As of 2/9/05
  
  Technology Update:  
   
 

Designing Tools in 3D

  
  Ultra Tool & Manufacturing has gone 3D - and it didn't happen overnight. After extensively investigating 3D software packages, customer requirements, time and investment, Ultra Tool's engineers turned 3D and never looked back.

Core Competency
Tool design and build has been a core competency for Ultra Tool for over 35 years. Back in 2002, Ultra Tool found itself getting more and more 3D part drawings from their customers. Complex high-precision dies were required to produce these parts for zero-defect manufacturing. A challenge Ultra Tool embraced.

Initially, the 3D software was only utilized to view solid-model part drawings and to convert customer files into a format that AutoCad could use. Today, complex progressive dies are designed in 3D. Some dies include over 178 components, in-die processes such as tapping, and state-of-the-art sensor technology.		  


Ultra Tool holds three seats in VISI-Design, one in SolidWorks and four in AutoCAD - utilized by four full-time die designers and two estimating engineers.

With this software, designers are able to detail individual components with just a click of the mouse. Dies can be rotated and viewed in 360 degree angles and die simulations allow for crash detection. Customers are assured their electronic files can be viewed from multiple formats.

Faster Quotes to Shorter Lead Times
The benefits are many. Ultra Tool's estimating engineers use 3D software to quickly produce strip layouts from complex solid-model parts. The critical parts of a quote such as lead and width of material are quickly calculated and quotes are turned around 30% faster when complex part drawings are supplied as digital 3D part models. These complex parts were once cumbersome and time consuming to quote with conventional 2D software.

Ultra Tool's design engineers can reduce lead times by nearly 30-50% when designing complex dies in 3D. Completing die components in one part by transferring data directly to a CNC machining center assures that data is not recreated and components are built faster.

Continuing education and training keep Ultra Tool's engineers on top of their game. The team is active in software user groups to learn the latest tips and techniques.

The Future
Ultra Tool's mission statement says, "we continuously pursue superior performance in customer service, quality and financial results". Staying in touch with our core competency of tool building and working to improve that process has proven that challenges are seen as opportunities at Ultra Tool. (<Top)

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