Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 26, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The plug-in provides real-time feedback on the design of plastic parts and is compatible with several CAD solutions
Autodesk presents the Project Krypton Technology Preview, which is now available as a free download on Autodesk Labs. The plug-in assists engineers in developing plastic parts, allowing errors to be identified and avoided early in the design process. The Krypton Technology Preview integrates seamlessly into Autodesk Inventor 2011 and SolidWorks, thereby supporting companies that work in a multiple-CAD environment.
In addition to under- or over-engineering, incorrect design decisions affect a product’s cost, quality and feasibility. As a result, corporate objectives may not be met and products have to be redeveloped or rebuilt at great expense in time and money. To counter this, Project Krypton accompanies designers during the development process so that better decisions can be made very early in the design phase.
Project Krypton supports designers in the following areas:
• Feasibility: The indicator evaluates every change to the product and provides real-time feedback on whether the product can be manufactured in this way.
• Cost efficiency: The indicator evaluates how changes to the product affect production and material costs as well as the manufacturing costs of the injection-moulding tool.
• Environmental impact: This tool gives designers a better understanding of how design and material decisions affect the environment. It shows, for example, CO2 consumption, the energy required and the recyclability of the materials. Plastic parts are thereby produced more cost-effectively and with less environmental impact.
Supported by Autodesk Moldflow, a solution for simulating injection-moulding processes, Project Krypton provides immediate feedback directly within the design environment. Possible design errors are highlighted in colour on the digital prototype, and the engineer is offered various suggestions for eliminating them. Engineers with little experience and know-how in plastics manufacturing thereby also receive the information and guidance they need to develop plastic parts.
