#Monkey wrench think3 how to#
#Monkey wrench think3 software#
#Monkey wrench think3 download#

One mold can have up to 60 or more components and each component can have four holes in it. We are very impressed that thinkdesign can handle such complicated assemblies. In addition, there are many attachments that are screwed to the mold. In addition, there are multiple jumpers to run steam to heat the mold. The design itself becomes quite complex with 3D holes everywhere. Once the block of steel is built, we use thinkdesign to put all the plumbing holes through it because we have to put a plumbing circuit through it. Then, we build the mold surfaces with the rest of the block of steel.

#Monkey wrench think3 software#

The software helps me make sure that itвЂ™s okay to run tool paths to manufacturer the surface.

#Monkey wrench think3 download#

'Then we download the data into thinkdesign and we clean up anything that is not a closed solid. If the data comes from another CAD system, it's either converted to IGES or we have converters here for Catia and for Unigraphics. 'Using the software, I normally pull in the surface data of the part itself from the customer. Over the past months, Century Tool has used thinkdesign on several projects. Thinkdesign can handle just about everything that a much more expensive and harder to use package can at a much more affordable price.' However, once we started using thinkdesign and trying it out on some of our most challenging designs, we realized that it is just as robust as the high-end products. We weren't sure that some of the other 3D solid modelers would be up to the task. 'We knew that both of those products would be able to handle the complex designs we tackle every day. 'Before jumping on those expensive bandwagons, we wanted to make sure that we were making the right decision,' says Cummings. Before selecting the software, Cummings and his colleagues considered high-end CAD products such as CATIA and UGS. It's a great way to educate while maintaining production.'Д¬urrently, Century Tool is using 12 licenses of thinkdesign.

In addition, by using the Monkey Wrench Conspiracy and online training, we aren't losing anyone to off-site classroom-type training. 'Everyone can work at their own pace and become familiar with the product as they feel comfortable, although we do expect everyone to become up to speed quickly. 'This approach has worked well for us,' notes Cummings. They used the Monkey Wrench Conspiracy (now Time Mechanic) and think3's other online offerings as their exclusive training strategy. It's a whole new world for us.'Д¬ummings and his team used think3вЂ™s Monkey Wrench Conspiracy game-based training to become familiar with working in the 3D environment and with thinkdesign. The transition has been relatively simple. Being 2D users, thinkdesign made it very easy to work in a 3D environment. 'We were pleasantly surprised with its ease of use, affordability, and customer support. 'think3 allowed us to use the software for a couple months before we committed to purchasing a subscription license,' adds Cummings. The additional skills will help us become more competitive.'Д¬entury Tool began implementing thinkdesign in mid-2000 after Cummings received a demonstration CD from think3. 'We realized the benefits of migrating to a 3D tool would help us use solid modeling and surfacing techniques. 'Up until thinkdesign came into the picture, we were a longtime 2D organization,' notes Cummings.

#Monkey wrench think3 how to#

'With so many different customers using a variety of tools, it's important that we know how to use them, too.' The company uses a CAM product called WorkNC and is currently phasing out AutoCAD in favor of thinkdesign for CAD. 'We all have experience using a number of CAD/CAM software packages,' adds Cummings.

'Since our customers use a range of CAD products, using thinkdesign I can import any type of file using IGES.'Д¬ummings is part of a 15-person design and engineering team at Century Tool. He imports electronic files from customers as part of the process of building mold surfaces and creating engineering drawings for manufacturing the molds. Tim Cummings, a Century Tool designer, has worked at the company for 15 years. It operates 12 CNC duplicating mills with Fidia controllers, and its designers use state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software products including thinkdesign from think3 (Santa Clara, CA). It specializes in molded headliners, door panels, package trays, acoustical components, trunk trim applications and exterior body panels (roofs, hoods and deck lids).Д¬entury Tool operates out of a modern 90,000 square foot facility. Completely self sufficient, Century Tool can provide custom services. Century Tool and Gage Company : thinkdesignД¬entury Tool and Gage Company (Fenton, MI) builds compression molds and secondary tooling for the automotive, heavy truck, aerospace and personal watercraft industries.