an in-house toolroom. We use(d) Moldbase a LOT.

If it is truly no longer supported, is anyone aware of a similar program? Or a workaround to install SW Moldbase (2004) into SW 2005?

TIA.

Doug

Reply to
What?!
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Unless I'm mistaken, your VAR should have you told far in advance that this was gone. Part of a VAR's job is to have some idea as to his customer base. Sounds like the guy either didn't know (bad) or didn't care (worse) how you were using SW. If I were in your position, I'd have a long talk with him...

Mike Tripoli

Reply to
Mike Tripoli

That's a bum deal. Most VARs only have one goal on their minds; sales. It's so obvious when you talk to them that most of them are on commission. Maybe that explains why SolidWorks modeled up all those mold parts and posted them on 3-D Content Central.

Best Regards, Devon T. Sowell

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Reply to
Devon T. Sowell

You can get a discount on MoldWorks

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Will not help much, but a few of my favourite 3d part suppliers online

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Regards John Layne

Reply to
John Layne

Even though Moldbase is now defunct, you should still have all of the part files that were used to create each and every part and mold assembly that Moldbase created on your hard drive or wherever you were keeping your moldbase data. I realize you loose the dialog box for easier assembly creations but the data is still there.

Reply to
j

True enough, but when you have new variations of mold bases; various riser heights, A & B plate thickness, A & B "type" mold designs, etc the functionality of the Moldbase add-in was what was great. A few mouse clicks, and you had a *complete* assembly with dozens of components, down to the guide pins/bushings, return pins, sprue bushing... everything. And believe me, we haven't nearly exhausted the sizes/configurations of the "standard" mold bases we need now, or in the future.

Our VAR is telling us we could use the SW Moldbase 2004 in conjunction with SW 2005, BUT.... since we're using Flex License, it won't work. Supposedly, SW is "working" on getting Flex License to work with Moldbase 2004 (within SW 2005).

I'm just surprised no one has run into this yet...

BTW, the VAR says they were "blindsided" with the loss of Moldbase. No notification from SW.

Doug

PS - Thanks for the link, John Layne. Sent away for info today.

Reply to
What?!

I am right there with ya man. I am still pissed to this day. My VAR didn't know it was cancelled and on top of that didn't realize they sold MoldWorks as an alternative. Just so you know though MoldWorks sucks really bad. It crashes more then SolidWorks and cost $4995.00. But you can try it for yourself they have a trial period which is of no help to them. I used Moldbase a lot and am still hanging without anything. It wasn't a perfect program but it worked well enough. Seriously the best alternatve I have seen is to switch to Solid Edge if you are doing molds. Let them show you the program and you will see. I have done a free trial on all of the available programs.

Reply to
moldingman

I remember seeing notification of the demise of MoldBase. I think it was discussed in here at the time in aadition to being posted on the SW web site. Sounds like your VAR just wasn't paying attention.

I tried MoldBase briefly and it didn't suit my needs. I also was an early MoldWorks user. There were some aspects of it that were a problem for me and I dropped it 1-1/2 years ago. I was REALLY slow right when I dropped my MoldWorks contract and spent the time developing my own personal mold base and component library. Boy has that paid off now that I am very busy again! You'll find that a lot of the mold designers using SW have done their own libraries.

What I like about just using the SW core is that changes are handled more easily. Setting up your own system allows you to customize to suit your own style. A knowledge of setting up configurations is quite helpful, but ultimately well worth the effort.

Good Luck.

jk

Reply to
jk

There is another option to look at. Kevin Wisher (K.W. Design) has a moldbase library that he markets. I do not remember which brands it contains but it could be a great resource for someone in need of a library. The price wasn't bad either from what I recall. I am not sure how to reach Kevin, however he has posted to this group in the past and could possibly be contacted through old posts.

Reply to
moonlighter

Yeah, I know Kevin. His library was pretty good, but I haven't heard from him lately. I do think you are right that he is marketing it himself. That would be a good option. I know he has DME and maybe National. He also added Hasco-inch right before I last spoke to him.

jk

Reply to
jk

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