from the editor

The use of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software has evolved considerably over the past 25 years. Significant developments in CAD include the migration from wireframe to surface models and finally to parametric solids. It is now typical for most plastics injection molded parts to begin their life as a 3D solid CAD model, because that solid model then becomes the master for part design, rapid prototyping, assembly analysis, tolerance analysis, mold making and other downstream applications. CAE for plastics has evolved in step with its CAD brethren - from layflat models to midplane meshes, and finally to Dual Domain^TM and 3D volumetric analyses.

While it was widely recognized that simulation performed in the earliest stages of product design provides great benefit, the lack of direct interfaces between the CAD systems in which the parts were designed and CAE software meant analysis was separate (and downstream) from the design environment. Today, technology provides a solution to this problem by allowing the direct interface of CAD and CAE for plastics. Further developments regarding analysis preparation and interpretation of results allow CAE for plastics to be used in the design environment by part designers, with no special expertise in finite elements or injection molding.

Most of today's savvy companies recognize the benefit of making analysis a required step in the design-to-manufacture process. Companies like PTI (www.polymertek.com) and Coinco (www.coinco.com), for instance, are realizing that the move to implement integrated 3D CAD and CAE software to evaluate designs early in the process is paying big dividends. These are companies that are publicly stating that they are reaping gains from investing in state-of-the-art technologies that help them meet and exceed production schedules and improve product quality. They recognize short- and long-term ROI as a direct result of their investments in new product development technologies.

Truly, these examples are important guides for companies that are on the fence in terms of upgrading their computing and engineering methodologies. These companies offer quantitative measurements that support their business decisions to upgrade their engineering environments.

What's next? It's spreading the word to update hardware/software/new product methodologies despite the economic situation that manufacturers face today. The reality is, now is the time to invest in new technology that will help your organization reap real value when the economy turns around. Get ready. Ramp up now. When the economy catches up, you'll be in a more competitive position to obtain more customer orders, more industry attention, and a higher standing within your marketplace.

Smart companies will continue to look to technologies that align design and analysis strategies to help designers and engineers do their jobs more efficiently and accurately. This message is much different than what was being proposed ten years ago.

Despite all the industry reorganization and confusion with product application and integration, it's exciting to know that Moldflow not only reigns as the leading provider of plastic injection molding simulation technology, but is continuing to grow with its manufacturing solutions. The company is broadening its expertise to help manufacturers on the shop floor become more productive and successful. The launch of Moldflow Manufacturing Solutions 1.0 is testimony to the company's commitment to help customers automate, innovate, and introduce new strategies to successfully bring product to market faster, better, and at lower costs.

Laura Carrabine
Editor