DFM Software Simplifies Plastic Part Design

Autodesk Simulation DFM (Design for Manufacturing) software, available from Autodesk Inc., is the industry’s first real-time injection molding simulation software that provides real-time feedback. The CAD software plug-in provides designers of plastic parts with a faster and easier way to determine the impact of design decisions on manufacturability, cost, and sustainability concerns.

Based on Autodesk Labs technology also known as Project Krypton, Autodesk Simulation DFM seamlessly integrates with Autodesk Product Design Suite software, and specifically Autodesk Inventor software, and provides a complementary technology to Autodesk Simulation Moldflow software. Autodesk Simulation DFM also works with Dassault, SolidWorks, and PTC Creo software to support companies working in a multi-CAD environment.

“With Autodesk Simulation DFM, designers of plastic parts can more easily create designs that are viable from a manufacturing standpoint, while helping ensure low costs and sustainability,” states Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Design, Lifecycle and Simulation at Autodesk. “Users do not need a simulation background to take advantage of Autodesk Simulation DFM – the software is highly intuitive and easily integrates into any design workflow.”

Adding Real-Time Feedback to Design Workflow
Powered by Autodesk Simulation Moldflow injection molding simulation technology, Autodesk Simulation DFM provides real-time feedback through specific and familiar design indicators, all while the design is still taking shape. Green, yellow, and red indicators identify potential manufacturing, cost and sustainability concerns as a designer is creating his or her vision. When finding potential problems, the designer receives explicit, real-world information about the source and location of the problem in order to address it as early as possible in the process.

Because Autodesk Simulation DFM works directly with the designer’s CAD application, there is little need for additional training. The tool is also “always on” and doesn’t require much user input: it updates continuously, providing manufacturing feedback as quickly as the user can create a design.

For additional information about Autodesk Simulation DFM or other Autodesk Simulation technologies, contact the SIM Squad at simsquad@autodesk.com.