Company I work for makes tire molds. 2 way to make a tire mold. 1st way is to directly engrave the tread into steel or aluminum. 2nd way is to mill the tread pattern into a wood like model that has casting shrink added. Then cast the tread from the model ( couple other interim steps involved so you can save the model). Both methods use a lot of 5-axis machining. We currently use a custom out of Acad translator for the 5 axis model work. We use Unigraphics for the direct tread engraving. Unigraphics allows great 5axis modeling and CAM BUT we need to write a lot of automation to be able to use it efficiently. The 5 axis model program is fast but has limits on what processes it can do and obvious viewing issues. Its only 2d in AutoCad. We are having demos done by NCL, DELCAM, TEBIS, and HYPERMILL. All have a tire module. NOW FINALLY the questions. Does anyone have any experience with these products? What are your experiences and opinions on the products? Should we change from UG to 1 of the products or bite the bullet and write the automation?
Thanks
Mike DeBerry