CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
21 August 2007
Implementation Investments
Delcam Software Gives Toolmaker Five-Axis Flexibility
Using Delcam's PowerSHAPE CAD software and PowerMILL CAM system has given Dutch toolmaker ProMould the flexibility it needs to supports its customers with the development and innovation of their new products, processes and production technologies. Due to this support, ProMould's customers are able to manufacture their products more quickly and more efficiently. In this way, both the company and its customers continue to be competitive in their respective markets.
ProMould was founded in 2002 and is located in Heinenoord in the Netherlands. It focuses on developing, creating and producing models, moulds and prototypes for customers in foundries, the injection and vacuum moulding industry, and the design world, mainly for the automotive and aviation sectors.
To further increase its efficiency, ProMould purchased a computer-controlled five-axis portal milling machine from Zimmermann five years ago. The company then began looking for a CADCAM system, to control this machine and its use in the modelmaking industry.
After comparing several systems, ProMould chose PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL as the software that best met its needs. Lennard van der Hoeven, Product Engineer at ProMould, was an early enthusiast for the software. "PowerMILL was able to control the five-axis portal milling machine without any trouble," he remembered. "Furthermore, I could easily import "strange" files into PowerSHAPE and the software contains functionality especially for the modelmaking industry. Last but not least, PowerMILL had already been introduced successfully on identical milling machines in competitive companies."
After five years working with the Delcam software, Mr. van der Hoeven remains convinced that it was the right decision. "I have found that PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL are highly reliable, fast, efficient and comprehensive; especially pleasing are the specific design functionality for creating moulds and the toolpath calculation speed," he commented. "The great advantage of this integrated CADCAM system is the ability to switch between PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL quickly and easily. While working in PowerMILL, I can simply switch to PowerSHAPE to edit the design. Over and over again, we discover useful options."
Flexibility is ProMould's specialty. It is a small company with as much CNC machining capacity as its larger competitors. With this equipment, the company is able to manufacture and deliver components more quickly and with lower costs for their customers. To be competitive, the company also needs a suitable CADCAM system. "Delcam provides a really flexible CADCAM system that is able to find a solution for every problem," concluded Mr. van der Hoeven.
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