VISI 18 Coming Soon! VISI 18 is a substantial release with many new features in all areas of the product with a continued focus on tool design and manufacture.

VISI Modeling: CAD enhancements include an updated GUI with improved user interaction, new MESH tools, new model deformation tools for model manipulation, and multi-page splitting for the 3D and plotview environment. User Interface - Graphical Sliders The user interaction with the graphical interface has been completely updated for V18. The introduction of graphical sliders will dramatically improve operation speed and also improve the user experience. The slider arrow can be dynamically moved on the screen to adjust the movement value and the value 'tooltip' box next to the arrow can by selected and manually edited. Finally, the standard dialog is also available with the traditional spin buttons. Please note that the dynamic sliders have also been extended to some of the 2D commands such as fillet, 2D chamfer etc. File Reading / Saving Consolidation The Import and export options have been consolidated and included into the File > Open and File > Save As dialog. The result is that when the user selects File > Open, there will be an option to select any file type. The additional benefit is that it will be possible to drag & drop different file types into the VISI interface to open the file directly. Please note the additional file formats: Open: The ability to open Polygon files (*.ply) Save As: The ability to Save As Z Corporation's file format for rapid prototyping (*.zpr)

Multiple Pages A new concept for managing multiple windows (3D and plotview) will be introduced for VISI 18. It will be possible to either (i) tile the different window formats (up to max 32) or (ii) have a tab bar to move between the different window combinations. The major advantage of this development will allow the user the work with both the 3D workspace and plotview workspace open at the same time. VISI Electrode A number of enhancements have been included within VISI Electrode for VISI 18. These include reporting the erosion area, projection area and min max Z. Other improvements include multiple electrodes on the same origin, consolidation of configuration parameters and the management of LH and RH electrodes.

CADENAS v9 CADENAS will shortly release version 9 of PARTSolutions. VISI18 has already integrated this new version whilst retaining compatibility with version 8. CADENAS PARTSolutions has over 500 library suppliers, covering thousands of components for multiple market sectors. The integration of CADENAS PARTSolutions will enable users to -1-

shorten design times by providing access to readily available standard components for their mold / die assemblies User Elements The saving and loading of User Elements have been redesigned for VISI 18. Based on the new 'merge', it is possible to see a component preview and list the Assembly Manager attributes before loading. Smart positioning had also been introduced during the loading of a User Element. The position point can be edited after an initial selection by selecting another application point or by an incremental movement / rotation dialog. When creating User Elements, it is also possible to manage 'families' of elements that have the same code and description, but different sizes - exactly as we do with screw families.

Help on-line For VISI 18, we have completely revised the method by which we provide documentation for the VISI product range. For the latest product release, we have installed a wiki, and to date nearly 3,500 pages of documentation have been prepared. A frozen 'static' version will be prepared as *.CHM files for the official product DVD. However, in the near future, access will be provided to an on-line version that is continually updated and always up-to-date.

Cam and Post Processor: CAM enhancements focus on improving the overall usability and consolidating the existing functionality with improvements on performance, Compass Technology and the kinematic simulation. Compass Technology Updates to the Compass Technology include new attribute tools to allow the user to resolve conditions where general multi-step feature have to be processed in relation to the sequence of attributes associated to any step. Other developments include a new 'bottle neck' feature to manage the smallest distance between two or more sides of a geometric feature. This distance can be used to identify the smallest tool diameter for a pocket or define other machining variables. Interactive Milling With Visi 18 we have introduced a new innovative milling operation specifically designed to reduce the programming time of one of the most frequently used toolpath types. Also known as face milling, this new operation allows the operator to very quickly sketch the toolpath movements onto any selected model face or Z level. There is also the ability to provide real simulation of the currently selected machine’s head and table, as well as geometrical aids and hot-keys commands to generate very effective, gouge free toolpaths with just a few mouse stokes. Drilling Cycles A new list of standard drilling cycles has been introduced for VISI 18. The new cycles can be easily assembled to create complex multi-operation cycles (compass required). To manage the construction of complex cycles, a new application wizard has been developed to guide the user through the set-up process. Driven Rest Material VISI 18 introduces the ability to use a reference path to the calculation of the rest material operation. This new functionality allows the operator to manually control the sequence and the direction that the rest material operation will have to follow when calculating the toolpath. The reference path is provided by the pencil milling operation, and using the Path-Lab it is possible to re-order, eliminate, cut and unite each individual portion of the toolpath that will then become the driving path for the rest material operation. -2-

Rapid Movement Consolidation All rapids, clearance planes and transition planes have been consolidated between the drilling, 2D base and 2D high speed milling operations. This will ensure better control, maintain product consistency and provide full support from the Compass Technology.

Origin / WPL Management For VISI 18, the Origin management has been extended, providing the ability to have an "owner" application for the origin. The most important benefit from this change is that Camsetups will be Cam Project dependant. Other WPL changes include the ability to order by name, edit the WPL name and save a WPL over an existing WPL (if no CAM project is assigned) Kinematic Simulation VISI 18 introduces a new version of the kinematic simulation which has been specifically redesigned to improve the quality and the simulation speed. The most important developments are: • Loading speed of the kinematic environment. • Automatic selection of the optimum simulation mode (3, 3+2, 5 axis). • Simulation speed during material removal. • Quality of the simulation during material removal.

VISI Progress: Progress enhancements include a new animation of the forming process, an automated method to apply blend radii to sharp edges, a re-development of ribs & bosses and the introduction of suspenders management within the strip. CADENAS v9 CADENAS will shortly release version 9 of PARTSolutions. VISI18 has already integrated this new version whilst retaining compatibility with version 8. CADENAS PARTSolutions has over 500 library suppliers, covering thousands of components for multiple market sectors. The integration of CADENAS PARTSolutions will enable users to shorten design times by providing access to readily available standard components for their mold / die assemblies

User Elements The saving and loading of User Elements have been redesigned for VISI 18. Based on the new 'merge', it is possible to see a component preview and list the Assembly Manager attributes before loading. Smart positioning had also been introduced during the loading of a User Element. The position point can be edited after an initial selection by selecting another application point or by an incremental movement / rotation dialog. When creating User Elements, it is also possible to manage 'families' of elements that have the same code and description, but different sizes - exactly as we do with screw families. Forming Animation A new animation tool has been introduced for VISI 18 dynamically displays the forming process. At every frame of the animation, it is possible to visualize the thinning map status and interactively rotate the model. Every graphical mode is available (wireframe, shading, transparency). The animation can be recorded as a movie file, and it is available within any command based on solver engine, included Display results. -3-

Ribs & Bosses The previous Ribs & Bosses function has been totally redeveloped for VISI 18. The new command is much more powerful and can be used to create ribs & bosses onto complex surface forms. Based on the Swept and Multiple blend on surfaces functionality from VISI Modeling, the new option also includes a dynamic preview during construction. Importantly, the ribs and boss features are recognized as 'formed' features within the unfolding tree. Interface consolidation for Offline Commands The offline unfolding commands have been redesigned for VISI 18 to simply the task of part development. Three new consolidated commands, Flange unfolding, Blank unfolding and Make binder replace the following old commands : Flange bend, Flange on edges, Flange on customer binder, Partial blank, Make blank, Blank on custom binder, Make binder on bend and Make binder on edges. These new commands have been extended to include face selection, a result preview and the thinning map with animation (for Flange unfolding and Blank unfolding).

Automated Fillet Application When working with imported geometry, fillet radii is often missing but required for blank development or step-by-step unfolding. VISI 18 introduces a new tool to automatically apply blend radii to inner and outer sharp edges.

Suspenders A new 'Suspender' tool has been introduced to the strip design for VISI 18. Suspenders are the links between part being developed and how it is carried along the strip. Commonly, the suspender is also 'formed' during the stamping process of a progressive tool. For VISI 18, a new specific property is available to define the faces of the suspender which are automatically recognized by the system during the strip construction.

Insert Design & Tool Cavities Insert Design - A specific tool for designing hardened and tempered inserts has been developed for VISI 18. This new function automatically calculates the optimized rectangular inserts based on the number of holes in the die plate. Tool Cavities - A new tool to automatically apply relief holes on the internal corner of cavities has been developed for VISI 18. Two methods are available: The first one uses a hole with the centre on the corner, the second method uses a hole optimized to the last milling tool used to create the pocket.

Multi-Slides A number of enhancements have been introduced into Multi-slides for VISI 18. The most important is the possibility to create the counter cam. The new routine creates the counter cam on based on the behavior of the selected cam. The user is also warned if an incomplete stroke is detected.

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VISI Mold:

Mold enhancements include an improved integration with CADENAS PartSolutions V9, faster interference checking between bodies and improvements to User Elements with a new family option and a new loading option with 'smart' positioning. CADENAS v9 CADENAS will shortly release version 9 of PARTSolutions. VISI18 has already integrated this new version whilst retaining compatibility with version 8. CADENAS PARTSolutions has over 500 library suppliers, covering thousands of components for multiple market sectors. The integration of CADENAS PARTSolutions will enable users to shorten design times by providing access to readily available standard components for their mold / die assemblies User Elements The saving and loading of User Elements have been redesigned for VISI 18. Based on the new 'merge', it is possible to see a component preview and list the Assembly Manager attributes before loading. Smart positioning had also been introduced during the loading of a User Element. The position point can be edited after an initial selection by selecting another application point or by an incremental movement / rotation dialog. When creating User Elements, it is also possible to manage 'families' of elements that have the same code and description, but different sizes - exactly as we do with screw families. Interference Checking The 'Body & Holes Interference' has been redeveloped for VISI 18 with a new super-fast algorithm. Similar to the old command, it is possible to check for geometry interferences, touching faces and the minimum distance between bodies. To help the analyses, it is possible to move or copy the interfering body groups into a specific layer, extract a copy of touching faces and to obtain the intersection geometry (wireframe and solids). VISI Electrode A number of enhancements have been included within VISI Electrode for VISI 18. These include reporting the erosion area, projection area and min max Z. Other improvements include multiple electrodes on the same origin, consolidation of configuration parameters and the management of LH and RH electrodes.

VISI Flow: VISI 18 completes the full integration of VISI Flow into the VISI environment. Importantly, the analysis and simulation can be calculated and validated directly inside VISI. Product Integration VISI 18 completes the full integration of VISI Flow and now the plastic injection analysis and simulation can be launched and calculated from directly within VISI, eliminating the need of model preparation for analysis. Importantly, the calculation results are also visible within the same CAD environment providing the perfect toolset for comparing the original model against the warped prediction data after the molding process. All variables can be displayed in a number of ways: color maps, graphics, numerical and animation. Graphics can also be displayed simultaneous

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Virtual Resin Laboratory A new 'virtual resin laboratory' has been developed for VISI 18 that allow users to create and test different kinds of resin grades which do not yet exist in the marketplace. Importantly, VISI calculates for each grade and model the Energy Usage Indicator to highlight the costs related to the molding process. The Recyclability Index is also calculated highlighting the environmental impact when designing a new plastic product. Shell Mesh VISI Flow's patented mesh technology is a hybrid shell/solid mesh manager and allows the user to obtain the best advantages from both technologies - calculation speed (shell) and model preparation (solid). However, mostly in the automotive industry; flow analyses are required when a solid design is not yet available and the project is at a very early stage of the design process. VISI 18 will include the ability to perform a complete shell analysis to cover these needs. The engineer will be able to simulate the part when only a skin is available and that will greatly benefit aesthetic modelers and styling departments. Insert Molding (Overmolding option) VISI 18 will include a tool for measuring the amount of deflection taking place at the tip of a core-pin inside a mold cavity. Non-uniform cavity pressure and cooling patterns make corepins prone to deflection, resulting in out-of-tolerance thin and thick wall sections on the finished part. The simulation provides a method of determining deflection as it occurs during the molding process and allows the evaluation of possible design remedies, such us the analysis of a correct gate location. VISI 18 will allow the calculation of the composition of forces which act upon the insert.

Composites (Thermoset option) Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a manufacturing process in which resin is injected into a fiber filled tool cavity to produce composite components. The RTM process is highly repeatable and is particularly suited to components requiring tight dimensional control, and the recurring costs for complex shapes are less than hand lay-up techniques. The costs for the design and manufacture of a RTM tool are high, and so it is vital to understand how the tool will perform and how the component design affects manufacturability. VISI 18 introduces a new calculation and simulation which enables the transfer of data from draping, resin injection and cure, through to performance analysis and life cycle assessment. Warped Model Export One of the most frequent requests has been the capability to export the mesh model after the shape calculation, typically to the structural analysis family such as Ansys, Cosmos, Abacus etc. VISI 18 will offer a complete model export that will greatly benefit part designers who analyze the part stresses and performances of the molded part.

VISI PEPS-Wire: A collaboration of Vero and Camtek technologies. VISI PEPS-Wire introduces automated 2 and 4 axis feature recognition, improved geometry tools and a platform for combined Milling and Wire EDM cutting strategies. Feature Based Machining The VISI PEPS-Wire functionality is an extension of the existing CAM (Milling) system and its architecture. This will make the transition from an existing CAM user to a ‘CAM + Wire’ user a painless one. The concept of Machineable Features will be retained and expanded to include 2 Axis and 4 Axis ‘Wireable’ features. Wireable features, including 4 axis features, will be detected from solid models using automatic feature recognition. Once detected, the operation can be automatically or manually added to the feature. Using the Compass technology, already found within the CAM, it is possible to associate different operations to features based on criteria such as surface finish. -6-

Extensive Post Processor Support Extensive post processor support is available for all major Wire EDM machine tools. A new method of Browsing for machine specific technology will be provided and will be consistent from machine tool to machine tool allowing sensible conversion of technology parameters when the program is required to be run on a different machine tool.

Kinematic Simulation VISI 18 will provide a comprehensive simulation showing material removal, possible collisions between machine nozzles, stock and slug separation. The simulation is designed as a standalone application initiated from VISI 18 allowing access to the VISI application while the simulation runs, particularly useful when simulating large, complex parts.

Rotary Axis Support Rotary axis support for Machine tools that utilize a rotary axis will be provided Path-Lab Simulation VISI PEPS-Wire will utilize the inbuilt simulation support of PathLab which is already used by VISI Machining.

NEW VISI MODULES AVAILABLE:

New functionality available to help you overcome real life design problems and make your engineers more productive. Advanced Modeling - Geometry Deformation A number of geometry deformation tools have been introduced for VISI 18. Importantly, the deformation can be applied to solid, surface, wireframe and mesh geometry. The new technology is a big leap forward and will greatly benefit our typical users when trying to manage sheet metal spring back or complex draft modifications for plastic moldings. This technology is also strongly aligned to product designers for whom it is necessary to different design variants without the worry of complex remodeling issues MESH Tools A new set of mesh tools will be introduced for VISI 18. A large number of options are available including the ability to automatically clean-up meshes, collapse triangles, merge vertices, add & delete triangles, fill holes, slice the mesh and simplify (decimate) the mesh without affecting the geometrical form. These mesh tools will be particularly useful to users involved in plastic flow analysis and those involved in 3D machining Interactive Drilling With Visi 18 we have introduced a new way to use the drilling cycles. This new method allows the operator to interactively control how a plate will be machined providing a much more specialized approach. Thanks to this new approach, the customer has full control over every cycle, tool selection and operation parameters. The interactive drilling solution is the ideal tool to fill the gap between a fully manual approach and a fully automated solution.

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VISI Flow Lite An affordable module for Mold, this provides an easy to run, but critical, filling analysis. A stepby-step wizard allows the user to easily run a basic analysis using an intelligent interface. Define the gate locations, select the material, and view the results. Variables are isochrones, temperature, pressure, welding lines, air traps, molding machine size, and shear stress. Report Generation makes it possible to create reports both manually, by selecting images and views, and automatically, by ticking the variables to be visualized.

Solutions that make sense!

Headquarters & Training Center: 6547 Dixie Hwy, Suite A, Clarkston, MI 48346 Phone: 248-922-9293 Fax: 248-922-9323 Sales Office & Training Center: 1009 44th St SW, Ste 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49509 Phone: 616-530-7900 Fax: 248-922-9323

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