At HCL Software, we are dedicated to delivering an exceptional user experience and continuously enhancing the products to provide maximum value to our customers. Our latest release of HCL DFMPro Product introduces several new features designed to streamline your design process and support your ‘Design for Excellence (DFX)’ initiatives. These enhancements will help you create innovative, cost-effective, manufacturable, and sustainable products.
Latest Released HCL DFMPro Versions
- DFMPro v12.0 for NX
- DFMPro v12.0 for Creo Parametric
- DFMPro v12.0 for SOLIDWORKS
- DFMPro v4.0 for CATIA V5
1. Machining and Sheet metal enhancements
The Sheet Metal Module in NX has been enhanced to support Inseparable Sheet Metal Assembly Analysis. This improvement simplifies the evaluation of part-level design checks for inseparable assemblies with hardware such as Pem nuts, weld nuts, and more, generating a single result and report file for quick review. In the same version, a new machining rule, “Avoid Re-machined Faces,” helps identify re-machined surfaces. It alerts designers when a design change is needed to prevent the re-machining of faces and any overcut issues.
2. New Assembly Rules
a. Fastener Alignment
This rule helps ensure fasteners are properly aligned within the holes, reducing the risk of assembly problems.
b. Hardware Rationalization:
In the latest release of DFMPro v12.0 for Creo Parametric, we have introduced a new rule for understanding the distribution of different types of fasteners in the assembly. This rule identifies hardware variations with slight differences in parameters such as length, diameter, material, and head type. By consolidating these variations, the rule prompts designers to review and minimize them if necessary. This proactive approach helps organizations significantly reduce variation in hardware and lower its associated costs. With this enhancement, organizations can improve standardization, overall efficiency in the assembly process, and decrease costs.
c. Recommended Thread Connection
Thread mismatch is a common and potentially costly issue in assembly design, where male and female threads are incompatible. This can result in significant assembly problems, production delays, and expensive redesigns. The improved Recommended Thread Connection rule helps prevent such issues.
3.Injection Molding Rules
Injection molding is among the most widely used manufacturing processes, and designing parts for this method requires careful attention, especially regarding tooling issues. In the latest release of DFMPro v12.0 for SOLIDWORKS, we’ve introduced injection molding rules that take into account the part’s tooling requirements. These newly added rules address critical factors such as long cores, sufficient interlocks between cores, gate location, and deep rib machining issues, among others. More details on these rules can be found in the help section of DFMPro for SolidWorks.
- Deep Rib and Mold Machining Issues
- Gate Location Optimization
- Long Core Design Considerations
- Core Interlock Geometry for Long Cores
Chamfered cutouts and holes for sheet metal rules:
In the latest released versions across CAD, including DFMPro for CATIA V5, we’ve enhanced our sheet metal rules to support cutouts with chamfers and holes. For safety reasons, chamfers have now been incorporated into sheet metal cutouts. With this update, our sheet metal rules now seamlessly work with cutouts and holes that include chamfers. Additionally, we’ve introduced new sheet metal rules in DFMPro for CATIA V5 to expand the rule base.
4.New UI and Import/Export Support for DFMPro Hardware Database:
A new User Interface (UI) for the DFMPro hardware database has been introduced, designed to enhance usability and provide a polished look and feel. In addition to the UI update, we’ve also added import/export support for the hardware database. This new feature allows users to effortlessly export and import large datasets to and from Excel files.
Stay tuned for updates, and please contact DFMPro Marketing at dfmpro.info@hcl-software.com for a detailed demo.
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