ZW3D – AN EXCELLENT SOFTWARE SOLUTION FOR THE TOOL AND MOLD MAKING INDUSTRY

Some time ago, a LinkedIn member placed a question regarding what 3D CAD software solution to use? They’re in the mold making business, so naturally it immediately caught my attention.

In a matter of minutes, some ten answers appeared, suggesting to use SW, NX, and some other mainstream solutions, claiming they’re the best and should therefore be the only real choice.

Sadly and totally unjustifiable, Zw3D still doesn’t qualify as a mainstream solution. That much is true. But that’s about the ONLY argument talking against it. Everything else speaks in its behalf.

Preview:

Although Zw3D seems to be “the new kid on the block”, it truly isn’t so. The beginnings go way back, to times when it was still called VX CAD/CAM. Does that ring a bell? Actually, Zw3D has a great history and an even brighter future.

Zw3D has incredible functionality. It may not be the best in every category, but 3D CAD is more than just modeling parts.

It has everything integrated into one program that includes history based design, direct editing, a multi-object environment and integrated drawings. You can do complete projects in one file. Add integrated free form Class A surfacing and hybrid modeling and you are easily outperforming "Any" 3D CAD system out there.

Its basic operation is very similar to the Pro/e clones and is very easy to get up to speed with a very short learning curve. It has incredible interoperability capabilities so you will not lose any legacy data, you can read the native files of all the popular 3D CAD packages. It can even import the PMI of Catia, Creo, NX and Solidworks.

So what should a great 3D CAD system have?

•  It must have History Base Design Functionality,
• It must have Integrated Direct Edit Functionality,
• It must have In-Context, Top Down, SME or UDE,
• It must have Standalone Class A Surfacing,
• It must have Integrated Manufacturing Available,
• It must be able to read all of the popular native 3D CAD files included in the base product and be able to easily modify them, and
• It must have the AID (Associated Information Document) included in the design File.

Zw3D has all that. Not easy to match – let me tell you that much.

Personally, I’ve truly become aware of these unique qualities soon after signing a partnership agreement with Core Tech Systems, developer of the award winning CAE solution, MOLDEX3D (effective design validation tool for injection molds). Namely, after purchasing MOLDEX3D, users often claimed they now needed an extra CAD license that would go together with MOLDEX3D.

No matter what 3D CAD/CAM solution the client was currently using, Zw3D fitted in just nicely, for it is cost effective and highly compatible with most of the so called mainstream 3D CAD/CAM solutions.

The integrated MOLD environment is impressive and can truly get the job done.

In fact, there’s no reason why Zw3D wouldn’t be the only tool an expert should be using.

In Slovenia, Zw3D is becoming more and more popular, not only because of the All-In One attitude and extremely favorable price, but rather because of the already mentioned functionality.

“What 3D CAD software solution to use?” The answer should without doubt include Zw3D.

I’ll gladly answer each and every question regarding this topic, so please feel free to ask. You won't regret it, that's for sure.

Cheers!