All the better to see you, my dear, thanks to CAD

Sept. 1, 2005
A suite of integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE software has been instrumental in the design of chemical-splash goggles.

One-size-fits-all Revolution Goggles from American Allsafe, meet ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 standards and sport a proprietary Cross Vent Technology that keeps air flowing in and moisture or chemical splashes out.


NX software from UGS lets designers convert hand-drawn concept drawings to injection-molded parts with only one data file. The goggles required a two-shot mold with slides and side actions and come standard with polycarbonate lenses with VisiClear antifog, antiscratch, antistatic coating.


The software helped seamlessly transform handdrawn, concept sketches into easy-to-assemble, injectionmolded parts. NX software from UGS, Plano, Tex., let injection molder Phillips Plastics, Phillips, Wis., use a single digital representation of the goggle to not only prove out styling and design, but also build working prototypes, evaluate mold filling options, and cut the final injection mold tool steel.

American Allsafe, Fenton, Mo., wanted a one-size-fits-all goggle that was low profile, lightweight, futuristic looking, and easy to assemble. A key consideration for the design team was devising a ventilation scheme that would let air freely pass in and out of the goggles while keeping chemical splashes out.

"We knew it would take dozens of design iterations to meet the design specs," says Phillips design team leader, Wayne Phillips. "That's one reason the suite of NX applications was chosen for the project." With its flexible platform, designers constrain or not constrain geometry as they see fit. This lets design changes take place quickly.

The hand-drawn renderings were first imported into NX along with a digital version of a human head ( previously laser scanned from a physical model). Baseline data such as lens thickness criteria from an optics expert was also imported. With the data Phillips could shape goggle surfaces using NX Industrial Design tools. The flexible toolkit features advanced rendering free-form shape modeling and capabilities that let Phillips create sleek surfaces that were also highly geometrically accurate. Additionally, the software lets designers analyze various color schemes, materials, textures, as well as lighting and studio effects.

Phillips next created SLA models from the NX files and from them created silicon molds from which to build urethane prototypes that closely resembled the finished product. "This let us ensure a snug and comfortable fit without spending lots of money to build an actual two-shot mold," says Phillips.

While the plastic part was being designed, the use of NX software also let Phillips keep an eye on how part features would affect machining of the injection mold tooling. Designers created parting lines and core and cavities, as a guide for the tooling designers and were able to transfer the NX data to moldflow-analysis software to evaluate mold filling. NX provides machining solutions for NC programming; integrated toolpath and machine simulation; postprocessing; shop documentation; and manufacturing resource management.

MAKE CONTACT:
American Allsafe, (800) 231-1332,
americanallsafe.com

Phillips Plastics, (715) 386-4320
phillipsplastics.com

UGS, (972) 987-3000,
ugs.com

Sponsored Recommendations

Sept. 16, 2025
From robotic arms to high-speed conveyors, accuracy matters. Discover how encoders transform motor control by turning motion into real-time datadelivering tighter speed control...
Sept. 16, 2025
Keep high-torque gearboxes running efficiently with external lubrication and cooling systems delivered fast. Flexible configurations, sensor-ready monitoring, and stocked options...
Sept. 16, 2025
Now assembled in the U.S., compact P2.e planetary gear units combine maximum torque, thermal efficiency, and flexible configurations for heavy-duty applicationsavailable faster...
Sept. 16, 2025
Safety in automation goes beyond fences and emergency stops. Learn how functional safety actively monitors and controls motiondelivering smarter protection, greater flexibility...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!