More 3D support for injection moulding

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 18, 2003

The latest revision of Moldflow Plastics Advisers 6.0 supports 3D input devices as well as 3D CAD modelling software programs.

As 3D has become an integral part of mainstream applications, users who seek to achieve optimal control in 3D environments are finding new ways of working.

For some users, this simply means putting their familiar mouse and keyboard to new uses, while others are choosing control devices designed specifically to harness the power of 3D applications.

Accordingly Revision 3 of Moldflow's injection moulding predictive analysis software Moldflow Plastics Advisers (MPA) 6.0 supports the 3D input devices SpaceBall and SpaceMouse 3D motion controllers from 3Dconnexion, as well as the 3D CAD modelling software programs SolidWorks 2003 and Solid Edge V12 integration.

The latest release of SolidWorks' eDrawings provides full support for easy navigation of 3D and 2D data created in SolidWorks.

With any of 3Dconnexion's controllers, the user can now benefit from the natural way of working with two hands while viewing and investigating complex models.

Common short cuts are always available from the controller's buttons.

With users of Moldflow becoming more and more involved with 3D analysis and the need to interface with other 3D design software, this release has taken the opportunity to provide users with the opportunity to use the best tools for design work in a three-dimensional environment.

A number of users are finding that optimal control in 3D environments goes beyond simply the device they use; it extends to the way they work.

Most working schemes offer one-handed control and require the user to stop and move to another device, such as a keyboard, when they need to give commands.

Now, a new two-handed control option is allowing users of the latest 3D controllers to achieve better control and efficiency.

In a two-handed set up, the user places one hand on the 3D controller and the other hand on the familiar, comfortable 2D mouse.

This enables them to precisely manipulate objects on-screen with the controller and give commands using the mouse.

Users are able to move fluidly between controller and mouse, between creating designs and giving commands, without having stop or move their hands off either device.

These controllers make working in 3D as easy as holding an object in the real world because they create onscreen movement that mirrors the user's pushing, pulling or twisting motions on a pressure-sensitive ball or cap.

By placing one hand on such a controller and the other on a standard mouse, users can move efficiently between manipulating objects and giving commands without having to stop or move their hands from one device to another.

Users can of course choose to continue with their familiar 2D mouse and keyboard, and they have the advantage that there is no new learning required to use them.

But the drawback to this approach comes from using devices designed to control simple 2D applications to accurately manipulate objects with all the variables presented in a 3D environment.

To control object rotation or move around the x, y and z axes, users have to pause and give keystroke commands, interrupting their flow and slowing down the design process.

Later in 2003, cordless versions of Logitech's 3D motion control devices are also expected to be available.