Can I get injection molded tooling without CAD software? 4

[theSman]

I am a young ME with moderate design experience. I'm looking to move forward with some concepts I have for new products. I have complete concepts, and would need a custom plastic injection molded component. The injection molders I have worked with require a .STL file to make the tool. I have access to a student version of SolidWorks, and solidworks at my company, but I cannot be use these for my own manufacturing. How do I move forward with this investment without purchasing a CAD program?

Can I model what I want in the student version, and pay a company to convert it to a licensed file? Any other ways around this?

 

[unclesyd]

I don't know the ethics and legal ramifications of doing what you propose are, but it is done all the time. I've seen detailed house plans, automotive pats give detail also non dimensional concepts that were treated as you propose.
I would read the legal descriptions for use of the student version and if not specifically prohibited a one off non dimensional part would probably be legal as long as you say you intend to purchase the software at a later date.
One thing to check into is whether you can find a way to rent a seat for a limited time. One of the local engineering companies would do that. Also there are business development groups associated with colleges that normally have a system in place to help you with seat time. You have to creative.

 

[BrianE22]

Are these supplers like Protomold (for instance) - web based? There are (or were at least a few years ago) suppliers that would take your paper drawing. I'd shop around some more with more plastic injection companies.

 

[moon161]

Cheap CAD. Alibre has a free demo, you might be able to do what you need in 30 day demo window, or purchase mid level version w/ STL export for 6 or 7 bills.

 

[dgallup]

There are plenty of free lance CAD designers for hire.

 

[unclesyd]

You may want to look at The cad programs from IMSI. Unless your design is very complex DesignCad 3D MAX @ $99.00 should do the job. If you look at the site you should also checkout the TuroCad products for more complex design.

http://www.imsidesign.com/Products/DesignCADSeries/DesignCAD3DMAXV20/tabid/1573/Default.aspx

 

[mcgyvr]

There are many free/cheap CAD programs that can output STL or step or whatever you want.. Heck even Google Sketchup has free plug ins to export STL files.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

BTW - There are VERY cheap versions of Turbo Cad on eBay. I assume these are legal??

 

[MikeHalloran]

They probably are legit.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[ESPcomposites]

Alibre, as already mentioned, is very similar in functionality to solidworks and pro/e. I have a couple licenses of the pro edition and have been very impressed.

Just go an email that they are raising their prices though. Not sure if the basic edition will make a .STL, it may.

Overall, its a great value program. I looked at several others and it was easily the best in my opinion, without a close second.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[ShaggyPE]

Here is another option:

http://www.emachineshop.com/

They have a downloadable CAD tool that you can create your geometry in. They list their capabilities as plastic injection molding.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[flash3780]

Have you considered hiring out your mold design? For something simple, it may be cheaper than buying the software. Of course, if you buy CAD software then it's yours. Check Craigslist nonetheless. Lots of designers looking for some cash on the side these days.

Here's a thread on low-cost engineering tools from not-too-long-ago:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=293135

Bricscad, IntelliCAD, TurboCAD, VariCAD, and Alibre are low-cost CAD options. Many come with a trial period, which might get you by if your project is small.

 

[berkshire]

When you download the 30 day trial version of Alibre you get the full version.
You will be able to import your Solidworks files and work with them. If you save them as native Alibre files you will still be able to work with them after the 30 day window has passed.
If you want to buy their stuff, as Brian at ESP says get it now before their price hike.


""The new pricing will go into effect May 1, 2011. We wanted to inform our customers, and those who may still be evaluating our software, ahead of time so they could plan accordingly. Until May 1st, anyone may purchase any Alibre software and maintenance packages at existing prices. The ability to purchase certain add-ons separately is planned for June 2011.



The new list prices will be:

Alibre Design Personal Edition: $199 software, $199 maintenance (optional)
Alibre Design Professional: $999 software, $299 maintenance (optional)
Alibre Design Expert: $1999 software, $399 maintenance (optional)""

This is still a lot less than seats of other software, and I just use their stuff , I don't sell it.
B.E.

 

[ESPcomposites]

I found the emachineshop software pretty clunky and then you are locked into it. It certainly can't compare to modern day CAD programs.

Also, the pricing was only "so-so" and I not sure if they do SLA (maybe).

You may want to make an SLA first to check fit,form, function. That would be relatively cheap compared to the mold's cost. Have you priced out the mold? The software may not be that big of a dent compared to that.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[Pud]

It wasn't that long ago when drawings were all 2D prints!

Where in the World are you?

We use toolmakers who are happy to work off 2D drawings (although they do prefer 3D models as it saves them time - and they like 3D as any errors are likely to be yours rather than their drawing interpretation!)

H

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[asimpson]

You can get CoCreate (Creo Elements) tryout from PTC which seems fully functional and without time limitation.

Not sure of legal restrictions.


For molded parts, Quickparts, Redeye RPM, Protomould, Star Prototype.

I am sure you considered resin casting as a low cost alternative to injection molding.

 

[ESPcomposites]

I had a look at CoCreate and it was easy to learn since I was pretty good at Pro/E.

See if it will export the files you want first though. They have a way of locking you into the CoCreate world. I remember it was very limiting if I wanted to do any type of export or translation of files. Their solution is for you to purchase the software and unlock this capability. In other words, they get you hooked after you build all of your models, only to find out you can never use them outside of the CoCreate world. It makes sense from a business standpoint since they can't give their software away. Just be aware of this limitation if you go that route.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[theSman]

Thanks everybody for the responses. To answer some questions, I haven't priced anything out yet. It's still early development. I think I'm going with the Alibre software to help me in the design. I appreciate the suggestions in software, and perfect timing before the prices hike! Thanks

 

[DesignerGuy16]

You can always make a picture with the views you need, print, and handwrite dimensions if it's that big of an ethical concern.

Yes, it's a ethical grey area, but likely most people don't have an issue treading into grey areas. You're being more ethical than someone who just downloaded a cracked version of solidworks to do what you're asking and just use it for no investment.

James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP

 

[unclesyd]

Or you could do it the old fashioned way make a pattern and use a tracer mill to make the mold/molds cavities.

A lot of composite parts are made from hand generate molds or patterns.