CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
16 July 2009
Events News
Sescoi and CDTA Bring Digital Moldmaking to Algerian Manufacturers
Sescoi has been working with the CDTA, the Algerian Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies, in a collaborative project aimed at demonstrating rapid prototyping and mold machining techniques and the latest CAM/CAD technology to Algerian manufacturers across a wide range of industries. A seminar held at the start of June at the CDTA headquarters in Algiers welcomed over 50 engineers and managers from leading Algerian companies including ENIEM, ERMAéro, ECMK, BCL, ATP Mesrouk, Almoules, Mouzaïa Plastique and SNVI, as well as representatives from national research institutions and universities such as the Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, the University of Annaba, INGM and USTHB.
During the seminar, Sescoi engineers described the entire “Digital Chain” process, from product design through to industrialization, outlining all the steps in the process and illustrating how WorkNC, Sescoi’s automated CAM system, and WorkNC-CAD, its manufacturing CAD software, together provide a complete automatic software package enabling companies to achieve significant gains in productivity.
The machining facilities at CDTA allowed visitors to see the complete sequence of mold production live, starting with manipulation of the tool design and CNC programming in WorkNC, through to machining of complex 3D cavities for a rigid plastic packaging component. By emphasizing the ease of use, accuracy and speed of WorkNC, the benefits which can be gained from using digital manufacturing methods became evident. Advantages include the software’s automated programming, which greatly reduces the levels of skill and experience required for cutting complex 3D forms.
During the seminar, applications in the automotive, aerospace, nuclear, defense, food, household appliance, toy and foundry industries were considered, examining the differences and commonalities between them, such as material types, quality of finish, and the levels of accuracy and detail required in the completed products. WorkNC includes new global roughing and finishing routines and an extensive tool library. These have been developed to successfully machine both hard and soft material while optimizing cutting conditions and material removal rates. Furthermore, the software’s collision avoidance technology ensures safe cutterpaths, maximizes tool life and minimizes wasted movement, thereby reducing the use of consumables and shortening cycle times.
To explain how digital techniques work in an industrial environment, CDTA introduced a moldmaking expert specializing in tooling for the automotive market. He shared his eight years of experience working in China, producing molds for French companies using these techniques. Data exchange, reliable communication and accurate production were made possible by utilizing CAD models directly within the production process. The reliability and accuracy of WorkNC and its machine tool interface ensured the success of each element of the manufacturing process.
The partnership between CDTA and Sescoi has facilitated additional research into higher productivity. The Center’s collaborative projects with institutions and companies in France, Germany, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Canada, Ireland, South Korea, Poland and Spain will further enhance the development, sharing, and implementation of new advanced manufacturing methods.
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