Sheet metal enclosures with ZW3D

ZW3D is a great tool for sheet metal design and verification! I was asked to model a sheet metal enclosure the other day. I have to admit that I rarely use sheet metal, my local customers just never ask for it but with the internet that is changing!  This was a fun project, the cad model of the bottle was provided and ZW3D directly imported the proe file nicely.  I started with a flat sheet concept with a size in mind, I then added some flanges and then mounting holes. I then inserted the CAD

2D CAD to 3D Solid Modeling with assemblies

Importing a 2D drawing into 3D space then creating the 3D model and verifying with an assembly, yes ZW3D can do that! I was reading another blog the other day about how there are still many users of 2D software that are contemplating the switch to 3D CAD solid modeling. I thought I should show how ZW3D handles this task so I found a 2D file and the mating circuit board assembly and put together a video on this. One of the neat features that I over look in ZW3D is the "move" command. Every time

How important is a good CAD translation tool?

I recently discussed CAD translation with a Solidworks user and then again with a Pro-E user and it made me think about the number of hours each was spending on what should be a simple task. What is more amazing is how designers have become complacent and just use the tools as they are with out exploring other options. Users from both products have similar issues and struggles when it comes to using other peoples data.  According to transmagic, a well know file repair tool, their poll reported

Unified Modeling with ZW3D overdrive Kernel saves time

I enjoy saving time with ZW3D's unified modeling approach to creating parts! It is fun designing new parts with out the worries of which tool do I choose to get the job done. With ZW3D's "Overdrive Kernel" and it's best in class modeling tools I know I can get the job done quickly and accurately.  The part I enjoy the most is just click the extrude command it gets most of my work done, solid or surface it does not matter! I can keep my mind on the task at hand and keep creating with out getting

CAM automation helps increase profits.

Cam Automation helps increase profits. There are many tools available to help increase productivity and CAM templates are one of them you should be using. I go to many shops and see spindles sitting idle. When I ask about productivity I hear answers that vary from 50% to 95% spindle up time! Well if that was the case that spindle would not have been idle the whole time we have been discussing efficiency!    If you machine 2D and 3D parts and use many of the same tools why not standardize on

Using the import and heal tools

From Hours to Minutes: Fixing Faulty 3D Part Models Before Manufacturing Manufacturing shops, do you often receive 3D part models from customers that need major fixing before you can build the mold or start machining?  And you're forced to spend countless man-hours tediously touching-up untrimmed surfaces, missing surfaces, and open edges?  If so, I invite you to try ZW3D -- the Overdrive modeler and healing tools inside this CAD/CAM solution make quick work of fixing these faults and

Using the import and heal tools