XMD-S
The Expert Training Manual
Expert Mold Designer
Copyright © 2011 CorTechSoft Inc.
5345 Outer Drive Unit #2
Windsor, ON Canada
N9A 6J3
This documentation cannot be printed or reproduced in any way without prior,
written consent from Cornerstone Intelligent Software Corp.
All technical illustrations and CAD models in this book were created using
Kubotek® KeyCreator.
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CONTENTS
Chapter 1......................................................................................................................................... 9
Loading XMD ............................................................................................................................... 9
A.
Installing XMD .................................................................................................................. 9
B.
To Temporarily Load a CDE: ............................................................................................. 9
C.
To Automatically Load the CDE ...................................................................................... 10
D. Loading the Default XMD Settings in KeyCreator .......................................................... 11
Loading the Default Files ........................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2....................................................................................................................................... 14
Getting the Part Ready For XMD ............................................................................................... 14
E. Scaling The Part And Converting to Correct Units (Inch or Millimeters) ....................... 14
F.
Add Shrink ...................................................................................................................... 15
G. Establish Die Draw .......................................................................................................... 17
H. Split The Part Into Core And Cavity Geometry ............................................................... 17
I.
Organize Geometry Onto The Proper Levels ................................................................. 17
J.
Establish Mold Position .................................................................................................. 20
K.
Save The XMD Ready Part File ....................................................................................... 20
Chapter 3....................................................................................................................................... 22
Level Management .................................................................................................................... 22
A.
KeyCreator Level Structure ............................................................................................ 22
B.
The XMD Level Structure................................................................................................ 24
C.
Level Assignment............................................................................................................ 25
D. Level Locking .................................................................................................................. 25
E.
Adding Levels.................................................................................................................. 25
F.
Deleting Levels ............................................................................................................... 25
Chapter 4....................................................................................................................................... 27
Startup Scenarios ...................................................................................................................... 27
A.
Start Up Scenario #1: Key In Part Size ............................................................................ 28
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B.
Start Up Scenario #2: Part Only...................................................................................... 28
C.
Start Up Scenario #3: Part And Mechanisms ................................................................. 29
D. Start Up Scenario #4: Part, Mechanisms And Parting Lines .......................................... 30
E.
Start Up Scenario #5: Part, Mechanisms, Parting Lines, Core and/or Cavity Blocks ..... 31
Exercise...................................................................................................................................... 32
Chapter 5....................................................................................................................................... 34
Creating the Mold ..................................................................................................................... 34
Steps to Create An XMD Mold .................................................................................................. 34
A.
Starting the Job .............................................................................................................. 35
B.
Enter Part Information ................................................................................................... 36
C.
Parting Line Locks ........................................................................................................... 38
D. The Parting Line Editor ................................................................................................... 41
E.
Mold Parameters............................................................................................................ 43
F.
Generating the Mold Base ............................................................................................. 46
Exercises .................................................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 6....................................................................................................................................... 49
Working With the XMD Mold Design ........................................................................................ 49
A.
Working with the Solid Model ....................................................................................... 49
B.
Holes in the Solid ............................................................................................................ 51
C.
2D Plate Drawings .......................................................................................................... 53
D. XMD vs. KeyCreator Commands .................................................................................... 54
E.
Level Management ......................................................................................................... 55
Moving Entities to Different Levels ........................................................................................... 55
Chapter 7....................................................................................................................................... 58
The Main Menu ......................................................................................................................... 58
A.
Load/Start Job ........................................................................................................ 59
B.
Save: ........................................................................................................................ 59
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C.
Prepare Job:............................................................................................................ 59
D.
Save As: .................................................................................................................. 60
E.
Delete Job ............................................................................................................... 60
F.
Export ...................................................................................................................... 60
G.
Format Titleblock .................................................................................................... 66
H. Format Bill of Materials (BOM): ..................................................................................... 66
I.
Format Smart Patterns ................................................................................................... 66
J.
Create Custom Assembly ...................................................................................... 66
K.
Convert to Part References .................................................................................... 66
L.
Show Referenced Part Origin ................................................................................. 67
M.
More Info .................................................................................................................... 67
N. XMD Help: ...................................................................................................................... 67
Backup Files: .............................................................................................................................. 67
Chapter 9....................................................................................................................................... 71
The Drawing Menu .................................................................................................................... 71
A.
Core Plan: ....................................................................................................................... 71
B.
Cavity Plan: ..................................................................................................................... 72
C.
Short Section: ............................................................................................................. 72
D. Long Section: .................................................................................................................. 72
E.
3D View: ........................................................................................................................ 72
F.
Other Drawing: ............................................................................................................... 72
G.
Edit Drawings ......................................................................................................... 73
H. Level Assignment............................................................................................................ 75
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I.
Previous Drawing ........................................................................................................... 75
J.
Plate Details.................................................................................................................... 75
K.
View Plates: .................................................................................................................... 79
Drawing Menu Notes ................................................................................................................ 80
L.
Move Components to Plate Levels: ............................................................................... 81
Exercises .................................................................................................................................... 81
Chapter 10..................................................................................................................................... 84
The Display Menu ...................................................................................................................... 84
A.
Show to View.................................................................................................................. 85
B.
Show by Menu................................................................................................................ 85
C.
Hide Component ............................................................................................................ 86
D. Re-trim Lines .................................................................................................................. 86
E.
Redraw Component ....................................................................................................... 86
F.
XMD vs. KeyCreator Commands .................................................................................... 87
Exercises .................................................................................................................................... 87
Chapter 11..................................................................................................................................... 89
The Modify Menu ...................................................................................................................... 89
A.
Modify Size: ............................................................................................................ 90
B.
Move:..................................................................................................................... 90
C.
Assembly: ............................................................................................................. 94
D.
Delete: ................................................................................................................... 95
E.
Modify Text: .......................................................................................................... 95
F.
Modify Attributes .................................................................................................. 96
G.
Edit Geometry ........................................................................................................ 98
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H.
Moldbase Editor ..................................................................................................... 99
I.
Hole Management .............................................................................................. 101
J.
Plate Solid Management ................................................................................. 103
Exercises .................................................................................................................................. 108
Exercise.................................................................................................................................... 114
Chapter 12................................................................................................................................... 116
The Add Menu ................................................................................................................... 116
A.
Add A New Fastener ............................................................................................ 117
B.
Ejection: ........................................................................................................................ 118
C.
Adding Features: .......................................................................................................... 120
D. Adding Locating Ring: ................................................................................................... 127
E.
Add Others: .................................................................................................................. 128
F.
Adding Waterlines ............................................................................................. 132
G. New Smart Patterns: .................................................................................................... 147
H. Browse/Add Custom Assembly: ................................................................................... 150
I.
Convert Solid to XMD Component ................................................................ 151
J.
Copy Commands: ......................................................................................................... 153
K.
Copy Multiple Components: ................................................................................. 154
Exercises: ................................................................................................................................. 156
Chapter 13................................................................................................................................... 182
The Tools Menu ....................................................................................................................... 182
A.
Level Management Tools: .................................................................................. 183
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B.
Undo:.................................................................................................................. 185
C.
Redo:................................................................................................................... 185
D.
Bill of Materials: ................................................................................................. 185
E.
Ejector Pin Chart: ................................................................................................. 190
F.
Component Labelling: .......................................................................................... 193
G.
Attributes:........................................................................................................... 193
H.
Set Waterline Depth: .......................................................................................... 195
I.
Plate Depth: ........................................................................................................ 195
J.
Waterline Arrows:................................................................................................ 196
K.
Verify Components:............................................................................................. 197
L.
Interference Checking: ........................................................................................ 197
Exercises .................................................................................................................................. 201
Chapter 14................................................................................................................................... 206
The XMD Configuration Program ............................................................................................ 206
A.
Moldbase:............................................................................................................. 207
B.
Components ......................................................................................................... 214
C.
Misc ..................................................................................................................... 218
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................... 220
The XMD Level Structure......................................................................................................... 220
XMD Default Keyboard File Settings (XMD.kbd) ..................................................................... 223
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Obsolete Chapter 1 ..................................................................................................................... 231
Preparing the Part Data........................................................................................................... 231
A.
Changing the Surface Display: ...................................................................................... 231
B.
Converting Surfaces to NURBSplines. .......................................................................... 232
C.
Notes about Solids ....................................................................................................... 232
D. Filtering the Part File .................................................................................................... 233
E.
Choosing a Point Of Rotation ....................................................................................... 233
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CHAPTER 1
LOADING XMD
A. INSTALLING XMD
XMD runs inside of Kubotek KeyCreator®, so before you install XMD you must first install
KeyCreator. The version name of XMD indicates which KeyCreator needs to be installed.
Normally only the major and minor version numbers are relevant. So for example, XMD 10.5
Release 4 will install and run on any version of KeyCreator 10.5.
After KeyCreator has installed it is a good idea to run it to be sure it works, then close it so XMD
can install. XMD will install most of its files to a subdirectory of KeyCreator’s named “XMD”.
Some files such as custom keyboard files install to the KeyCreator main directory.
Installing XMD will normally configure KeyCreator to automatically load XMD, and automatically
give you a 30 day temporary license to run the program. If you have purchased XMD,
Cornerstone will provide you a permanent license for the version you install. (Previous versions
of XMD used a hardware key for licensing the program, but that is no longer used.)
B. TO TEMPORARILY LOAD A CDE:
This method will load the CDE for as
long as the KeyCreator session is
active. The same procedure will have
to be repeated each time KeyCreator
is opened.
I N K EY C REATOR :
Add Ins >CDE Open
A dialogue box will allow you to scroll
through the directories to obtain the
Xmd.cde
Right Clicking in the workspace
activates the Context Sensitive Menu, where XMD can be toggled on/off from the list.
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C. TO AUTOMATICALLY LOAD THE CDE
The CDE can be set to load, automatically, each time that KeyCreator is started. The user then
only has to click in the Context Sensitive Menu (Right click in the workspace), and select XMD
from the list, to turn the menu off or on. A Workspace can also set up where XMD and various
toolbars can be placed as desired. The Workspace can be set to load when KeyCreator is loaded
or it can be accessed as needed.
In KeyCreator, select, Tools Menu> Options
S ELECTING THE C DE F ROM THE D IALOGUE B OX
If XMD is not already listed, it should be added.


Click on the New icon to insert an entry. Click on the “… “ to browse for the CDE.
Navigate up to the KeyCreator directory and down to the XMD subdirectory. Pick
XMD.cde.
Once the CDE is selected click Ok. It will then be added to the list of automatically
loaded CDE's in the Default Options dialogue box.
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The CDE will be loaded and added to the Applications pull down menu each time that a new
session of KeyCreator is started.
You will need to restart KeyCreator for this to take effect.
Once the CDE is loaded and a license is available, XMD is ready for use. There is seamless
integration between XMD and KeyCreator. XMD is invoked when the user selects the Load/Start
job command from the “Main” menu (See Chapter 7).
D. LOADING THE DEFAULT XMD SETTINGS IN KEYCREATOR
The XMD installation CD contains four default settings files, along with some simple macros.
These items are aimed at making the execution of tasks within XMD easier. They are stored in
the Macros folder. The following are the names and descriptions of these files,
XMD. WSP :
The XMD Workspace file contains multiple toolbars that have been strategically placed for quick
access to XMD commands.
XMD. KBD :
The XMD keyboard file contains XMD and KeyCreator commands that are bound to keys on the
keyboard.
XMD. CKT :
The XMD template file contains default settings such as background color, color settings along
with units and tolerances.
There are three macro files included on the installation CD that can be installed and bound to
keys that are documented in the XMD Default Keyboard File Settings list below. The three files
are,
Snap_06:
This file turns on and set the snap value to .06 in. (Hotkey Ctl+ Alt+Z)
Snap_125:
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This file turns on and set the snap value to .125 in. (Hotkey Alt+Z)
CPDV:
This file sets the KeyCreator construction plane to be the same as the displayed view (Hot keyK)
LOADING THE DEFAULT FILES
All of XMD’s default files are loaded in
the same way as any of the KeyCreator
default files. From the Tool pull down
menu, select “Options”. The Startup
interface will be displayed. You can
load your files in the spaces provided
in the dialogue box. The template file
can be loaded the same way as the
others only it will be found under the
“Misc.” tab.
Macros can be added to the macro
manager by clicking on the Macros
tab and adding them into the macro
manager.
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The KeyCreator manual can provide a new user with more detailed information.
Note: XMD will prompt you, at installation whether these files should be loaded automatically.
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CHAPTER 2
GETTING THE PART READY FOR XMD
To start a mold design with XMD, you may use whatever geometry you have, in any form (solid,
surface, wireframe, sections arranged in 3D). XMD will consider what you provide in building
the mold base.
To start a mold design based on a part, you must first bring your part data into KeyCreator.
Model any additional geometry you like, and then you are ready to start the preparation
process. The geometry now has to be scaled and moved into mold position. After the following
steps are complete, you can start XMD.
E. SCALING THE PART AND CONVERTING TO CORRECT UNITS (INCH OR MILLIMETERS)
Note: When a new file is imported into
KeyCreator, and there is a unit’s
mismatch, the user will be warned of
the situation. A dialogue box appears,
providing the user with many options to
deal with the mismatch. If nothing is
done at the onset, then some manual
steps must be taken to make the units
match. The manual steps are
documented below.
For part data, usually you want to scale
the file manually, in order to
concurrently manage tip and placement of the part. So choose the first or third option.
E XAMPLE :
A part 2 inches long imported into KeyCreator with dimensional units set to millimeters will
scale 2.0 millimeters long.
A part 2 millimeters long imported into KeyCreator with units set to inches will scale
2 inches long. KeyCreator only recognizes the geometry in units and not in particular sizes.
Therefore it is necessary to ensure that the part and the file are in the correct units.
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T O DETERMINE THE CURRENT FILE ' S UNIT OF MEASUREMENT :
The status bar at the bottom of the screen always
displays the current units (mm here). However, in an attempt to gain more working area, some
users turn it off.
You can also see the units under
File/Properties – Units/Tolerances.
T O C ONVERT A M ETRIC P ART
F ILE I NTO A N I NCH P ART F ILE
Scale the metric part file
using
KeyCreator
"Xform>Scale> Full Move >All
Disp>All", and pick a base point
for the scaling. Enter the scale
factor of .03937 or 1/25.4.
This makes the part smaller, but
doesn’t adjust the units.
T O C ONVERT A F ILE ' S U NITS TO
M ATCH T HE S YSTEM ' S U NITS :
To continue with the above (Metric to Inch) example;
The part was converted from metric to inch. The part file is still metric,
(File/Properties/Units/Tolerances). Simply select the desired units from the list. A warning will
appear stating that the geometry will not be changed. Select ok. The units are now changed.
F. ADD SHRINK
XMD does not automatically add shrink. Use KeyCreator's "Xform>Scale>Full Move", command
to incorporate the shrink factor.
Note:
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There are many ways of incorporating a "Double Check" method to confirm that shrink
has been added to a part. It is strongly recommended that a system be incorporated
to verify this most important step. (See below for a suggestion.)
C REATING A T IP AND S HRINK V ERIFICATION
Create three lines. The lines are to be 25.4 long with one
line in the X direction, one in the Y and one in the Z
direction. Make the lines 3 different colors Rd (X), White
(Y) and Blue (Z). The colors can be used to replace the
part to its original position, id it has been rotated to
accommodate die draw.
Save the file as “Mill Axis.ckd”
Create a second set of axis but this time makes them
each 1 unit. long. Apply the same colors t the lines.
Save the file as “Inch Axis.ckd”
These files can now be imported to any KeyCreator file by using “Files/Import/KeyCreator
Files”. It is best to import the file at the base position, or rotation point of the part, before any
rotation or scaling takes place. This is to confirm the original orientation (X, Y and Z), and it can
be re-established at a later time, if necessary.
U SING THE T OOL
After the axis has been added to the drawing, the user can go ahead and tip the part and add
the necessary expansion. Once the expansion has been added, the axis will obviously change
with the geometry. Any one of the lines on the axis can be measured to determine if the
expansion was done correctly.
Example:
The “Mill Axis” was imported into a metric part file. The file must be converted to inches and
.015 in/in shrink must be incorporated.
Use the Xform/Scale command to convert from metric to inch units. The scale factor is .03937
or 1/25.4. After executing this command, the lines of the axis will now scale 1.00 (inches)
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Use Xform/Scale again to accommodate for the material shrink. Use 1.015 as the scale factor.
The axis will now scale 1.015. This final measurement ensures that the part has been scaled and
expanded correctly.
Note: Both the conversion and shrink factor can be added simultaneously (1/25.4*1.015)
KeyCreator will perform the calculation.
Store the axis in the tool design, on Level 500.5, for future reference.
G. ESTABLISH DIE DRAW
Most part data will have to be moved from its original location in order to be "moldable".
The moldable position is called Die Draw. Die draw is established by choosing a part position
where the least amount of mechanisms, ideally none, would be required to create the part in
the mold. Many times bosses or deep ribs will determine die draw as they can be pushed out of
the mold with ejector pins and sleeves.
In most cases the designer will have to rotate the part into die draw. This can be accomplished
quite easily, using KeyCreator's rotation commands.
Xform>Rotate>Move>All Disp>All.
Select the geometry and enter the rotation angles. There may be cases where multiple
rotations may be necessary. This can be accomplished with the use of axis selection or by
setting different views and construction planes.
H. SPLIT THE PART INTO CORE AND CAVITY GEOMETRY
It is not necessary to split the geometry at this point in the process. XMD will still analyze the
data and create a mold based on the information that it is given. The geometry can be split
manually, by the designer, by another system and imported into KeyCreator or by using
KeyCreator’s own Core-Cavity splitting tool. It’s in the advanced modeling menu, under the
Tools commands.
I. ORGANIZE GEOMETRY ONTO THE PROPER LEVELS
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XMD is very level specific. Proper geometry placement at this stage is critical to having success
with XMD. Improper level management can result in improper mold creation or even failure to
start a new design.
S OME EXAMPLES OF LEVEL MANAGEMENT :
Cavity Geometry: Level #100.1
Core Geometry: Level #200.1
Miscellaneous geometry: Level #300.1
Set Up Lines: Level #500.1
Geometry must be placed on these levels, at start up to have success with XMD. There are
other levels that become very important at start up, and they are presented in the XMD Start
up Levels Sheet. They will also be present in the level structure of the XMD template file.
The XMD sim has to be installed and licensed in order to use any of the XMD commands.
The XMD Start up Levels sheet is shown on the following page.
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START UP LEVELS TABLE
This table contains the main levels that are required for XMD preparation. Some or all may be
used, depending on the complexity of the job at hand.
DWG
Main
Short
Section
AA
Main
Long
Section
BB
LEV
No.
4.1
4.2
LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
**Part Geometry
*Parting Lines
2D Part Section
2D Parting lines
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
Slides, Lifters, Inserts
**Slides
**Lifters
**Inserts
2D Mechanisms
2D Mechanisms
2D Mechanisms
Cavity Half
Core Half
LEVEL PURPOSE
CLARIFIED
2D section thru part
2D section thru parting
lines
Keep blank. Use subs
2D section thru slides
2D section thru lifters
2D section thru Inserts
5.x same as short section.
**Cavity Part
100.1
*Cavity Parting Lines
100.2
** Slides, Lifters & Inserts
100.3
100.3.1 **Slides
100.3.2 **Lifters
100.3.3 **Inserts
**Inserted Cavity
100.4
**Core Part
200.1
**Core Parting Lines
200.2
**Inserts, Slides & Lifters
200.3
200.3.1 **Slides
200.3.2 **Lifters
200.3.3 **Inserts
**Inserted Core
200.4
*Part Setup/Body Lines
500.1
**Cav. Block (user)
500.2
**Core Block (user)
500.3
Reference
*Reference Sections
Geometry 500.4
*Associated Misc.
500.5
*Associated Misc.
500.6
* Level is positionally associated to the part.
3D VIEW
PURPOSE
Cavity Part
Cavity Parting Lines
3D Cavity Mechanisms
3D Cavity Mechanisms
3D Cavity Mechanisms
3D Cavity Mechanisms
3D Cavity Insert
Core Part
Core Parting Lines
3D Core Mechanisms
3D Core Mechanisms
3D Core Mechanisms
3D Core Mechanisms
3D Core Insert
3D Setup Lines
User Cavity Block
User Core Block
Associated Misc.
Associated Misc.
Associated Misc.
3D cavity part geometry
3D cavity parting lines
3D cavity slides
3D cavity lifters
3D cavity inserts
3D inserted cavity
3D core part geometry
3D core parting lines
3D core slides
3D core lifters
3D core inserts
3D inserted core
X,Y,Z start dimension lines
Predrawn user cavity block
Predrawn user core block
Reference Section Data
Misc Reference Data
Misc Reference Data
** Level is positionally associated to the part and also used in determining block sizes.
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J. ESTABLISH MOLD POSITION
Many factors go into determining mold position. Number of cavities, gating locations, press
size, optimization of available steel to name few. The designer will have most of the
information at hand when the design is kicked-off. The part can be moved into mold position
using KeyCreator's move commands as found in the Xform menu.
P OINTS T O B E C ONSIDERED I N P REPARATION F OR XMD
XMD always builds a mold base centered around 0,0, although you can offset plates if you
choose. The stationary/cavity half will always be in positive Z. You have some flexibility to
determine the Z position of the part, but it should also be near 0.
For multiple cavities, place parts in their proper locations with respect to the center of the
mold.
K. SAVE THE XMD READY PART FILE
At this point there has been a significant amount work gone into preparing the part for XMD. It
is recommended that the part be saved at this time with a name that can be associated to the
fact that this part is prepared for XMD.
Any naming convention that suits the designer or the company's standards is suitable.
E XERCISES
Create the tip verification tool as described above and add it to the XMDstart_train.ckd file that
you created in chapter 1. Be sure to be in View 1 Construction plane 1 when you add it. Place
the base of the tool on the tip and rotation point that as established in Chapter 1. Use
File/Import/KeyCreator Files to obtain the axis file.
Rotate part into die draw.
Add .01 in/in shrink and scale the part to inches.
Change file units to inches File/Properties/Units /Tolerances
Move into mold position of X3.500, Y0 and Z0
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Measure one of the lines on the tip and rotation tool to verify that it has, indeed, been scaled
and expanded correctly. The length of one of the axis lines should be 1.01 inches in length.
Use the Core/Cavity Separation tool in KeyCreator’s advanced modeling menu and move
geometry to core and cavity sides.
Mirror the part about 0, 0, 0 for the second cavity. (Make sure to set the active level first.)
Note: Cavity geometry is to be on level 100.1 and the core geometry on 200.1

Save your new part configuration.
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CHAPTER 3
LEVEL MANAGEMENT
XMD standardizes a level system for organizing geometry. Its automatic management tools
help ease the task of level management, such that once things are initially set up, you rarely
even need to think about levels as XMD takes care of this for you. All of XMD's components waterlines, leader pins & bushings, ejector pins, screws and even Smart
Patterns - are automatically placed on pre-assigned levels. The only time that manual level
management will be necessary is when user geometry is incorporated in the design.
To best understand XMD's level management is to first understand KeyCreator's level structure.
A. KEYCREATOR LEVEL STRUCTURE
Kubotek KeyCreator consists of unlimited levels and sublevels. The main level, called the Parent
level can have an unlimited amount of sub-levels, called child levels.
These child levels can have still more sub-levels branching off from them. The user can create,
delete, name, rename number and renumber levels to suit the need. The levels structure can
be stored in a template file so that it is accessible each time KeyCreator is loaded or when
required.
There are many useful commands for managing levels and they can be accessed in a number of
different ways.


The Pull down Menu provides access to all of the level commands.
Many of the commands can be assigned to the keyboard (Hot Keys). The assigned key is
displayed beside the command, in the pull down menu.
The KeyCreator level list can be accessed in different ways.




The "Open Part Splitter" and "Close Part Splitter" commands are found in the View
Menu under the Control Bar area.
The Hot Keys: Alt+Right Arrow, to open half way, twice to open completely. Alt+Left
Arrow closes the Part Splitter.
If you have a five-button mouse, the side buttons are programmed to open and close
the Part Splitter.
KeyCreator allows for full Windows functionality to manage the levels. All of the Pull
down menu commands are accessible by right-clicking in the level tree.
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


Multiple levels can be selected simultaneously by using the Ctrl or the Shift keys to aid in
selection (Windows functionality).
Colors, linetypes, line widths and pen numbers can be assigned on a "By Layer" basis.
The level tree is configurable. The user can adjust the width of the window along with the
arrangement of the columns. The configuration can be saved as a Template.
T HE K EY C REATOR L EVEL T REE ( WITH XMD L EVELS A DDED )
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B. THE XMD LEVEL STRUCTURE
The XMD level structure is broken into five categories, all having main parent levels and
numerous sub-levels (Child levels).
2D D RAWINGS (P ARENT LEVELS 1-5)
The Material List, Level 1 has five Sub-levels attached to it. The material list levels will remain
even if the material list is put on one of the main tool drawings. Parent levels 2-5 contain the
levels for the 2D tool drawings. The Core Plan Drawing, Cavity Plan Drawing and Sections A-A &
B-B (Parent levels) consist of 11 sub-levels (child levels). There are multiple sub-level branching
from the Component child level. Each of the components are created on their own, individual
level.
3D L EVELS (P ARENT LEVEL 100-300)
3D Levels are set to contain the 3D geometry for the tool design. The Cavity Half (100) and Core
Half (200) levels are set up identically, although they have different parent level numbers. A
number of sub-levels are created in each category. The Global other (300) levels are legacy to
old versions, and not used.
R EFERENCE G EOMETRY (P ARENT LEVEL 500)
This level group consists of both 2D and 3D levels. The Bodylines, Set Up Lines, Core and Cavity
User Blocks along with Reference Sections and other various types of geometry are added to
this group.
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C. LEVEL ASSIGNMENT
The Level Assignment dialog manages what levels are displayed in the active drawing. (See
Chapter 9 – The Drawing Menu for more information)
D. LEVEL LOCKING
The standard KeyCreator user has the ability to delete levels and all the geometry on them.
There is a warning that is displayed so you can confirm your selection. This minimizes the risk of
accidental deletion, but it doesn’t eliminate it. XMD is a very level-specific program and deleting
levels can be disastrous to the program and subsequently, your work.
To avoid accidental level deletion while using XMD, a level locking functionality has been
incorporated into the software. When a new XMD job is started and the XMD level structure is
imported into the database, all levels are automatically locked. This is accomplished internally
by the software with the addition of an invisible entity on each level. The entity will be counted
when KeyCreator’s level tree is used.
E. ADDING LEVELS
XMD allows the user to add levels from other drawings and views to the current display. This
aids the designer in creating a better defined view and it can help in the reduction of geometry
creation where a particular component may only need to be drawn once instead of multiple
times for display in other views.
The user also can create extra sub-levels (particularly for extra user geometry) and add them to
views and sections. These levels can then be added to the displayed view or views.
F. DELETING LEVELS
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Any level can be deleted but it must first be unlocked. The Unlock Levels utility is accessed
through the Tools Menu in the XMD application.
L EVEL N OTES :




All of KeyCreator's level management options can be used within XMD.
When a level is turned on or off in XMD it only stays on or off until the view is changed.
If the level is to be permanently added or removed it must to be assigned or unassigned.
If the active level is changed it will remain changed in a particular view. If the active level
is set to a Global Level, , this is temporary, and the active level will be set back to the
view's active level when it is revisited
Notice that there isn’t any geometry shown automatically on the Parent levels. This is
done intentionally to allow the user to turn on individual levels without having to see
any undesired geometry.
B ASIC L EVEL D ISPLAY R ULES




Parent level must be displayed to permit the child levels to be displayed.
If parent level is turned off. All child levels are undisplayed. (But the checkboxes are still
on.)
Child levels can be turned “Off” and “On” as desired as long as the parent level is “On”.
If a parent level is turned “On”, then all child levels, which are “On”, will be displayed.
E XERCISE
Using the “XMDstart_train.ckd” file:




Create a new Sub-level, under the Global Core (200), Core Part level (200.1), and call it
Core Part 2 (200.1.1).
Do the same for the cavity geometry (100.1.1) and call it Cavity Part 2.
Move the geometry for the second cavity to the new levels.
Save the part.
******* See the Appendix for the complete XMD Level layout *******
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CHAPTER 4
STARTUP SCENARIOS
XMD’s design-generation system is very flexible, able to design from a variety of startup
scenarios, where you start the job with whatever information you have now. Later you can
continue adding other information.
Before you start, you should take a few things into consideration:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Will a standard or custom mold base be used?
Will the job have mechanisms?
Will the parting lines be flat or complex?
Is the job to be made from inserted blocks or solid blocks?
Can XMD locks be used or will the locks a parting lines come from surfaced data?
Are the core and cavity block thicknesses established for me?
Is data available now or do I have to estimate the size of the part?
There are 5 key startup scenarios:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Key In the Part Size (No part)
Part only.
Part and Mechanisms.
Part, Mechanism and Parting
Lines.
5) Part, Mechanism, Parting Line
and Core and/or Cavity Blocks.
XMD, being very level specific, requires
disciplined attention to the geometry
level placement required by the program
to function as it was intended. Please
note that we have attempted to
illustrate the importance of this XMD
requirement in the following examples
WIREFRAME IMAGE OF XMD DESIGNED MOLD WITH
PART SIZE KEYED-IN. (CAVITY REMOVED FOR CLARITY)
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of Start Up Scenario overviews
A. START UP SCENARIO #1: KEY IN PART SIZE
This approach can be used for quoting or developing a mold when the 3D data isn't available.
Enter the X, Y and Z values of a part into XMD's Part Information Dialogue Box. XMD will create
a box shaped "Dummy" part, and design a mold around it. The 3D data can later be imported
later into XMD (using SRF, IGES, CADL, or ckd) as the mold design moves forward.
The above dialog shows the XMD’s
measurements of your part geometry, or if no
geometry is provided, you can key-in the sizes
here.
B. START UP SCENARIO #2: PART ONLY
As a minimum, this would require just the
part, not separated into Core or Cavity
geometry. To enhance the situation, the
designer can cut two sections through the
geometry, one section to represent Section A-
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A, and one section to represent Section B-B. The part can also be split into Core and Cavity
geometry.
The user must place the geometry on the following levels.
Cavity geometry: Level #100.1
Core geometry: Level #200.1
*Section A-A (part only): Level #4.1 (optional)
**Section B-B (part only): Level #5.1 (optional)
If the part is not split, the geometry can be placed on either level 100.1 or 200.1.
In order to take full advantage of XMD's component to surface sensitivity, the part should be
split into the two halves (Core & Cavity). Alternatively, solid blocks may be developed after
XMD builds the mold.
Note:
The user doesn’t have to create the sections when laying out the job for XMD. If the sections
are desired at this time, the user can use the Section cutting tools from the Edit Drawing
command in the Drawing Menu. The section can be created, straight or jogged, by making
selections from the dialogue box that appears there (See chapter 9).
C. START UP SCENARIO #3: PART AND MECHANISMS
This scenario requires the part,
along with two sections through
the geometry.
One section represents Section
A-A, and the other section,
Section B-B. An additional
section
through
the
mechanisms(s) is required. A
minimum of one 2D section is
needed.
Although
not
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necessary, the mechanisms can also be fully modeled in 3D.
It is a good rule of thumb to display a 2D section of all inserts and mechanisms to be in a mold.
This will assist XMD and the designer, in making more timely and intelligent decisions regarding
steel sizes. The part can also be split into Core and Cavity geometry.
Place the geometry on the following levels:
Cavity geometry: Level #100.1
Core geometry: Level #200.1
Section A-A (part only): Level #4.1
Section B-B (part only): Level #5.1
2D Slides, Lifters, and Inserts:
Level 4.3 (Section A-A)
Level 5.3 (Section B-B)
3D Slides (Core): Level # 200.3.1
3D Lifters (Core): Level #200.3.2
3D Core Inserts: Level #200.3.3
3D Cavity Inserts: Level #100.3.3
D. START UP SCENARIO #4: PART, MECHANISMS AND PARTING LINES
This scenario requires all of the level
information from Scenario #3 (Part and
Mechanisms) along with 2D geometry
drawn to display the parting line run out
and locking angle style for each section.
The geometry that represents the
overall X and Y sizes of the mold is to be
placed on level #200.2. A minimum of a
rectangle representing the maximum X
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and Y of the mold is required. If available, more geometry can be added to further define the
parting lines.
The user must place the geometry on the following levels:
Cavity geometry: Level #100.1
Core geometry: Level #200.1
Section A-A (part only): Level #4.1
Section B-B (part only): Level #5.1
2D Slides, Lifters, and Inserts:
Level 4.3 (Section A-A)
Level 5.3 (Section B-B)
Parting Lines (Core): Level #200.2
Minimum geometry to represent maximum size of mold in X and Y. Designer can create more
geometry to make parting lines more defined.
3D Slides (Core): Level # 200.3.1
3D Lifters (Core): Level #200.3.2
3D Core Inserts (Core): Level #200.3.3
3D Cavity Inserts (Core): Level #100.3.3
E. START UP SCENARIO #5: PART, MECHANISMS, PARTING LINES, CORE AND/OR CAVITY
BLOCKS
This scenario allows the user to control the length, width, and thickness of the blocks in the
mold design. XMD will create its mold blocks to the specific sizes of the geometry on levels
200.2, 500.3 (Core), and level #500.2 (Cavity). The same level management for part, insert,
mechanisms and all 2D part sections and geometry applies here also.
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Place the geometry on the following levels:
Cavity geometry: Level #100.1
Core geometry: Level #200.1
Section A-A (part only): Level #4.1
Section B-B (part only): Level #5.1
2D Slides, Lifters, and Inserts (Core):
Level 4.31, .2, .3 (Section A-A) Level
4.3.1, .2, .3 (Section B-B)
Parting Lines (Core): Level #200.2
Part, Mechanisms, Parting Lines, Core
Minimum geometry to represent
maximum size of mold in X and Y.
and/or Cavity Blocks
Designer can create more geometry to make parting lines more defined.
3D Slides (Core): Level # 200.3.1
3D Lifters (Core): Level #200.3.2
3D Core Inserts: Level #200.3.3
3D Cavity Inserts: Level #100.3.3
3D Core Block (User): Level #500.3
3D Cavity Block (User): Level #500.2
EXERCISE
Using the “XMDstart_train.ckd” file:

Create the start-up scenario #2 by creating the section geometry as described above;
paying particular attention to the level management that is required.
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


Use the “Edit Drawings” command in the “Drawing” menu to cut the sections for each
XMD start up scenario. The geometry will be automatically placed on the proper levels
for XMD’s analysis.
Start up scenario #1 will be reviewed after the next Chapter.
Save this file as “XMDstart_train_2.ckd”.
Note: Do not draw the slide for this portion of the exercise. There will be different results that
should be observed, when a new mold is created with and without the slide.






Use “XMDstart_train_2.ckd” to create start-up scenario #3. This scenario is an
extension of scenario #2. (Include the slide for this portion of the exercise.)
Save this file as “XMDstart_train_3.ckd”.
Use “XMDstart_train_3.ckd” to create start-up scenario #4. This scenario is an
extension of scenario #3.
Save this file as “XMDstart_train_4.ckd”.
Use “XMDstart_train_4.ckd” to create start-up scenario #5. This scenario is an
extension of scenario #4.
Save this file as “XMDstart_train_5.ckd”.
MAKE THE MOLD 24 INCHES LONG AND 18 INCHES WIDE. THESE SIZES WILL BE
IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE EXERCISES.
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CHAPTER 5
CREATING THE MOLD
Once all of the preparatory steps have been completed – Preparing the Data, Getting Ready for
XMD, and the Startup Scenario has been chosen – the mold can then be created.
There are a number of simple steps required to create the mold. Once these steps have been
completed, XMD will create at least (4) 2d tool drawings, along with a 3D drawing showing of all
the plates, components, and holes in the mold. These 3D holes and plates can be exported out
of XMD to another CAM product for machining.
The 2D drawings that are created automatically are the Core and Cavity plan views along with a
short section (Section A-A*) and a Long Section (Section B-B**). Any extra section geometry,
that is included at startup and placed on the correct level, will be analyzed by XMD and will be
included as an extra drawing when the mold is created. Any extra drawings or section views can
be added at any time in the design process, not just at Startup.
STEPS TO CREATE AN XMD MOLD






Have part (if any) along with the desired Startup Scenario on the screen.
Invoke the XMD cde from KeyCreator's Application Menu (See Chapter 5 Executing the
Program).
Click the "Load/Start job icon from the XMD Jobs Menu
Enter information in Part Information Dialog Box.
Choose steel sizes, in Parting Line Editor
Enter the desired plate thicknesses, clamping methods, and ejector stroke in the Mold
Parameters dialog box.
When these steps are completed XMD will create the mold to the chosen specifications.
*By default, this is XMD’s short section.
**By default, this is XMD’s long section
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A. STARTING THE JOB
Any XMD job, whether it is new or existing must be accessed
through the load/Start job command as found in the XMD jobs
menu.
Load/Start
Job
After clicking on the Load/Start icon the following dialog will
appear. You then can enter the new job name or number in the
space at the top. Or you may choose the Change button to select a
different location for your job. Typically you will do this to organize
jobs by customer.
Note:
It is not necessary that the job
name consist entirely of
numbers. Letters can be used as
well. A folder will be created
with the specified name in the
XMD Jobs directory (See
Glossary of Terms pg. ii).
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B. ENTER PART INFORMATION
The next step in creating the mold is to
enter the part information. The
information input here will be
transferred to the title block, where
required. Other information is used to
determine the mold type, appearance,
style and size.
J OB N O .:
This information is carried over from
the name that was input in the
"Load/Start" dialog box. If the names
are different, then the name that is to
appear in the title block should be
used.
P ART U NITS :
The current part units (INCHES or MILLIMETERS) will be displayed.
S TANDARD :
If you wish to build a mold to a purchased standard, choose this. XMD will automatically create
a DME or DMS, mold base. A or B series plate configuration are the two available styles.
C USTOM :
If the mold is not from an available standard, choose custom. You will be able to configure
everything to create any style mold from here.
T ITLE B LOCK :
This is where the user can select a pre-configured title block. All title blocks that are in the XMD
database will appear in a list when the black arrow is clicked. The description of the active title
block is shown to the right of the black arrow.
C ONFIG . F ILE :
The user can create many configuration files. These files can be set up to reflect customer
standards, or they can be used as an across the board company standard, so that all designs
have the same appearance.
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A list of pre-configured files will appear when the black arrow is clicked. The selected file will
become the default configuration file for that design. The file, along with the associated
waterline and 3D holes files will be copied into the Job folder (See 15-16).
Note: The configuration file can be changed after the job is started, by replacing the “.cfg” files
in the job folder. The new file will affect all of the data from the point when it was inserted. It
will not have any effect on the old, previously created, data.
Part Name:
This information will be placed in the title block. Typically, whatever the company standard is
for the part name, whether it is the actual name of the part, or the style of mold.
Press:
Whatever is input here will appear in the title block. If there isn't a spot for the press size in the
title block, then it can be input anyway or skipped.
W ALL S TOCK :
This is typically for title block information. XMD will analyze wall stock in a situation as
described below.
Note: If "A" surface, or cavity surface only, is used to begin a mold design and the wall stock is
entered, then XMD will subtract the specified wall stock from the lowest point of the cavity to
create the highest point of the core.
S HRINKAGE :
This information is strictly for the title block. XMD does not add shrink to a file. The user must
add it by executing KeyCreator commands.
P ART W IDTH , L ENGTH & H EIGHT :
XMD will analyze the width, length, and height of any geometry that a mold is to be started
with. The geometry must be on level 1 and/or 2. If there isn’t any geometry to start the mold
with, then the three values must be entered manually. This is the Key In Part Size startup
scenario.
P/L L OCKS :
XMD designed parting line locks (See section C below).
Q UICK M OLD :
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This command allows XMD to create the mold according to its own logic. There is no user
interaction with this method. The parting line locks, parting line editor and the Mold base
Parameters are all pre-determined by XMD, bypassing all of the interfaces and a completed
mold design will appear on the screen. This is a useful tool for quick demonstrations, and can be
used for the determination of potential tool sizes.
OK: This button will lead the user into the Parting Line Editor.
Cancel: Clicking here will stop the whole process and leave the user in a blank KeyCreator part
file.
C. PARTING LINE LOCKS
XMD will create 3D parting line locks in a number of different styles. These locks can be created
and be used as a permanent part of the design or they can be used temporarily, until the
surfaced data becomes available. The locks can be exported via IGES, or some other suitable
method, to the surfacing department, or surfaced by designer in the XMD drawing. Once the
desired locking style has been selected, it will take the user to Parting Line Editor portion of the
mold creation process.
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P ARTING L INE S TYLE D IALOG B OX
The black buttons appear as default. Click on any other style to change the default. The user will
have to select a parting line style from the top row along with a locking direction from the two
choices in the bottom row
P ARTING L INE S TYLES
XMD creates three different styles of parting line locks. They can have the traditional or
inverted locking direction. All lock styles will appear in both 2 and 3D in the parting line editor.
3DLocks with Part
removed For Clarity
C ORNER L OCKS :
The length, width and height of each corner
lock are adjustable. The adjustments are
applied t all four locks simultaneously. The
user is unable to adjust the locks
individually. Upper and lower radii are also
adjustable.
F ULL LOCK - R OUND C ORNERS :
The lock surrounds the entire core and cavity
blocks. The width and height are adjustable
along with the upper and lower radii. Corner
radii in the plan view are also adjustable
F ULL LOCK - C HAMFERED C ORNERS :
The lock surrounds the entire core and cavity
blocks. The width and height are adjustable
along with the upper and lower radii. The
chamfer size in plan view is also adjustable.
L OCK D IRECTION :
The conventional core side lock can be created
along with the inverted type simply by selecting
one of the buttons in the editor.
INVERTED LOCK STYLE SHOWN.
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P ERMANENTLY D ELETE XMD L OCKS :
This command allows the user to completely remove the XMD locks from the design. This is
especially good when the designer needs to replace the XMD geometry with surface geometry.
Using this command eliminates a lot of duplicate entities.
A UTO -C ENTERING
XMD will automatically perform analysis on the part and determine if it is centered in the mold
and if its orientation is within the boundaries of the origin X0 and Y0.
If the analyzed parameters are not within XMD's specifications, then the user will be warned of
one the following two situations;
Center The Part: If XMD finds that your part data is not exactly centered in the X and Y
directions around zero, it will prompt you as to whether or not the
part is to be centered.
If the part was orientated with a deliberate offset, choose NO and
XMD will create a mold base around the part in its present position.
Out Of Bounds: If the part geometry is too far from zero
when you start the job, XMD will center it automatically, and
alert you to that effect. The part is considered out of bounds
when the distance from the center of the mold is greater
than 1.5 times the width or length of the part, whichever is
greater.
The user will be alerted to both X and Y directions when
necessary.
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D. THE PARTING LINE EDITOR
This is a critical step in the mold creation process. This is where XMD draws geometry to
represent the steel sizes. XMD makes steel size suggestions based on its own logic. The user has
full control to override the suggested sizes. The parting line editor is parametric and associative
whereas if any dimensions are changed, they will be updated and the new sizes displayed in the
active view and all other views.
T HE P ARTING L INE E DITOR I NTERFACE
The Parting Line Editor has its own separate interface where the user can change views, move
the part and other functions necessary to properly situate the part geometry in the mold base.
While the above menu is active, the user can click most of the XMD-drawn dimensions and
change their values. Additionally, the following buttons can be pressed:
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Clicking on this button will change the displayed view to the short section. (KeyCreator
View #5)
This button will change the displayed view to the long section. (KeyCreator View #2)
This will display the plan view (KeyCreator View #1)
This will display the isometric view (KeyCreator View #7)
The user can move the part in the Z in order to get the part in the proper mold position.
There are many levels that are associated with each other in XMD. These levels will move with
the part geometry. (Parting lines, 2D part sections, slides, lifters, etc.).
This allows the user to set the highest point of the core and the lowest point of the
cavity by digitizing points.
The designer can establish a nominal dimension from a body/work line to the back of
the core block.
Use this to change the XMD-drawn parting line locks or to delete them. See section C
above.
This command will be encountered when Standard Mold Bases are used, or inserted
cavity and core blocks are present. The "A" and "B" plates (Core and Cavity) can set so that they
don't touch each other as per the designer's preset value. Only the Core and Cavity inserts will
touch in the tool design.
Notes:
Any KeyCreator command can be used while in the Parting Line Editor. All sizes can be checked;
levels can be added, etc.
When the escape key is hit, the XMD command will be suspended and the user can use
KeyCreator commands to work on the design. The user must click on the "Load/Start Job Icon"
to re-enter the Parting Line Editor.
After the user is finished in the Parting Line Editor, press Accept, and the Mold Parameters
dialog will appear.
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E. MOLD PARAMETERS
In this portion of the XMD mold creation process, XMD will present, through a dialog box, the
suggested plate thicknesses for the particular size of mold. Clicking on the number to change
and updating the number can alter these sizes.
The mold sizes can be changed at anytime during the mold design process. After the mold has
been created, the user only has to click on the Moldbase icon, from the Modify Menu.
(See next page to review commands)
Changes can be made at will in this dialog. XMD will automatically change lower plates when
corresponding upper plates are changed. After all the choices are made, select OK or hit enter.
The mold will be redrawn. XMD will add or remove any components directly related to the
plate change made.
C HANGING S IZES
Part Size: These are fixed sizes. They were analyzed by XMD at the beginning of the mold design
process.
Ejection Parameters
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Min Rail to Plate Clearance: The horizontal clearance between the ejector plates and the rails.
The default values appear as set in the XMDCFG application
Vertical Clearance: The vertical distance between the bottom of the ejector plate and the top
of the bottom clamp plate. This distance determines the thickness of the stop buttons. This
option can be preset in the XMDCFG application. The value cannot be changed here; however,
using the “Modify Size” command and changing the thickness of a stop button can alter it.
Ejector Stroke: The ejector stroke or travel of the ejector plates. XMD determines this distance
by analyzing the highest and lowest point of the part and adding an inch.
P/L Locks: Parting line locks. This command takes the user back to the Parting Line Editor
section of the XMD program. Here the user can alter the thicknesses of the core and cavity
blocks.
Clamping: The clamp slots, both core and cavity can be modified here. There are many options
for clamping styles with XMD. The user can modify separately the top (cavity) and bottom
(core) portions of the mold. After the new parameters are set, the tool drawing will
automatically update to reflect the latest changes (See Clamping p.8-12)
Stack Height: This is also known as the shut height of the mold. XMD automatically calculates
this size and updates it as plates are added, removed or modified.
Mold Weight: Is automatically calculated as the mold base is modified.
A DDING & R EMOVING P LATES
Plates on both the core and cavity sides of the mold can be easily added to an existing mold
design by typing in the desired thickness of the plate. The plate sizes are to be entered in the
empty spaces in the dialog box, under the Top Clamp Plate and Core Block columns. The new
plates are named automatically by XMD but they can be renamed by entering the desired name
in the dialog box. Hit enter after selecting the name to "lock in" the new entry.
To remove a plate the user simply has to type in Zero for the thickness of the plate. All other
sizes will be removed.
M ODIFYING O THER P ARAMETERS
Inputting a new number can modify any of the information in the dialog box, except for the part
information. As the parameters are updated, the mold's weight and stack height are updated
automatically.
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C LAMPING
After selecting Clamping…, the
dialog box to the right will appear.
The clamping style that was
selected as the default style in the
XMDCFG application will be
displayed in the dialog box.
T OP C LAMPING O PTIONS :
The user has two choices of
clamping styles for the top or
cavity side of the mold.
Clamp Slots:
XMD calculates and suggests clamp slot sizes. The user can make any
changes that are desired by simply highlighting the numbers in the
boxes marked A, B, C, and inputting new ones.
Note About "A" Value: The value in the A section of the dialog box is
calculated by XMD, based on two factors.
If the job has a Top Clamp Plate the thickness of that plate is displayed.
If there is no Top Clamp Plate the distance at A is the same as that of the Bottom Clamp Plate.
Extended Top Plate: XMD suggests sizes for this style of clamping. The
user can simply highlight and update the value in areas A & C. The
Value in A is the thickness of the Top Clamp Plate. If the clamping area
is to be thinner than the plate, it can be changed here.
After making the selections click ok or hit enter and the clamping options will reappear. The
bottom clamping options can then be reviewed.
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B OTTOM C LAMPING O PTIONS :
The user has three choices of clamping styles for the bottom or Core side of the mold.
Clamp Slots: This option creates the rails flush with the sides of the
mold. XMD calculates and suggests clamp slot sizes. The user can make
any changes that are desired by simply highlighting the numbers in the
boxes marked B, C, and inputting new ones. The value in A is the
thickness of the Bottom Clamp Plate and cannot be changed here. After
making the selections click ok or hit enter and the clamping options will reappear. The top
clamping options can be reviewed or you can return to the Moldbase Parameters dialog box.
Extended Bottom Plate: XMD suggests sizes for this style of clamping.
The user can simply highlight and update the value in areas A & C.
Recessed Rails: This option creates the rails "inboard" from the sides of
the mold. The user has the option of changing the A & C values to
create the clamping area. The value in A is the thickness of the Bottom
Clamp Plate
After making the selections click ok or hit enter and the clamping
options will reappear. The top clamping options can be reviewed or you can return to the
Moldbase Parameters dialog box.
F. GENERATING THE MOLD BASE
This completes the procedural steps that are required to create a mold design with XMD. The
user now selects the OK button in the Mold Parameters dialog box and XMD will calculate and
create the mold to the input and pre-configured specifications. Upon completion of XMD’s
design generation, the user will be presented with a preliminary tool design consisting of at
least four views; the Core Plan, Cavity Plan, Short Section (Section A-A) and the Long Section
(Section B-B). If there were more sections created during the Startup Scenario process, to
create additional views, they would now have been created here as well.
All plates and components that are created by XMD are done in both 2D and 3D. The software
creates plate solids in the 3D automatically. They can be viewed by using the View Plates
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command in the Drawing Menu. Also, click on the 3D View icon in the Drawing Menu to display
the entire 3D work.
Initially, the cavity and core block solids are drawn as basic blocks drawn to the actual thickness
(as defined by the Set Hi/Lo command in the Parting Line editor). At any time, the user is free
to surface these blocks using KeyCreator solid modelling commands.
EXERCISES
1. Create Startup scenario #1 by creating a new job, without a part on the screen, and key
in the values X=12, Y=25 and Z=8 for the part size. Don’t use the parting line option for
this exercise. XMD will create flat run-off from the part.
 Establish the steel sizes for the Core and Cavity blocks using the Parting Line Editor.
Once they are determined, hit “Enter” or the “Accept” button. This will take you to
the Mold Parameters dialog box. Choose the plates and sizes to suit the job. Review
the clamping options by clicking on the Clamping button in the box.
2. Using the files that were saved from the previous chapter (Startup Scenarios), create
new XMD jobs for each
 For Startup scenario #2, click on the parting line button and choose the default
settings. Change the parting line styles by selecting the “P/L style” button. Take
some time to observe what happens after each change.
 Notice that the front of this part has a .005” radius that must be placed in the core in
order to avoid an undercut condition. XMD, by default, places the lowest point of
the part on the parting line. If this placement is not correct (like it is here) then, the
“Move Part” command must be used. “Use the Move Part” command to move the
part down 005” to properly place the part.
 Now that the part has been moved, the “Set Hi-Lo” command must be used to reestablish the highest point of core and the lowest point of Cavity steel.
 Now adjust the dimensions in the Parting Line Editor to establish the sizes that you
want for the Core and Cavity blocks.
 Some companies require that a nominal dimension be set from the established work
lines to the back of the core block. This can be accomplished with the “Set Up”
command. Simply select the “Set Up” command and enter the desired value from
the set up line to the back of the core block. The set up lines’ locations were
determined in Chapter 1 (Choosing a Point of Rotation) and were placed on level
500.1.
Save this XMD job as “XMD1” as we will require it in a future exercise.
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3. Create a mold with Startup Scenario #3. Don’t use the parting line option for this
exercise. XMD will see that there is some geometry on the slide level and will attempt to
add a small amount of steel behind it to help in determining the correct steel sizes.
4. Use Startup Scenario #4 to create another mold. This time, click on the Parting Line
Locks button in the dialog box. If the rectangle
that was drawn to represent the parting lines
is on the correct level, a dialog box will appear,
informing you that XMD locks are not
permitted. This is a feature in XMD that helps
to avoid duplication of data.
Notice with this scenario, XMD creates the length and width of its moldbase to coincide with the
sizes that were specified on the Core parting line level, 200.2. All sizes are still adjustable.
5. Finally, create the last scenario using the fifth Startup scenario. In this scenario we have
given XMD information to determine the thicknesses of the core and cavity blocks. XMD
will create its moldbase based on all given parameters.
Save this XMD job as XMD2
as we will require it in a future exercise.
Important Note:
When the new mold is created for the first time it is automatically saved.
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CHAPTER 6
WORKING WITH THE XMD MOLD DESIGN
A. WORKING WITH THE SOLID MODEL
S OLID P LATES
All plates in XMD are now rendered as solid blocks. You no longer need to solidify the plates to
get an idea of what the finished product will look like. Transparency is now used to better see
the internal features of the plate. Hole faces are opaque so they can be clearly seen.
Changes made through KeyCreator solid modeling tools are recognized. Every time you run
an XMD command, XMD first checks to see if one of the plate solids has changed. For each
plate solid that has been modified, XMD performs the following actions:
 A backup of the plate solid is made (saved in a .SAT file in the job’s ‘Backup’ folder).
 The plate’s location and size dimensions are adjusted.
 The BOM is updated.
 XMD notes that the 2D drawings containing the changed plate must be updated the
next time they are switched to.
XMD will reflect your changes in:
 Hole creation - all holes are now automatically designed to match the solid model.
 Section drawings and plate details – see the wings you put on your ejector plate in the
core plan for example.
 The Bill of Materials – plate sizes are automatically updated in response to your
changes.
XMD will maintain changes you make to the solid. XMD will never redraw your plate from
scratch unless you tell it to. Resizing plates will only offset the outer faces, leaving the interior
details intact.
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Respecting surfaces, you have a choice: Choose whether to maintain separate surfaces, or to
incorporate them into the solid block! Figure 1 and Figure 2 are both acceptable ways to
handle part and parting surface geometry.
1. Keep Separate Surface Geometry.
XMD lets you get started right away with what you
have. Bring in new surface geometry as it
becomes available. XMD-S has the unique and
powerful ability to interpret your mold blocks
correctly without requiring you to integrate the
part data onto the solid. XMD will design
components and holes to respect both the solid
block, and the part/parting line geometry.
FIGURE 1: ROUGH CORE BLOCK WITH INDEPENDENT
SURFACES
2. Surface your mold blocks.
Surfacing your mold blocks is a natural progression
with XMD-S. When you’re ready, you can trim your
blocks to a sheet body, and then delete the part and
parting line surfaces to avoid duplication. XMD-S
knows which faces of your plate solids are relevant for
the purposes of ejection, water, interference checking,
etc.
FIGURE 2: FINISHED CORE BLOCK WITH EMBEDDED
SURFACES
Important Notes:
 You should still start the job with the part and parting line surfaces on the proper startup levels
 Before trimming, make sure you are working on the master plate (see Master Model
and Finished Model).
 After trimming, ensure that your plate is still a closed, manifold solid, so XMD can work
with it properly.
 To see exactly what faces of a plate that XMD is considering to be the surface, run the
“identify plate surfaces” command (in CDE Execute -> XMD Extras).
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B. HOLES IN THE SOLID
In XMD-S, Holes automatically and intelligently match the full 3D geometry of all the plates,
mechanisms, part data and parting surfaces. This means that holes will begin and end at
sensible locations, and will be properly divided amongst the various plates it overlaps. Holes
are dynamic and will adjust themselves automatically as you change things about the
components.
Additionally, our hole calculation algorithms
intelligently applies information in part and parting
surfaces whether they are attached to closed solid
blocks or modeled independently.
Holes can be subtracted automatically (see Master
Model and Finished Model) and are kept up to date as
various components are changed.
Because the plate faces are semi-transparent and the
hole faces are opaque, you can easily visualize how the
various holes run through the solid. This makes it
easier to spot problems before they escalate.
Calculating and subtracting holes is one thing, XMD will
also modify existing holes in the solid in response to
component changes. For example, when a component
is moved, the hole at the old location is filled and trimmed before it is subtracted in the new
location. Therefore, the model is always kept up to date.
On the average mold plate, XMD has no problem adding
and removing the holes it creates. However, due to the
fact that KeyCreator is not parametric, there are times
where removing a hole can be very difficult. Consider
the before and after picture to the right.
This picture shows an ejector pin hole that was created in
a fully surfaced insert. Unfortunately, creating this hole
gobbled up all the surface features! When the designer
tried to move the ejector pin into a more sensible
location, XMD was unable to automatically repair the
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hole. When this happens, XMD colors the problem area red (as seen in the picture) so that you
can take notice and take action.
The old adage is true; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is strongly
recommended that for fully surfaced blocks such as the one above, you work with them in
master mode, which prevents XMD from putting solid holes in them automatically. For more
information, see Plate Solid Management: Master Model and Finished Model.
Fortunately, XMD-S offers a number of solutions that allow you to efficiently handle these types
of problems when they arise.
XMD now keeps a master copy of every plate that you can revert to if a problem (such as the
above example) occurs with a plate. If the master plate is up to date, you can simply use the
redraw component command on the plate solid, and they’re back in business. Again, see Plate
Solid Management: Master Model and Finished Model.
Another option is to restore a previous version of the plate solid. XMD-S automatically creates
backups of your plate solids every time you have made some changes to them with KeyCreator.
This means that no customization goes unnoticed! For information on restoring a plate from
backup, see Replace Plate.
Sometimes you luck out, and the problem is relatively easy to fix. In these cases, you may opt
to fix it themselves using various KeyCreator solid modeling tools.
Additionally, XMD does some work behind the scenes to prevent these sorts of problems where
possible. For example, XMD does not create holes in the solid plates while you are doing work
in a 2D drawing. Holes are only created upon switching to the 3D drawing. It’s important to
note that if instead of switching to a 3D drawing, you just turn on the solid plate level, the plate
will not have the new holes put in it yet.
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C. 2D PLATE DRAWINGS
The biggest change to drawings in XMD-S is due to the fact that plates are now drawn based on
the solid model. Every feature you add or change on a plate solid is now reflected in the
drawings automatically.
It is important to note that XMD-S only updates the rendering of plates that have changed;
every other plate in the design is left alone. This means that plates in drawings are always upto-date, edits made to other plates renderings are left intact, and updates are much faster. The
downside is that the plates may not always have the correct line fonts (relative to other plates)
until you tell XMD to redraw ALL the plates in the drawing. This can be done by using the
Redraw Component command.
Controlling Which Plates are Included in a Drawing
XMD-S gives you full control over what you want to see in a drawing, and what you don’t. In
addition to the Show to View and Hide commands, we’ve also developed a useful utility called
Auto Show Plates to View. Instead of manually picking plates and drawings to include them in,
this command will intelligently do the picking and showing for you. If a plate is cut by a section,
it is shown to that section, if it is a core half plate, it is shown to the core plan, etc. It also sets
the appropriate line font automatically as well. You can run this command on all views, or just
the active view.
Plate Rendering Styles
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XMD-S now gives you more control over how it should render each plate in each drawing.
Using the Modify Attributes command, you can now tell XMD to:


Do a cross-section rendering, a view rendering, or a combination of the two.
Do a hidden line rendering of a plate in combination with the other plates, or render it
individually and forcefully give it a specified line font.
See The Modify Menu – Modify Attributes for more information.
D. XMD VS. KEYCREATOR COMMANDS
It is sometimes hard to know when to use XMD commands vs. when to use KeyCreator
commands. Here are some rules of thumb for the various types of entities XMD works with.
XMD Plates



3D plate solids may be freely altered using KeyCreator commands. XMD fully works
with the solid model. The only restriction is that they may not be deleted using
KeyCreator.
2D plate lines can be freely edited or deleted using KeyCreator.
3D plates levels may be moved using KeyCreator’s Move Level command (View- >Level>Move Level) to move the plate parent level (see Level Management: Moving Entities
to Different Levels).
XMD Components



Cannot be edited with KeyCreator commands unless the Edit Geometry command is first
used. IMPORTANT: The one exception is KeyCreator transform/move functions which
are not preventable by XMD (in KeyCreator 9+). It will appear to be moved, but it was
not actually recognized by XMD and will cause problems down the road.
Can be moved to different levels with KeyCreator commands. XMD will remember
which level they have been moved to and will use those levels if it ever needs to redraw
them. (see Level Management: Moving Entities to Different Levels).
KeyCreator solid modeling commands on 3D components are not recognized by XMD.
Any such changes will not be reflected in the Bill of Materials or section drawings, and
will be lost if XMD redraws the component.
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E. LEVEL MANAGEMENT
The level structure has been redesigned in XMD-S to make it easier to view the mold in 3D. All
plates and components are now divided between level 100 (Cavity Half) or 200 (Core Half).
Both the cavity half and core half have a Plates sublevel (100.5 or 200.5) where both moldbase
plates and user plates can be found. 3D components can be found under the plate that they
belong to. For example, the picture below shows that the locating ring is under the Top Clamp
Plate level, which is under the Cavity Half Plates level.
XMD creates three sublevels for every plate:
3D Plate – This is where the plate solid is kept.
3D Holes – 3D wire hole geometry may be found here (as well as 3D solid waterlines).
Misc. Components – This level is for users to put custom components they have created on.
XMD does not do anything special with this level; it is just there to save users the trouble of
creating a level for this purpose.
MOVING ENTITIES TO DIFFERENT LEVELS
There are two primary methods of moving entities to
different levels that we recommend. Plates should be moved
only using Method B (see the example), whereas
components may be moved by either Method A or B.
Method A – Moving Individual Entities
Ensure that the destination level exists that you want the
entities to move to (if it does not, either create it, or consider
using Method B).
Right click the destination level in the level tree, and choose
Move Entities to Level. Then select the entities that you
would like to move.
Method B – Moving Entire Levels
In the View menu of KeyCreator, expand Level, and select
Move Levels. Enter the level number you want to move, and
then enter the level number of what you would like its parent
level to be.
For example, notice in the picture to the right, there is a User
Plate on level 100.5.15. If you decided that this should be a
Core Half plate, you would run the KeyCreator Move Levels
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command, enter 100.5.15 as the source level, and then enter 200.5 as the destination level.
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CHAPTER 7
THE MAIN MENU
This menu allows for the management of XMD job files*. The bill of materials (BOM), title block
and Smart Pattern formatting utilities can be accessed here.
Prepare Job
Save Job As
Load/Start Job
Delete Job
Format Title Block
Format BOM
Export
Format / Modify
Smart Pattern
Create Custom
Assembly
Online Help
Export to Part
References
Show Referenced
Part Origin
About XMD
*XMD job files: Files, unique to the operation of the XMD program. These files are
created automatically by XMD, and kept in a directory with the main CKD file.
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A.
LOAD/START JOB
This command allows for the opening or creating of XMD
Jobs*. A dialog box will appear after selection of the icon.
Here you can choose your job from the directory shown in the
box or you can click Change… to browse to choose a different
path.
XMD only supports one job at a time in a KeyCreator session,
but you can have two jobs open in two sessions, or have one job open and separate KeyCreator
files open concurrently.
B.
SAVE:
If you want to save a job, use the standard KeyCreator Save command.
C.
PREPARE JOB:
This command is capable of performing various maintenance tasks related to preparing the job
to be sent out. It provides the following options:

 Re-render 2D plates: This is very important to
do before sending the job out because 2D plate
renderings may not have the correct line font, or may
not be drawn at all!
 Delete backup files: These files can build up
over time and can consume a large amount of disk
space. The types of backup files XMD can delete are:
 Previously exported plate files: Plates that
have been exported using XMD’s “Export” command.
 Plate solid backups: XMD regularly saves
backups of every solid plate in the design.
KeyCreator/XMD backups: If the “Enable Automatic Creation of Backup Files” option is
checked in the KeyCreator options dialog, the KeyCreator design file and XMD job file
will be backed up every time you save the job.
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

KeyCreator/XMD autosaves: If the “Enable Automatic Timed Save of Modified Files”
option is checked in the KeyCreator options dialog, the KeyCreator design file and XMD
job file will be saved regularly at the specified interval.
Save Job: If checked, this option will save the job. A Save As option is also available,
where you can specify a different job name to save to. If chosen, the above options will
be applied to the new job, not the current.
D.
SAVE AS:
The icon on the left is for XMD’s Save As command. Use it when you want to save a job under a
different name. You will be prompted, across the conversation bar, to enter your new job
name. A new job directory will be created, all job files will be copied/saved there. The original
job is maintained. A helpful practice is to use a standard base name, and append revision
numbers or stage names to distinguish.
Note 1: DO NOT use the standard KeyCreator Save As command. Do not use File/Save As. It
will not correctly update the locations of all the XMD job files.
Note 2: If you want to change the location
of a job, use Windows Explorer after the job
is closed.
E.
DELETE JOB
Allows the user to delete any XMD job,
even the job that you are working on. After
clicking on the icon a dialog box will appear.
There you can pick the job that you want to
delete or you can browse through
directories to choose other jobs. The job is
then moved to the deleted directory where,
manually, it can be permanently removed.
F.
EXPORT
This command will take the XMD job and
turn it into KeyCreator geometry. All
associativity with XMD will be removed. All
components can then be manipulated using
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KeyCreator.
The Exporting Procedure: You will be prompted to make some selections along the way. Dialog
boxes appear where you can make your selections. This dialog box will help you make
selections along the way.
Geometry to Export: You have five choices.


Select Geometry: This option allows the user to export only selected geometry. This can
be useful where dramatic changes must be made to a component. This process is only a
view specific operation.
Entire Job: This option allows you to export the entire job. All views and sections in the
job will be exported.
Export BOM: If selected, BOM geometry becomes plain KeyCreator entities. If
not selected, XMD will continue to allow development of the BOM by manually
keying in component properties.
Use flat level structure: Eliminates all the sublevels and uses straight numbering.
This can be helpful when sending the completed design to another CAD system.
Upon OK: When you have made your choice and pressed OK, "Exporting please wait", is
displayed across the conversation bar. The message will change to, "Export complete, entities
are no longer associative." Hit Enter to complete the task.
When the export is complete, click “OK” and notice that the job number will now have an "x"
added to the end of it.
The "Jobx.ckd" is automatically placed in the XMD jobs directory. The original XMD job remains
intact and is still accessible using the Load/Start command.


3D Levels to new part: Sends all geometry under levels 100 and 200 to a new part. In
other words, the solid mold base and surfaces, but not the drawings. The user can
export and keep the original level structure or the level structure can be flattened (all
levels will be a parent level, with no sublevels). The flat level structure allows for easier
exporting of the data to a system that doesn't support the KeyCreator leveling system.
BOM Only: This option allows you to convert the Bill of Materials into plain text and
geometry. The exported BOM is completely disassociated from the XMD job. This can
be used after the rest of the job is exported as well.
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
Plate geometry to a new part: Used for outputting plates to machining. This operation is
explained in detail below, under the Plate Export heading.
Options:



Save XMD job before export. (As a general rule, you should save before this command,
as a wrong choice will disable continued work on your job.)
Burst Components. This will change the XMD composite entities in section drawings into
individual lines and arcs. XMD components are created as composites. Bursting them
breaks associativity with XMD and they are converted into KeyCreator geometry.
Delete empty 3D levels. Only applies to Entire Job and Global Levels to New Part. It will
delete any levels that have no geometry.
Plate Export: In the Export command, select
the “Plate geometry to a new part”
option. Pick one, or multiple plates to
export (by clicking and dragging, or by
holding the Control key), and hit OK.
From here, you are presented with a dialog (pictured below) with a variety of options.
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Output Directory: XMD will automatically save your plate file(s) to the directory of your
choosing. The default location is in the job directory in a new folder called “Export”. You can
override this by pressing the [...] button and navigating to a different directory. No matter
which directory is chosen, the export file is placed in a date/time-stamped sub-folder so there
won’t be any naming conflicts.
Output Formats: You can specify one or more file formats you would like to your geometry
translated to. The formats currently offered are CKD, IGES, STEP, SAT, Parasolid, and Catia v4
and v5 (assuming you have the proper KeyCreator license).
Hole Options: Depending on the stage of design, and who you’re sending the plate(s) out to,
you may want to change a few things about the way XMD outputs the holes.
Extracted/Wireframe Holes: XMD can represent the holes by extracting them directly
from the plate solid, or by using wireframe geometry, leaving the solid untouched.
Add Generic/Pipe Tap Symbolic Threads: XMD will render the threaded portions of
either generic holes (including screws), pipe taps, or both. Some shops need this thread
representation as a part of their process.
Eye Bolt Holes Only: Only eye bolt holes will be put out with the plate(s).
Miscellaneous:
Replace space with “_”: Many computer programs don’t like spaces in file names, so this
option can be used to replace them with underscores.
Force ALL CAPS: Use this option if your shop prefers file names to be in CAPITAL
LETTERS.
File Name Fields: Out of the box, XMD’s file name convention is pretty basic. It starts with the
job number (which can be set with the Modify Title Block command), adds an underscore, and
finishes with the plate name.
Using the Plate Export Configuration Utility (in the XMD Config. program), shops can configure
XMD to follow their own file naming convention, which is basically just a series of fields in a
particular order. For example, the image below shows a template that was defined as 1) job
number, 2) plate code, 3) plate number, 4) detail number, 5) revision number, 6) designer, 7)
date.
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File names are generated based on the table values
You can see that the file name has been assembled by placing the values in the tables in the
predefined order. Once a value in the table has been modified, the file name field is updated
automatically.
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Fields can be either Plate Specific (such as detail #, plate code), or Common (date, revision,
etc.). Common fields are located in the upper table whereas plate specific fields are in the table
below.
There are a number of fields that XMD is capable of filling in automatically such as the job
number, or a plate’s detail number. However, custom fields (such as “revision” and “designer”
in our example) must be set by the user.
Export
Once satisfied with the options, click the Export button. Some basic validation will be
performed to verify that the file names are valid, unique, and that all the required fields have
been set. Once validated, XMD will proceed to export the plates one by one.
Once completed, a report is given of the export process. If there were any errors detected during
the process, they would be reported, otherwise the designer would be prompted that the plates
were exported successfully.
Lastly, a Windows Explorer window is opened containing the exported files.
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G.
FORMAT TITLEBLOCK
A utility used to create custom or customer specific titleblocks. Use of this command is
explained in chapter 14 Tutorials.
H. FORMAT BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM):
A utility that allows the designer the ability to create custom BOM. Use of this
command is explained in chapter 14 Tutorials.
I. FORMAT SMART PATTERNS
A Utility for creating custom components that are functional within XMD.
command is explained in chapter 14 Tutorials.
J.
Use of this
CREATE CUSTOM ASSEMBLY
A Custom Assembly is created by combining XMD components and/or Smart Patterns together.
The new assembly can them be introduced to the existing job or it can be used in other jobs.
There are many options for their placement in files.
This function allows an XMD component to be created by combining a Smart Pattern and other
XMD components. The Custom Assembly carries with it all of the same characteristics as Smart
Patterns.


Select the Smart Pattern from which you would like to create the custom assembly. You
will then be prompted to select the XMD components. Individually select the XMD
Components that are to make up the Custom Assembly.
Next you will be prompted to name the new Custom Assembly. The description of the
assembly can be as long as required.
Once the custom Assembly has been created, it is stored with the Smart Patterns in the
“Xmd\Dat\Spt” directory. The files have a “.csy” extension.
(See Adding Custom Assemblies, pg.12-26)
K.
CONVERT TO PART REFERENCES
This command provides a convenient way to export your surfaces all in one shot. The levels
that can be exported are Part Geometry (1/200.1), Parting Line Geometry (1/200.2), Hydraulics
& Electrical (1/200.8), and Manif., Runners, Gating (1/200.9).
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To be eligible to export, these levels must contain solids/sheet bodies, and must not contain
part references or composites. If a level does not meet these criteria, it will appear greyed out
in the dialog.
L.
SHOW REFERENCED PART ORIGIN
This command will draw a point at the origin of a selected part reference. This point is useful in
understanding where the part reference is added, relative to its internal coordinate system.
M. MORE INFO
This button displays the “about” dialog box, showing software information, including
the version number. The license expiry date is displayed here as well.
N. XMD HELP:
This button links the user to the help portion of the XMD program. XMD Help is not
automatically included in the install, but can be obtained by request.
BACKUP FILES:
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KeyCreator creates a
backup file that can be
accessed if the original file
becomes corrupt. The
backup file is updated to
the last time the job was
saved.
In order to create its
backup files, KeyCreator
must be set to allow for
the creation of backup
files. This can be set by
clicking
on
the
“Tools/Options – Saving”,
then, click to enable the
"Keep backup copy when
saving" box. Any one of
the two file placement
options can be selected.
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XMD will create a backup of its .xmd file each time KeyCreator creates a backup of the .ckd file
in the XMD folder. If corruption occurs, the two backup files (they will have different names
from the original) must be renamed and then added to the XMD job folder.
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CHAPTER 9
THE DRAWING MENU
This menu allows for the manipulation of 2d and 3d views in XMD. Also, additional drawings can
be created along with plate and eyebolt details. The level management icon also appears in this
menu.
Cavity Plan View
Short Section
Core Plan View
Long Section
3D View
Edit Drawing
Other Drawing
Level Assignment
Previous View
Move Components
to Plate Levels
Plate Detail
View Plates
A. CORE PLAN:
This icon automatically changes the XMD job to KeyCreator view 1, which is the default view for
the Core Plan. The active level, and all levels that are assigned to the Core Plan are also
changed.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
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B. CAVITY PLAN:
This icon automatically changes the XMD job to KeyCreator View 9, which is the default view for
the Cavity Plan. The active level and all levels that are assigned to the Cavity Plan are also
changed.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
C. Short Section:
This icon automatically changes the XMD job to KeyCreator view 5, which is the default view for
the Short Section. The active level and all levels, which are assigned to the Short Section, are
also changed.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
D. LONG SECTION:
This icon automatically changes the XMD job to KeyCreator view 2, which is the default view for
the Long Section. The active level and all levels that are assigned to the Long Section are also
changed.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
E. 3D VIEW:
This icon automatically changes the XMD job to KeyCreator View 7, which is the default view for
the Isometric View. The active level and all levels that are assigned to the 3d View are also
changed.
There are a number of other levels for 3D geometry that are not displayed when the 3D view is
activated. The 3D holes are drawn on these levels. Any or all of these levels can be assigned and
shown to this or any other view by using the Level Assignment command.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
F. OTHER DRAWING:
This icon displays all sections and views that have been
created. You will be able to choose the desired view from
the dialog box.
(See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 9-9)
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Hide Other Dwgs: This option, when checked on, automatically turns off all levels not
associated with the selected view.
Change View: This option, when checked on, automatically changes the active view to that of
the selected drawing.
G.
EDIT DRAWINGS
This command will allow the user
to modify existing drawings, or
create any additional drawings
necessary to properly represent the
mold design.
The five standard drawings (core
plan, cavity plan, section AA,
section BB, and 3D View) cannot
be edited except for their name. All
other drawings can be created and
modified freely.
In the dialog box you can assign a
number of different drawing
parameters:
N AME
is view name entered by the user. A view name can be renamed. The new name will appear in
the title block of the new view after it is created. The last letter of the name is used for labeling
section lines in the plan drawings.
T YPE
Lists all of the possible views that can be created in XMD.
User drawings get no mold geometry. Typically they are used for notes and
custom-drawn explanatory information.
Short, Long View: External drawing of mold
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Short, Long Section: Front, back, or side section-view of mold. Can be jogged or straight.
Core, Cavity Plan: Plan view drawing of one half of the mold.
3D View: Takes you to the 3D model of the mold.
Angled Section: A short, possibly partial section running through two points. Use Define Line…
to specify where the section runs.
View Will be assigned automatically, if you choose a section or a view to create. If an angled
section is to be created, you will have to assign a view number. You may choose to reverse the
view (e.g. 5 to 6).
D EPTH
This determines location of the section line in the plan views (X and Y). This will determine
where the XMD components are placed in section views (Z).
Digitize Depth The ellipsis button allows the user to move the section line by selecting a
location with the KeyCreator selection menu.
C UT S ECTION / R ECUT A LL
If there isn't a section cut before the XMD job is created, then XMD will place the section lines
at the horizontal and vertical centers of the mold. XMD will cut these sections automatically. If
the designer has new, modified geometry and wants to re-cut the original sections, then click
on the “Cut Section” button in the dialog box. The software can delete the old geometry and
place the new sections put in the proper locations.
T ITLE B LOCK
If desired can be turned on.
S HEET #
A number will automatically be assigned, but you may change it.
R EMOVING D RAWINGS
Scroll through the Drawing List and highlight the drawing that you wish to remove. Click on
remove and the drawing will be deleted from the XMD database.
You will then be prompted as to
whether or not the levels and user
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geometry, if any, is to be deleted with the section. If yes is answered, then all levels and
geometry will be deleted. This procedure is not reversible.
H. LEVEL ASSIGNMENT
This command can be used to control which levels are displayed when switching to the current
drawing.
To Add Levels to the Active Drawing: You must first have all the levels displayed that you want
turned on with the active drawing. Next, run the Level Assignment command and press the
“Displayed” button. The next time you switch to the drawing, the same levels will be turned
back on.
To reset the active drawing back to displaying the default levels, press the “Defaults” button.
I. PREVIOUS DRAWING
This icon allows the user to "Flip" back and forth between two views. (See Notes 1, 2, & 3 pg. 99)
J. PLATE DETAILS
This part of the XMD program provides fully dimensioned 2D details of any XMD plate in the
tool design using the solid model. Charts, displaying the X and Y locations of all the components
are also available options. The same plates can be created in 3D, with or without a chart. All
holes will be labeled with the labels relating directly to the location chart, allowing the
toolmaker to easily cross-reference the chart to the components.
IMPORTANT: Be aware that importing non-solid jobs into XMD-S will invalidate
any previously created plate details. They will need to be recreated.
Also, plates must be in finished mode to include holes in a plate detail or eyebolt chart. If the
chosen plate is a master plate, you will be asked if you would like to switch it to finished.
The icons below are the plate detailing tools that are presented after clicking on the Plate
Details icon.
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D ETAILING THE P LATES
The desired plate can be selected for
detailing from the list shown. The
designer can choose to make a 3D or
2D layout. A decision can be made to
create charts and dimensions for the
2D details. A 3D layout will contain a
chart by default.
Although editing and change are
possible, the detail name will be the
same as the plate name. The designer
can input a description of the detail,
but this is not a requirement.
XMD will automatically assign the
next available sheet number to the
layout.
N OTE : E YEBOLT CHARTS DO NOT RECEIVE A SHEET NUMBER .
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E YEBOLT C HARTS :
Clicking the “Eyebolt Chart” button will create detail drawings that have only eyebolts. With the
plate to be detailed selected and “Eyebolt Chart” button activated, simply click on the “Create”
button to create the detail.
Clicking on the “Create” button introduces a new dialog box where the designer can fine tune
the selection and get exactly what is required to be shown in the detail.


All of the XMD components
pertinent to the plate are
listed in the dialog box.
There are many options for
plate origin. Click in the
check box, in the plate
origin section, to make your
selection.
After the components are selected
for detailing, the user has to click the “OK” button. The plate detail is created as specified, along
with all charts and dimensions, if they were included in the selected.
Note 1:
The detail plate commands will not permit the relocation, modification or deletion of mold
components. If components are to be moved, modified or deleted, then those tasks must be
completed in the mold design, using XMD's commands.
The modified plate detail can be displayed by recreating the original steps that were required to
create the original. If any new components were added during the modification, they will
appear in the "Do Not Detail" list. Simply add them to the "Detail These Components" side.
Note 2:
XMD plate detail commands work off of the solid model of the mold. They require solid holes
in the plates. If these do not exist yet, you will be prompted to add them. After the detail is
drawn and printed, you can remove the holes again, but the detail won’t remain valid.
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2D PLATE DETAIL




Completed 2D detail is shown above.
All components are identified. The corresponding identification is incorporated into
charts.
Border and title block will be added automatically.
XMD has shown the component holes to side and end views of the drawing. The
designer can show or Hide the components as desired using the Hide


and Show to
View
commands from the Display Menu, and selecting an edge or face belonging
to the hole.
If any changes are made to plates, they are automatically reflected in the existing plate
detail.
To create a 3D detail, follow the same steps as previously laid out, but choose 3D plate
instead of the 2D option.
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K. VIEW PLATES:
This command allows for quick access to the 3D views
of any XMD plate in the design. The plate to view can
be selected from the list shown.




Hold the “Ctrl” key down or click and drag to
select multiple plates to display.
Check the Show Components box to display the
3D components that are on sub-levels under
the chosen plate(s). The “Move Components to
Plate Level command may be used to have
additional components show up using this
option.
Click OK to view the selected plate(s).
The next time the command is executed, XMD will remember the plate(s) that were
selected the last time.
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
The active level will be set to the first plate selected.
DRAWING MENU NOTES
1. All Drawing and Level Management tools can be used in KeyCreator. For example, you
will still have the ability to manage all views and levels after you have exported an XMD
Job.
2. This dialog box will prompt you when
attempting to use the view icons outside of
XMD. Click on the “Yes” button and you will
be able to manipulate the views.
3. XMD names the short section as Section A-A and the long section as Section B-B. This is
not the way of all moldmakers. This difference can be overcome by editing the
XMDLevel.cfg, as found in the XMD directory. Simply scroll through the file and you will
find the Section A-A and Section B-B titles. Edit the text as required and save the file.
The changes will appear when a new XMD job is created.
Note: The titles, Sec AA and Sec BB will still appear as the short and long sections in the XMD
Parting Line Editor. This cannot be changed.
1. You are able to remove any drawing from the XMD database, except for the four basic
views; Core Plan, Cavity Plan, Section A-A and Section B-B. This dialog box will appear if
the user attempts to delete one of these views.
2. All of KeyCreator’s level management options can be used within XMD.
3. When a level is turned on or off in XMD it only stays on or off until the view is changed.
If the level is to be permanently added or removed the level must be assigned or
unassigned.
4. If the active level is changed it will remain changed in a particular view. If the active
level is set to a Global Level The Cadkey levels that XMD uses for the generation and
placement of 3d components and mold base geometry. Global levels are designated as
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levels 1-30 and levels 231-240 (see XMD 99 Level Manager), this is temporary, and the
active level will be set back to the view's active level when it is revisited.
L. MOVE COMPONENTS TO PLATE LEVELS:
This command gives users an easy way of assigning XMD components to be under a specified
plate in the level tree. When components are put under a plate level, they will be displayed
when the “Show Components” option of the View Plates dialog is used.
First you must pick the plate that the components should be moved to, then pick the
components, and hit Accept.
EXERCISES
1. Review each of the “View “commands. Note the Hotkeys that execute these commands.
2. Add a new section view; call it Section C-C. Create it as a Long Section and use a jogged
section line as you section-cutting option. Use the “Other Drawings” icon to access the
new section.
3. Using the “Edit Drawings” command, select
Section B-B, and then select “Digitize depth”.
Select an area on the part, depending on
where the original section is located, that will
show either the highest or lowest area of the
part.
 Make the selections in the following
dialog box as shown at right.
 A new section will be cut and displayed
with the existing geometry. Now change
the line font of the new geometry to
hidden. This exercise is to demonstrate
how easy it is to show other important parts of the mold, in an exiting section, using
the “Edit Drawings” command.
4. Open the “XMD1” job that was created in Chapter 7. We are going to import surface
data into the mold but first we have to remove the XMD parting line locks that are
already there.


Click on the “Moldbase”
command that is found in XMD’s “Modify” menu. Click
on the “P/L Locks” button in the dialog box. (This is the same Mold parameters
dialog box that was reviewed in Chapter 7.)
You will be returned to the parting line editor.
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










Now select the “P/L style” button from the top menu. You will be returned to where
you originally decided what locks to use.
Select the “Permanently Delete XMD Locks” button. Xmd will ask you to confirm
your selection. After doing so the locks will be removed.
Hit “Accept” in the Parting line editor and click the “OK” button in the Mold
parameters section to return to the mold design.
Delete the part geometry on levels 100.1 and 200.1.
Open the “Import_SRFS.ckd” file in the XMD training folder using KeyCreator
commands. Export this file as an SAT file using File>Export>SAT.
Return to the mold design and use File>Import>SAT and import the new surface
data.
Again, click on the “Moldbase” command that is found in XMD’s “Modify” menu.
Click on the “P/L Locks” button in the dialog box. Recheck and readjust, if necessary
the Hi-Lo points, block thicknesses or any parameters that may need to be adjusted
because of the change. Click “Accept” and then “OK” in the Mold parameters, to
return to the mold design.
Click on the “Edit Drawings” command and select Section A-A from the dialog box
and click on the “Cut Section”
button.
Select “NO” in the dialog box to
delete the old geometry.
A new section is cut through all of
the 3D data.
Perform the same operations as
above but this time on Section B-B.
The procedure that we just completed is an excellent way to deal with engineering changes,
when they happen. Import the new data and re-cut the sections. Any other existing components
such as ejector pins and waterlines can be recalculated, using other commands, to change their
lengths to match the geometry change.
5. Make a simple plate detail of either the ejector or the ejector retainer plate.
 Use the “Hide” and “Show to View” commands from the “Display” menu to
manipulate the drawing by un-displaying components from one view to another.
Notice that when a component with a note attached to it is un-displayed and then redisplayed
from one view to another, the detail notes are displayed in the new view. If the same
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component is shown to any view for a second time or more the detail notes are not duplicated.
This is done intentionally to avoid unnecessary duplication of data.

Use the “Detail Entity Tools” in the “Tools” menu to delete items and to manipulate
dimension characteristics.
 Use KeyCreator’s “Generic Edit” command for adjusting dimensions and text in the
plate details. Try “Generic Move” command to move the instance geometry.
6. Make an eyebolt detail drawing of the Core and Cavity blocks of the mold.
 Click on the” Plate Details” icon. If the complete list of plates isn’t shown, select the
“New“ button to display them. Select the Core or Cavity block and then the “Eyebolt
Chart” button in the main dialog box
 Repeat the same procedure for the other main block.
The eyebolt detail drawings are designed so that they can be printed out on standard print
sized paper. They are full-sized drawings in XMD.
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CHAPTER 10
THE DISPLAY MENU
This menu allows for the management of XMD Components within the XMD Drawing Here you
are able to display any XMD component, waterline, or Smart Pattern, from one view to another
by a number of different means. When the components are displayed to the new views, the
integrity of their X, Y, and Z locations will be maintained. In other words, all components will
line up with each other in all views.
Show by Menu
Hide Component
Show to View
Retrim Component
Redraw
Component
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A. SHOW TO VIEW
This command allows the user to send any XMD
component from the displayed view to any other
created view. A dialogue box appears where the views
can be selected. Single or multiple views can be
selected for display. Components are shown at their
respective X, Y and Z locations.
B. SHOW BY MENU
Any XMD component, including Smart Patterns in the current job can be displayed to the
current view by this command. Knockouts that are stored in job can be displayed from here.
The user selects the components to show by first picking
the required component from the list and then using a
series of dialogue boxes to complete the task



Since we picked Knock Outs, there could be any number created by XMD’s logic. This fact
applies to all the components in the types list. When the Show – Skip dialogue box appears,
the first available Knockout or, component type, not already shown in the current view will
be displayed in phantom.
Clicking “Show” will add the component to the drawing at the position shown and, if there
are still Knockouts not yet displayed, the next available Knockout in the XMD database will
be shown in phantom in its specific location.
Clicking “Skip” will turn off the present phantom Knockout component and then show the
next Knockout in phantom at its designated position. Continually clicking “Skip” will
increment through the list of Knockout components in the XMD database thus removing the
present phantom component and displaying the next phantom component until you either
click “Show” or come to the end of the knockouts in the XMD database.
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
When the entire number of the
selected component has been
presented, XMD will show this
text, informing the user that
there are no more components of this type in the XMD database to show. The user can start
the process again, if additional components are desired.
C. HIDE COMPONENT
Components can be "undisplayed" or hidden from the displayed view by using this command.
Because the component is hidden and not deleted, it is not removed from the database.
Therefore the BOM (Bill of materials) is not affected.
Using one of the options from the XMD
selection menu can hide components either
individually or collectively (See pg. 14-14.)
Note that components cannot be hid in the 3D view using this command. Instead, you should
use level management tools to undisplay the level that the component resides on.
D. RE-TRIM LINES
This command is used to trim any moldbase line that was not trimmed correctly by the user or
by XMD's automatic trimming function. If a line extends across a component, where it was
supposed to be trimmed, simply select the re-trim icon and select the component to trim
against. The line will be updated and trimmed correctly.
Note: There may be times where the line will not trim. If this occurs, then the user can use
KeyCreator to manually trim or divide the line manually.
E. REDRAW COMPONENT
This command has different effects depending on the type of component, as well as the type of
drawing that is active.
When used on Smart Patterns, it will replace the existing geometry with the geometry found in
the Smart Pattern file in every drawing it is shown to. This is helpful when the geometry in the
Smart Pattern file has changed, and you want your job to reflect the changes.

When used on XMD components, it restores them to their original (un-edited)
representation.
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

When used on XMD plate lines in 2D, it can be used to redraw a plate, or to redraw all
plates in the active drawing, based on the solid model.
When used on an XMD plate solid in 3D, it will replace the existing solid with the last saved
master plate solid. See Plate Solid Management: Master Model and Finished Model.
F. XMD VS. KEYCREATOR COMMANDS
It is sometimes hard to know when to use XMD commands vs. when to use KeyCreator
commands. Here are some rules of thumb for the various types of entities XMD works with.
XMD P LATES



3D plate solids may be freely altered using KeyCreator commands. XMD fully works with
the solid model. The only restriction is that they may not be deleted using KeyCreator.
2D plate lines can be freely edited or deleted using KeyCreator.
3D plates levels may be moved using KeyCreator’s Move Level command (View- >Level>Move Level) to move the plate parent level (see Level Management: Moving Entities to
Different Levels).
XMD C OMPONENTS



Cannot be edited with KeyCreator commands unless the Edit Geometry command is first
used. IMPORTANT: The one exception is KeyCreator transform/move functions which are
not preventable by XMD (in KeyCreator 9.0.3). It will appear to be moved, but it was not
actually recognized by XMD and will cause problems down the road.
Can be moved to different levels with KeyCreator commands. XMD will remember which
level they have been moved to and will use those levels if it ever needs to redraw them.
(see Level Management: Moving Entities to Different Levels).
KeyCreator solid modeling commands on 3D components are not recognized by XMD. Any
such changes will not be reflected in the Bill of Materials or section drawings, and will be
lost if XMD redraws the component.
EXERCISES

Open the “XMD2” file that was saved earlier. This is the typical way that XMD creates a job.
There are components automatically displayed to the section views. Many times the
components are displayed to multiple views, which is not really desirable for the end
product (design).
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




Review the section views. Use the “Hide” command to undisplay any components that
are not to be seen in particular section views. Use the “Single” command to hide
individual components.
“Hide” all pillar supports in the section views. Now switch to the Core plan view and use
the “Show to View” command to redisplay them to the sections. (You can select
multiple views to display to by making the desired selections in the dialogue box.)
Hide all ejector screws in all views. Use the “Display by Menu” command to redisplay
them in the core plan. All screws will highlight in the plan view. Keep hitting the “Skip”
button until the screw that is to be displayed is highlighted. Then hit the “Show” button.
Continue this until all ejector screws are redisplayed. When all components are
redisplayed, you will be prompted, in the conversation menu, that all components have
been displayed.
Use the “Show To View” command and display one of the ejector screws to the Long
Section.
Change to the Long Section and use the “Display By Example” command to show other
ejector screws to the view. You will receive the same prompt as described above when
all components have been displayed.
Notice that you do have the
“Skip”
button
if
all
components are not to be
displayed. The “Skip Typ.”
button will end the command.

Switch back to the Core Plan View and zoom up on a pillar support. Trim the pillar
support, using KeyCreator commands, to create a large flat on one side. Click on the
“Redraw Component” command to return the pillar support back to its original
configuration.
Note: When this command is executed XMD regenerates the component and draws a new one.
The trimming that was just performed is VIEW SPECIFIC. It will not happen automatically in
other views.
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CHAPTER 11
THE MODIFY MENU
Through this menu you can update, move, assemble/disassemble and delete XMD components.
You can make changes to the mold base, parting lines, 3D hole locations, and title blocks.
Move
Assemblies
Size
Delete XMD Entities
Modify Attributes
Edit Geometry
Modify Title Block
Mold Base
Reproject
Plate Solid
Management
Hole Management
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A.
MODIFY SIZE:
This command allows the resizing and reconfiguring of all XMD Components. This command is
very versatile and there are many different options available for resizing the various types of
components in XMD.
M ODIFYING S TOCK S IZES
When the Modify Size command is used on an XMD Plate, there is a panel
that specifies the stock sizes for that plate. Stock sizes can be used by
functions related to the Bill of Material. To turn this feature on or off, see
the Plate Thickness option in the XMD Config program under the BOM
heading.
To edit the stock size, click the Edit
button. XMD will then show you the
plate along with a dimensioned
“stock block” around it (pictured to
the left).
XMD will also start KeyCreator’s
“Dimension Driven Editing”. Use this
command (or other direct modeling
commands) to modify the size of the
stock block. Once done, click the OK
button of the “Editing Stock Sizes”
dialog.
XMD will then read in the edited
sizes, and if they properly
encompass the plate solid, you will
be returned to the Modify Size dialog.
B.
MOVE:
This group of commands allows for the relocation of XMD Components, Smart Patterns and
balloons. The title block and border can also be moved through this menu.
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Notes: Any move command can be returned to previous position by using the “Undo” command,
as found in the Tools Menu. For ease of documentation in this menu the term "component" will
apply to both the XMD component and the Smart Pattern.
Intersection
Move to
quadrant(s)
Any direction
Mirror move to
quadrant(s)
Midpoint
Move across line
Move horizontally
Mirror move about
line
Move vertically
Mirror move about
two points
Relative distance
(delta)
Move across two
points
Move in/out
Move many
Rotate
component
Tip component
M OVE ; A NY D IRECTION :
Allows for the movement of any component up, down across or diagonally.
M OVE V ERTICAL :
This command will move any component in the vertical direction only.
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M OVE H ORIZONTAL :
This command will move any component in the horizontal direction only.
M OVE I N /O UT :
Because components possess different major axes, this command must be looked at from the
following perspectives,




XMD Components (leader pins, bushings, pillar supports, etc.): The major axis for
these components would be the "Z” axis". Any component can be moved in the
section views. (Screws can be placed other than in the “Z” direction)
Smart Patterns: In the case of Smart Patterns the user or the creator of the Smart
Pattern determines the major axis. It can then be moved anywhere along that axis.
Waterlines: The major axis is from start point to the end point of the waterline.
Generic Holes: The major axis is from entrance of drill to the drill point.
I NTERSECTION :
Components can be moved to the intersection of the centerlines of any two XMD Components.
In the case of two possible intersections, XMD will prompt the user to select the quadrant in
which to move the component.
M IDPOINT :
This command allows the user to move a component to the center of two other components. If
the resultant move is outside of the component's boundaries then it will be moved to the
closest location. For example, if an ejector plate screw's new location was to be in the parallel,
then XMD would not allow for the screw to exit the ejector plate boundaries. It would move the
screw to the closest location within the ejector plate.
R ELATIVE D ISTANCE ( DELTA ):
This command allows the user to move a component at specified distances from the
component origin. The user will be asked to input the horizontal and vertical distances for the
movement.
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R OTATE C OMPONENT :
This command is used to rotate XMD Components and Smart Patterns. (See the Move In
Direction of Major Axis command description (above) for major axis definitions.)
M OVE M ANY :
This command allows for the simultaneous relocation of more than one type of component at
time.
M OVE TO Q UADRANT ( S ):
Allows for the movement of any XMD component to opposite or diagonal quadrants. The
components are moved into in the new quadrant, in the same relative location as the originals'.
M OVE A CROSS L INE :
This command allows you to pick single or multiple components and move them across a
horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
M OVE A CROSS T WO P OINTS :
Components can be moved across any two points, across, up and down or diagonally.
M IRROR M OVE TO Q UADRANTS :
This command works the same way as the Move to Quadrants command except that the
component is mirrored instead of moved.
M IRROR M OVE A BOUT L INE :
This command allows you to pick single or multiple components and move them across a
horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
M IRROR M OVE A BOUT T WO P OINTS :
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This command works the same way as the Move across Two Points command except that the
component is mirrored instead of moved. Components can be moved across any two points,
across, up and down or diagonally.
T IP C OMPONENT :
This command allows you to change the major axis of a component. Please note that not every
component type fully supports a non-standard direction.
C.
ASSEMBLY:
Allows for the manipulation of XMD assemblies. You will be able to choose from four options by
selecting any of the icons below.
C OMBINE C OMPONENTS INTO A SSEMBLIES :
You may take any (two or more) XMD Components (Smart Patterns included) and combine
them to act as one component. XMD will ask you to select the first component and any
additional component. After each selection is made, a new assembly is created.
R EMOVE COMPONENT FROM A SSEMBLY :
This command allows the user to remove an individual component from an assembly. You will
be asked to select the component to detach. The component will be removed and the
remaining components will be reassembled.
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D ISASSEMBLE A LL C OMPONENTS F ROM A N A SSEMBLY :
This command simply breaks up an assembly into separate XMD components. Select the
assembly and your choice on the menu bar. The assembly will break up automatically.
D.
DELETE:
This command allows for the permanent removal of any XMD component or Smart Pattern. The
component is removed from the XMD database and the Bill Of Materials, if it has been added
there. The Undo command will restore the component, if it was accidentally removed.
Note: When selecting the single option, notice
that the assembly button has an asterisk in it.
This asterisk can be clicked off by clicking on
the button. The component can then be
deleted as an individual component. The
remainder of the assembly will stay intact.
Example; If a guide pin was selected, leaving the assembly button highlighted the guide pin and
the bushing will be deleted. Click off the asterisk and just the guide pin will be removed.
E.
MODIFY TEXT:
This command allows for the modification or the replacement of pre formatted title blocks.
Many different title blocks can be formatted and incorporated into XMD. Title blocks are added
to the database and stored in the “XMD\TBF” directory.
M ODIFYING THE T EXT & C HANGING THE T ITLE
BLOCK :
After selecting the title block, the dialogue box
will appear. The user has the ability to interact
with the dialogue box to either update the title
block or change it to a new one.
Format: This area displays the title block that is
currently in use.
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Change: Allows the user to select a new title block. (See next page.)
Field: The titles of the columns in the title block are displayed here.
Value: This information is input by the user. The information will be automatically placed in the
corresponding Field title.
Note: When new information is typed in the Value columns, the user MUST HIT ENTER before
clicking” OK”. Hitting the “Enter” key first, will accept the changes and embed them into the
database. If “Enter” is not hit before selecting “OK”, the changes will not take place.
Changing the Title block: The user will be warned that the title block is about to be
regenerated.
Selecting “No” will cancel the command.
Selecting “Yes” will bring on a new dialogue box
where the desired title block can be selected.
After selecting the desired title block, it will
appear in the XMD Job. The title block
information dialogue box will appear where any
new information can be entered.
F.
MODIFY ATTRIBUTES
This command allows for the modification of any XMD Components (excluding Smart Patterns)
with regard to color, line type, and centerline type and color. These settings are applied on a
drawing by drawing basis (with exception to color which is applied to all drawings).
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Select the component and you can make the desired changes by selecting any of the icons in
the dialogue box. Hit “OK” and the attribute changes will be applied to the component.
User Plate Line Types in 2D Drawings
Changing the line type of user plates does more than just change what types of lines it’s
rendered with; it also affects how XMD renders the plate in a particular drawing. Different
options are available depending on the type of drawing you are in.
Plan Drawings:




Phantom – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font
to phantom.
Solid (default for plates on or above parting lines) –
Renders the plate in front of the core/cavity block so that it
is not obscured by the untrimmed portion.
Partly Hidden (default for plates below the parting lines) –
Renders the plate in place with all the other plates.
Hidden – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font to dashed.
End Views:

Phantom – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font to phantom.
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


Solid (default) – Renders the plate in combination with other plates.
Partly Hidden – Renders the plate in combination with other plates. Any portion of the
plate that is obscured by another plate is rendered with dashed lines.
Hidden – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font to dashed.
Section Drawings (plate ON section line):




Section (default for non-round plates) – Shows only the
portion of plate that is intersected by cutting plane.
Section and View (Less Detail) – A view rendering of the
plate (showing the full extents) is added to the cross-section
rendering. Only visible edges of the plate are shown.
Section and View (More Detail) – Like the previous mode,
except every edge on the plate (both visible and hidden) is rendered.
View Rendering (default for round plates) – A full detail view rendering. The crosssection portion is not rendered.
Section Drawings (plate OFF section line):




Phantom (default if plate is behind cutting line) – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the
line font to phantom.
Solid – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font to solid.
Partly Hidden (default if plate is in front of cutting line) – Renders the plate in place with
all the other plates. Visible lines are solid, hidden are dashed.
Hidden – Renders the plate in isolation, sets the line font to dashed.
G.
EDIT GEOMETRY
This command allows for the modification of XMD components, including Smart Patterns.

Pick the geometry on the screen that you would like to edit.


“Join to” allows you to add additional entities to the composite.
“Rem from” allows you do take entities out of the composite (you can then delete them
if you wish).
Hitting “Escape” temporarily disassembles the component and turns it into KeyCreator
geometry. You can now work on

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


making changes to your component using the KeyCreator commands.
When you are finished making your changes, restart the command.
While the editing is in process, the “Edit Geometry” box appears on the screen. This will
serve as a reminder to restart the command after the procedure has been completed.
XMD will highlight the geometry that you added (if any) and, if you click “YES”, will
attach it to the original geometry. XMD will join your new geometry, recreate an XMD
component and bring you back into the XMD mode. Your editing is now complete.
Note: If your new component needs to be moved, it can be. If your component is copied, the
copy will be reverted back to its original configuration. Any command that will cause
regeneration of the component (copy, Redraw Component, Modify Attributes) should be
avoided after modification.
H.
MOLDBASE EDITOR
This command allows you to modify the
created moldbase. All of modification
options can be addressed here such as,
addition and subtraction of plates,
adjusting clamp slots and ejection
parameters. The “Parting Line Editor”
can also be accessed, allowing you to
make changes to the thickness of core
and cavity blocks.
When resizing a plate, XMD will only
offset the outer faces, leaving the interior details
intact.
Part Size: These are fixed sizes. They were
analyzed by XMD at the beginning of the mold
design process.
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Ejection Parameters:
H Clearance: The horizontal clearance between the ejector plates and the rails. The default
values that appear were set in the XMDCFG application
V Clearance: This is the vertical distance between the bottom of the ejector plate and the top
of the bottom clamp plate. This distance determines the thickness of the stop buttons. This
option can be preset in the XMDCFG application. The value cannot be changed here; however,
using the “Modify Size” command and by choosing a stop button, it can be altered.
Ej. Stroke: The ejector stroke or travel of the ejector plates. XMD determines this distance by
analyzing the highest and lowest point of the part and adding an inch.
P/L Locks: Parting line locks. This command takes the user back to the Parting Line Editor
section of the XMD program. Here the user can alter the thicknesses of the core and cavity
blocks. (See pg. 8-5)
Clamping: The clamp slots on both the core and cavity can be modified here. There are many
options for clamping styles with XMD. The user can modify the top (cavity) and bottom (core)
portions of the mold separately. After the new parameters are set the tool drawing will be
automatically updated to reflect the latest changes. (See pg. 8-11)
Stack Height: This is also known as the shut height of the mold. XMD automatically calculates
this size and updates it as plates are added, removed or modified.
Mold Weight: Is automatically calculated as the mold base is modified. (Mold weight is
calculated by multiplying the volume of the plate (LGTH x WTH x HGT) by the Density of the
material. We use the value of .283 for steel.)
Adding & Removing Plates: Plates on both the core and cavity sides of the mold can be easily
added to an existing mold design by typing in the desired thickness of the plate.
The empty spaces in the dialogue box, under the “Top Clamp Plate” and “Core Block” columns,
are where the plate sizes are to be entered. The new plate can be named by entering the desired
name in the dialogue box. Hit enter after selecting the name to “lock in” the new entry in the
database.
To remove a plate the user simply has to type in the number Zero for the thickness of the plate.
All other sizes will be removed. After all the choices are made, select “OK” or hit “Enter” and
the mold will be redrawn. XMD will add or remove any components directly related to the plate
that was added or removed.
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Modifying Other Parameters
Inputting a new number can modify any of the information in the dialogue box, except for the
part information. As the parameters are updated, the mold's weight and stack height are
automatically updated.
Regenerating the Moldbase: In cases where the mold has to be made significantly smaller,
XMD will warn the user any potential interferences may occur as a result.
Choosing the “Ignore the conflicting components” option will proceed with the modification.
You should take note of all the conflicts that XMD reports so that they can be inspected post
modification.
“Delete the conflicting components” will delete the specified component(s).
“Regenerate the moldbase” starts XMD’s mold generation process over again. Anything that
was added by the user, such as waterlines, ejection, Smart Patterns, etc. will be deleted and
XMD will start the process from scratch.
I.
HOLE MANAGEMENT
This command can be used to force a component’s hole segments to be recalculated to fit the
solid model. This can be useful when a change made to a plate solid through KeyCreator has
invalidated certain holes. Simply start the command, select the hole, and press the
“REGENERATE” button in the dialog.
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This command can also be used to verify and/or adjust which plates a component has 3D holes
in. If modifications are required, then you can reassign the hole to the plate(s) required.
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J.
PLATE SOLID MANAGEMENT
This menu allows you some control over how XMD handles your plate solids (and other custom
components). You can use this menu to replace your plate with an updated model, and control
whether or not XMD should automatically subtract holes from the plate.
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S WITCH P LATE ( S ) TO M ASTER :
XMD now manages a master model which is the custom
component without solid holes subtracted, and may be
freely edited with KeyCreator solid modeling tools. Some of
the advantages of working on the master model are



faster updates
prevention of solid modeling errors
they are kept up to date, which comes in handy if
you need to revert a recent change
S WITCH P LATE ( S ) TO F INISHED :
At any time, you can switch to using the finished solid, which
takes the master solid and puts holes in it. XMD will attempt
to keep the holes up to date but may have trouble on
complex, surfaced geometry. Fortunately, if errors occur in
the finished model, you can reload the master to correct
them. The finished model is useful for:


better viewing in 3D
outputting to drilling
Switching to Master from a Modified Finished Plate
It is recommended, though not required, to make custom changes to the master plate. If a
custom modification is made to the finished plate solid, you will be given the following prompt
when switching it to master:
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The problem is that if XMD just loads the master plate (as it typically does), you will lose your
changes. If that is OK, then hit “Use master” and XMD will quickly load it. Otherwise, click
“Remove holes” and XMD will attempt to make the current plate into the master. If the plate is
complex, this may take a long time, or down-right fail.
Configuring the Default Plate Mode
Using the XMD Config program, you can control whether newly created or converted plates
come in as master or finished. The default is for all plates to be in master mode. To change the
setting, load the XMD Config program, navigate to the Hole Configuration page, and check or
uncheck the box that says “Automatically subtract holes in
new plates”.
Checked - plates come in as finished plates.
Unchecked- plates come in as master plates.
This option can also be changed from within the job. Open the XMD Options dialog (XMD Tools
menu), and you will see the same option under the Solids tab.
R EPLACE P LATE
Demo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mZGwuAoG9M
This command allows you to pick a solid in the job to use in place of a current plate solid. This
is useful when there is a revision change, or when you need to restore a plate from backup.
Replace plate is fairly straightforward. First, indicate which plate you would like to replace.
Next, indicate which solid you would like to replace the plate you picked. Then, XMD will ask:
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Reapplying the holes uses the existing wire holes to drill holes in the new solid. Use this option
if the new plate solid is no different than the old where the holes are.
Generating new holes will resize each hole to match the new plate solid. This option should
only be chosen if there are many wire holes that will not match the new solid if drilled as is.
NOTE: If there are only a few holes that will need to be regenerated, you can use Hole
Management to regenerate holes individually.
What XMD will do next:




Transfers all the plate information to the new plate solid.
Move it to the proper plate level.
Set the visual attributes to match the old plate.
Update the plate size information.
Finally, you are asked if you would like XMD to delete the old plate solid or to keep it in the job.
Restoring a Plate Backup using Replace Plate
XMD will automatically create a backup of a plate solid in response to a custom change made to
it using KeyCreator solid modelling tools. This is a safety mechanism that gives users something
to go back to if needed.
Backups are saved in the SAT file format and are typically quite small in size (100-500kb). For
surfaced blocks, however, they can be a lot larger (5-50mb). Currently, XMD does not use or
manage these backups in any way, so if storage space is an issue, you can purge this directory
as desired.
Backups are saved as is. That means that if the plate solids have XMD holes subtracted from
them, the backup solid will as well. It is important to note, therefore, that the holes in the
backed up solid are likely out of date, and should be removed prior to replacement.
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The following steps are the recommended procedure to restore a plate to an earlier version:
1. Note the plate’s name that you will be
replacing (you can use the verify
component command). It is needed to
determine which backup file to import in
step 5.
2. In KeyCreator, go to File->Import->ACIS
SAT.
3. Click the Options button and set them to
match the picture to the right
4. Navigate to the plate backup folder (ie.
<KC>/XMD/Jobs/<JobName>/Backup/)
5. Pick the desired plate and revision
number (hint: use the date modified
column to get an idea of which one) and
click Open.
6. At this point, it is strongly recommended
that you manually remove any holes that
are in the solid.
7. Run the Replace Plate command as
outlined above, selecting the imported
solid to replace the plate.
R EDEFINE P LATE A XES
This command can be used to tell XMD how a converted user plate is orientated. The
orientation of a plate has a number of effects in XMD, including:
Measurement – The plate’s thickness is measured along the major axis, length along the minor
axis, and width along the perpendicular to the major and minor axis.
Movement – The Move In/Out command will only move the plate along the major axis, while
the other move commands prevents movement along the major axis.
Rotate – The plate is rotated about the major axis.
You should redefine the plate axes any time a plate’s orientation is changed by non-XMD
commands (Replace Plate excluded), or to reset the axes.
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Here are some scenarios in which you would want to use this command:
KeyCreator Transform Rotate command is used on the solid.
XMD is not measuring/moving your plate properly.
You just used XMD’s Replace Plate command to swap in a new solid that is not in the same
orientation as the original.
The command works in the same way that a plate is converted in the first place, using the
Convert Solid to XMD Component command. For details, see The Add Menu: Convert Solid to
XMD Component.
EXERCISES
Open the “XMD1” file that you created earlier and perform the following:
1. Using the “Modify Size” command:
 In the Core Plan View, click on one of the ejector guide bushings and change its size to
.75 diameter, making sure that the “All by Type” option is clicked in the dialogue box. All
ejector guides will update.
 Show (if it’s not already there) one of the ejector guides to the long section. Click on the
“Modify Size” command again and select the ejector guide bushing. Select the “Switch
Plate” button. This changes the lip of the bushing automatically.
 Using KeyCreator offset a line to be .25” from the back of the core block, toward the
back of the mold. Again, select “Modify Size” and select the ejector guide pin, then
select “Digitize Top” from the dialogue box. Select the end-offset line to establish the
new length of the pin, making sure that “All by Type” option is selected.
 Notice the counterbore that was in the back of the block has been removed
automatically. This happens in all views, in both 2D and 3D. Delete the construction line
with KeyCreator’s “Delete” command.
 Select a guide pin with “Modify Size” and review the options. Click on the “Change
Type” button and select “Headless”. The configuration of the pin changes in this view as
well as all other views. (Look at Cavity plan view.)
 Click “Modify Size” and select the pin again, and this time select in the area of the
dialogue box entitled “Taper”. Enter a value of 1 for the length. XMD will assume the
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

angle of the taper to be 5° (included angle) with a radius of .125 on the bottom of the
pin. Entering new values in the dialogue box can modify these values.
Again, select “Modify Size” and select the leader pin bushing. Click on “Invert”. The
bushing will be flipped in all views. If the bushing needs to be recessed into the lock for
some sort of hold-down, select the “P/L Recess” area and enter a new value. The
bushing will be moved down and the c’bore made deeper.
Click on “Modify Size” again and select a stop pin. Select the “Invert” button to change
the location of the pin’s shank.
This command will be one of the most used commands in XMD. We cannot cover all of the
areas that this command has an effect on. To further understand the command, refer to the
Help files, found in the “Jobs” Menu. Click on the “Modify” Menu at the top of the page and the
select the “Modify Size” button in the help files and follow the links to get a list of all of the
components that use this command.
2. Using the “Move” and “Copy” commands:
Note: Although the copy commands are found in the “Add” menu, many of them act exactly
the same way as the “Move” commands. For this reason it is important to study them both
together. The “Mirror Copy” and the “Copy About Centerline of Mold” are unique and will
reviewed here as well.




Click on the “Move a Specific Direction” command and move the offset return pin -1.75
in the horizontal (X) direction. Select the “Group” option from the XMD selection menu.
All return pin will move the specified distance.
Using the same command as above, select the ejector screws that are under the return
pin and move the group 1 inch in the horizontal direction. (Whether the move is a
positive or negative direction is dependant upon the component that was picked. If the
component is on the positive side of the vertical mold centerline, then a negative move is
required and the opposite applies for a component in the negative side of the vertical
centerline.)
Use the “Move Vertical” command and select an ejector guide assembly. The“Group”
button should be the default. Select the “EndEnt” option and then pick the horizontal
centerline at the end of the return pin. All ejector guides will move vertically, in the
proper direction, and its center will be in line with the return pin’s center.
Now we will use the “Move Horizontally” to move one of the long screws that are in the
slide pockets to the center of the mold. Select the command then pick “Single” and then
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

select the “EndEnt” of the molds vertical centerline. The individual screw will move to
the centerline.
Use the “Delete” command and select one of the long screws that weren’t moved and
then pick “Group”. The three remaining screws should be deleted.
Use the “Copy Component about Centerline of Mold” command to make an exact
duplicate of the long screw that was just moved. Click on the screw and the click in the
other half of the mold where the screw is to be placed. You can also just hit the “Enter”
key to copy this component. (See below.)
The “Mirror” and the “Copy about Centerline of Mold” commands work in two different ways.
If you only want to make a single copy of the component, then click in the quadrant where you
want the new component to reside, whether it is a horizontal, vertical or diagonal selection.
If you want the component copied to all four quadrants simultaneously, then hit the “Enter” key.
If the component is on the mold centerline, the “Enter” key will work as well but only a single
copy will be made on the opposite side of the centerline.



Use the “Copy to Midpoint of Two Components” command Select the ejector screw
that is beside the offset return pin. Re-select the screw as the first reference
component. Select the screw in the opposite, lower quadrant as the second reference
component. The new copy should land in line with the two screws, on the horizontal
centerline of the mold.
Now choose the “Copy to Intersections” command. Pick the same screw in front of the
return pin. Now select the pillar support as the first reference component and select the
stop button, nearest to the center of the mold, in the same quadrant as the pillar
support. You are then prompted to digitize near the desired intersection. There are two
possibilities here. If you were to extend both centerlines of the components you would
get two intersection points. XMD wants you to pick nearest to the intersection. In this
case, pick the intersection so that the screw will land on the horizontal centerline of the
mold.
Use the “Mirror” command, select a screw, hit “Enter” and do the same for the second
screw, to copy them to the other side of the mold.
Use the “Move in Direction of Major Axis” command to move the sprue bushing down to the
parting line.
If the sprue and locating ring were added by XMD, then they were added as an assembly. An
assembly can be defined as two or more XMD components (Smart Patterns included) that
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have a necessary or logical relationship to each other, based on size, and or position and or
function, thus being "attached", may be manipulated or managed as a unit. To move any of
the components individually, it must first be removed from the assembly.




Switch to Section B-B or the long section.
Select the “Assembly” button, in the “Modify” menu and then choose the “Remove
Component from Assembly” command. Select the sprue bushing, and choose the
“Single” option. The sprue bushing is now detached from the locating ring.
Now determine the distance that the sprue has to be moved down.
Now select “the Move in Direction of Major Axis” command and select the sprue
bushing. Choose the “Single” option from the selection menu. Now, use the “Delta”
option, select “EndEnt” and then select the line that represents the top of the bushing.
Move the bushing in the negative “Y” direction, the distance that was determined. (You
can use the captured variable option, @1, as an entry for the distance.)
There has to be a pocket in the back of the cavity to access the sprue. If the pocket is to be
tapered, then it must be drawn manually, as XMD does not create a tapered pocket. If a
straight pocket is acceptable, then this can be accomplished with XMD. We will add the XMD
pocket in Chapter 12, The Add Menu.
Note: If the sprue bushing is in the wrong location, use the Undo command to return the sprue
bushing to its original location.
3. Using the “Modify Text” command make changes to the title block.
 Enter any new information into the dialogue box that appears. When new entries are
complete, “ENTER” must be hit t confirm the changes.
 Re-select the “T” button and this time, select the change button in the dialogue box.
Another box will appear with a warning about the changing the title block. Select “Yes”
to accept this. A list will appear. Select the “Train 1 title block” from the list and hit
“OK”. The new title block will appear.
 The new title block is too big for the border. This is easy to fix.
 Use the “Distance” command to obtain the value between the two outermost horizontal
lines that determine the width of the title block.
 Click on the “Size” command and then pick anywhere on the title block or border.
 Enter the new width in the dialogue box, near the bottom of the page. XMD will prompt
you to Re-Center title block. Select “Yes”. The border should be re-sized and recentered.
 Using the “Modify Attributes” command, do the following:
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
Switch to the long section view and select the ejector guide assembly.
Change the color and centerline colors of the component. Pick “Single” and notice that
the changes apply in all views to only the single component. (Switch to plan view to
review.)
Switch back to the long section and this time select the “Attributes” command and a
pillar support. Experiment with the different line fonts. There are four types of line
fonts. XMD allows you to create a combination Hidden/Solid type font that works well
for components that are in the ejector box of the mold and are partially hidden and
solid in their display.
Switch to the plan view. You should have a pillar support on the centerline of the mold.
Use the “Move” command to move the pillar support 1 inch off of the centerline. Notice
that a centerline is missing. This is done to eliminate duplicate entities.
Click on the “Attributes” button and select the different centerline options. Notice that
you will have to select the “Both centerlines” button to get them both displayed.
Note: If a waterline was placed on the centerline of the mold and moved as we just did, the
centerline would be missing as well. To get centerline displayed, you would have to pick the
“Both centerlines” button to display the single centerline of the waterline.
4. Using the “Edit Geometry” command, create a flat on a pillar support as we did in an
earlier chapter.
 Switch to the plan view and select the “Modify Geometry” button.
 To Edit Highlighted Geometry? Pick “Yes”.
 The options “Join To” (allows for the addition of user geometry to customize the
component in ways that cannot be done with XMD) and “Remove From” (allows for the
removal of XMD geometry to customize the component in ways that cannot be done
with XMD) appear. You can also hit “Escape” to edit using KeyCreator commands.
 Hit the “Escape” button. A dialogue box appears with instruction to end this process.
They must be followed or there could be problems later in the design with geometry
formed as composites in different views. This dialogue box can be moved out of the way
so you can access the geometry.
 Make the changes to the pillar support. Once you have finished, click on the dialogue
box and click on the “Done” button.
 XMD will see the new geometry and prompt “Attach highlighted geometry to edited
entity” appears. Select “Yes” and the geometry becomes an integral part of the
component. The modified component is moveable but it cannot be copied.
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
To remove the geometry and restore the original component configuration, select the
“Redraw Component” command from the “Display” menu. The attached geometry will
be deleted and a new component added in the old one’s place.
This command is a view specific command. The changes that were made were only done to
the plan view. If the changes had to be reflected in any other views, they would have to be
done manually.
5. Using the “Modify Moldbase” command:
 Click on the Moldbase icon and make the changes as shown in the dialogue box below.



Click “OK” to execute the changes. XMD will add additional screws for the new plates. It
is very important to check the number of screws that were added, as there could be a
need for more.
Save your job, using the XMD “Save” command.
Note: XMD works with a Top down logic. In many modification situations, the changes are
applied to the top half of the tool are applied to the bottom half as well. This does not work in
reverse.

Change the thickness of the Top Clamp Plate to 2.00”. Notice that the Bottom Clamp
Plate updated automatically. Now change the Bottom Clamp Plate back to 1.50”. The
top doesn’t change. This logic works on clamp slots and the changing of block sizes as
well.
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6. Changes to the Moldbase that Cause Regeneration
Typically, making the mold smaller in length and or width can, if desired, force a regeneration of
the mold. When regeneration occurs, XMD recreates the moldbase back to its original, default
configuration. Any work that was done by the designer, such as water, ejection, Smart Patterns,
etc. are lost. Regeneration does not have to happen. If the mold is made smaller, the user will
be warned of a potential interference between two components. The options to move
components or regenerate are presented. If move component option is selected, the user is
returned to the tool design where the components can be moved.
Note: The components to move are presented one at a time. As soon as the first situation is
completed and the moldbase change is tried again, there could be another component
interference presented. If a moldbase change has to be executed and there are component
interferences, determine which components are going to be affected by the change and use the”
Move Multiple Components” command and select the components that must be moved.
EXERCISE
Use the XMD “Save As” command and save the current job as “Test_1”. Switch to the Core plan
view.

Make the mold 2 inches narrower. Select the “Moldbase” command and make the width
of the cavity block 16 inches (from 18 inches.).
We are picking the cavity because of XMD’s top down logic. Picking the cavity will change all
plates. If the core were selected, then only the core block itself would be made smaller.


You will get a warning where you have to
adjust the cavity length in “Parting line Editor”.
Select the “P/L Locks” button and enter the
parting line editor.
Switch to Section A-A and make the width of
mold 16 inches. Select “Accept” and then hit
“OK”.
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




This dialogue box will appear.
Select the “MoveComps” button to return to the tool drawing.
Use the “Move Multiple Components” command and select, on the top half of the
mold; the return pin, ejector guide, stop buttons, and ejector crews. Move the
components negative 1 in the vertical direction.
Stay in the command; select the same components, but this time in the lower half of the
mold. Move 1 inch in the positive vertical direction.
Return to the Mold Parameters and re-initiate the change to 16 inches wide. The change
should now take place.
1. Use the “Hole Assignments” command and review the following;

Select the command and review how XMD assigns its holes. A dialogue box appears,
displaying the plates that the component is in. If the assignments are wrong, they can be
reset in the dialogue box and the XMD selection menu used to reassign the holes.
It is good practice to use the “View Holes” command in the “Drawing” menu to ensure that
the mold is being built properly. If there were any holes that aren’t assigned properly, then
they would be floating out in space when the plate in where the hole is incorrectly assigned is
displayed.
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CHAPTER 12
The Add Menu
This menu carries in it many of XMD's action commands. All XMD components, waterlines, and
Smart Patterns, along with Custom Assemblies can be accessed and incorporated into XMD Jobs
from here
Ejection
Features
Add Fasteners
Locating
Water
Smart Patterns
Others
Browse/Add a
Custom Assembly
Cut a Section
Copy Components
Convert Solid to
XMD Component
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A.
ADD A NEW FASTENER
This icon leads you to fasteners. There are many options for fasteners. The “SHCS”, “SHCS no
C’bore”, “BHCS”, “BHCS no C’Bore”and the “FHCS” are incorporated in exactly the same
manner, while the Stripper Bolts” and “Dowels” require a slightly different approach.
The designer has full control over the size, location, color and quantities
of the screw components when adding them to the design.
Note: When adding screws, a dialogue box will appear where only the
size of the screw to be created can be selected.
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B. EJECTION:
XMD will automatically add any
of the Ejection components
shown in the dialogue to the
right.
Again, the designer has full
control over the size, color,
location and quantities of these
components.
Ejector pins project the top of the pin onto the surface data on level 200.1 (Core part
geometry). The projected pin shape is displayed on level #200.6.
The regular Ejector pins, and the remaining ejection components, extend themselves to Z-ZERO
(See pg. 6-7). The designer can then make the final length adjustments.
Ejector pins are automatically placed on pre-assigned 2D levels,
Core Plan: Level #2.6-2.6.6
Section A-A: Level #4.6-4.6.6
Section B-B: Level #5.6-5.6.6...etc (See Level Structure Appendix pg. ii.)
Adding the Components:
A dialogue box will appear for the Ejector pin of choice where you can select vendors, sizes and
other options. (See next page.)
All components, except for core pins, can be placed from any view. If they are placed in the plan
view first, XMD will ask you to pick a location for the component. Simply pick the location and
the component will appear where you have chosen.
If components are first placed in a section view, XMD will ask for the top point of pin. After
choosing the desired location, the rest of the pin will be automatically created in the retainer
plate. This will be the same method for placing core pins. XMD will prompt the user for the top
and head sides of the pin.
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When placing an ejector sleeve in section first, you are prompted for the top of pin and top of
sleeve. The rest is drawn automatically. XMD also draws the pin cover plate on the back of the
bottom clamp plate.
When components are placed in the working view they can be displayed to any other view by
means of the “Display Menu/Show to View”.
When components are first placed in section drawings, they are automatically shown to the
appropriate plan view.
E JECTOR P IN D IALOGUE B OX
Vendor, Diameters: These two options can be modified by highlighting the desired choices.
Length: : automatically set, when using the auto option. The Length area will be greyed out
with the auto option. The manual option allows the length of pin will appear under the custom
size area. XMD will automatically place the catalogue pin length in the BOM.
Auto/Manual: The auto option automatically projects the pin to the core surfaces (200.1 and
200.2) and returns the exact length of the pin.
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Custom Read: Any reamed holes are configured in the configuration file, but the default can be
over-ridden here.
Digitize top: This function will only appear in the 2D components dialogue boxes as 3D
components automatically set their own lengths. To set the length of a 2D component, click on
“Digitize top” and key in the size where you want to set the component length.
Lock Ej. Pins: This feature creates a "D-shaped" lock on the heads of ejector pins. The size
length and width of the locks are fully adjustable. They can pre-set in the configuration file. Both
sides if the pin can be locked.
C. ADDING FEATURES:
XMD provides a function to add associative 2D and 3D holes to the mold design. After
installation, any of these holes can be fully manipulated using XMD's “Modify”, “Display” and
“Copy” commands. The default colors can be managed in the configuration file.
A DDING K NOCKOUTS
This command has two ways in which the user can add Custom or Standard knockouts to the
design.
Standard Knockouts: The standard Knockout will allow the
placement of knockouts from Standard Press Patterns.
Three options are available from the dialogue box below.
User Defined: Non-Standard placement.
Inch: SPE/SPI press locations.
Aussie: Australian standard locations.
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Euromat: European press standard locations.
User Defined
This option allows for the Non-Standard placement of knockouts. The user will have full control
over the size and locations of the knockouts from the dialogue boxes that appear during the
process starting with the one below.
A DD K NOCKOUT D IALOGUE B OX
The selections are as follows,
Inch or Metric Knockouts are
available.
Vendor: is not adjustable, as
this is not a purchased
component.
Diameter: You can choose
diameter of the hole in
bottom clamp plate
highlighting the size to
incorporated.
the
the
by
be
Thread Dia: If required, this
function will allow you to
choose the size of the threaded hole in the ejector plate.
Threaded hole: This check box will allow you to add or remove the tapped hole.
Note: Knockouts are labeled as KO by default but can be modified using the config file.
Knockout can be initially placed in a section view but the depth will not be set properly. The
designer must take care as to ensure that the Knockout is correct in both X and Y locations.
Incorporating from plan view is much safer.
Because of the large variety of press parameters, XMD does not automatically incorporate
knockouts. This should be one of the first tasks executed by the designer.
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PARTIAL PLAN VIEW SHOWING KNOCKOUTS
A DDING E YEBOLTS :
Eyebolts are very easily added to any plate in a design.
They are added automatically to the core and cavity blocks
of a custom mold design (See pg. 8-3). Simply select, from
the “Select a Plate” dialogue box, the plate in which you
want to place eyebolts
If plate already has eyebolts there will appear a warning
telling you so.
You can then select eyebolt locations from
the “generic plate” that appears. The user
can select an eyebolt for insertion or double click to place a group of eyebolts in equal and
opposite quadrants to each other.
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The new eyebolts, both 2D and 3D, will be placed and automatically displayed to all main views.
E YEBOLT C ONFIGURATION :
The selections are as follows,
Vendor: is not adjustable, as this
is not a purchased component.
Diameter: XMD suggests a
diameter of eyebolt based on
the thickness of the plate or the
weight of the block. Simply
highlight the size to be
incorporated.
EBH Fields: Allows for the
adjustment of the thread depths
and the thread to diameter
ratios. You can also set custom
drill depths here. The defaults
are usually acceptable.
C’bore Panel: XMD will calculate the c'bore diameter and depth based on the eyebolt size. You
can also display a chamfer around the eyebolt by clicking the chamfer option.
Free Limits: This function releases the constraints on the eyebolts. By default, the eyebolts are
programmed to stay within their assigned plates. When this box is checked, you have the ability
to move an eyebolt VERTICALLY anywhere and onto any plate of the mold.
A DDING G ENERIC H OLES :
Generic holes are XMD Components in the form
of 2D/3D holes. In the “Holes Parameters”
dialogue box you can create different hole
configurations by selecting various combinations
of check boxes. The hole configuration will be
displayed in the picture area.
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Blind holes can be created to a specified depth. If the depth spans multiple plates, XMD will
split the hole into multiple segments.
Flat bottomed holes can be selected by checking the Flat checkbox (blind holes only).
Thru holes will not allow you to specify a length, but will instead look at the solid model and
determine it automatically. They cannot span multiple plates, and will adjust their length in
response to changes to the plate solid.
P LACING G ENERIC H OLES
There are a number of different methods to incorporate a generic hole.
2 pts: Available for blind holes only. Will prompt designer to select the points for the start and
end of hole. This command is especially good for drawing angled holes.
Plt+dir (Plate & Direction): Will ask designer to choose a plate from a dialogue box. The hole
will be installed perpendicular to face of plate.
Norm2vw (Normal To View): This option allows position a hole in the design perpendicular to
the working view, from either side, without having to change views.
Line-pt (Line & Point): Available in 2D drawings only. Select the start point (some line) and the
end point (perpendicular to another line.)
Face-pt (Face & Point): Available in 3D only. Select the face that the hole will enter into, and
then select a point that is either on, or in line with the face. The hole is created perpendicular to
the chosen face.
Adjusting the Holes: Final
adjustments can be made
through the dialogue box.
Change: Allows the user to
change the style of generic hole.
Drill Diameter & Depth: The
user can enter the values in the
entry boxes.
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Drill Chamfers (Start and End) Adds a chamfer to the start and end sides of the hole.
End View Display: Shows the chamfer’s lines in the end view drawing.
C’Bore Diameters and Depths: The user can enter the values in the entry boxes.
C’Bore Chamfers: Add by size and angle.
Tap Size: Appears when tapped holes are to be created. User can select the desired size fro the
list.
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P LATE AND P OCKET :
This group of commands allows the user to create many different combinations of plate and
pockets or plates and pockets individually. There are a number of options for placing the
components in the mold. The user also has a lot of control when selecting the depths for the
components. Chamfers, radii, and clearances can be set and modified as necessary.
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D. ADDING LOCATING RING:
The user can select the type and
location of the locating ring in a
simple steps.
few
Vendor: Inch, metric, and the
preferred vendor, if different
default, can be selected here.
than
Type: As the user scrolls through
different styles available the
picture beside the dialogue box
update.
the
will
Single, Group, All of Type &
Assembly: The “Single” and
“Assembly” options will be checked automatically. When the assembly box is checked, the
locating ring will be added to the tool design with the mounting screws included.
Placing the Locating Ring:
The locating ring can be placed either for center of mold or an offset placement.
Center of Mold: Hit “Enter”, and it will be placed automatically.
Offset sprue: Choose the desired location of the components using the menu below.
A DD S PRUE B USHING :
This dialogue box allows the designer to add a sprue
bushing to the design selecting in the various lists the
length, o size, etc.
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Vendor: The preferred vendor and units (inch or metric) is selected here.
Length: All standard catalogue lengths, as per selected vendor, are displayed in this space. The
custom size box will allow the user to make a sprue bushing shorter than the default size.
O-size: This is the orifice diameter of the sprue bushing. Select a size from the dialogue box. The
proper size will be displayed in the BOM.
R-size: Spherical radius. This choice will also be displayed in the BOM.
Type: Sprue bushing style as per vendor will be displayed here. The picture to the right will
update with each different style chosen.
Single, Group, All of Type, Assembly: The “Single” and “Assembly” options will be checked
automatically.
P LACING THE S PRUE B USHING :
The sprue bushing can be placed either for center of mold or an offset placement.
Center of Mold: Hit “Enter”, and it will be placed automatically.
Offset: Choose the desired location of the sprue bushing using the menu below.
A DDING L OCATING R ING AND S PRUE :
Both components can be added at the same time with this command. The components will be
incorporated as an assembly. The components are added the same way as they would be added
individually.
You will be prompted for the locating ring information first. Click OK and then choose the
options for the sprue.
E. ADD OTHERS:
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Leader Pin
Pillar Support
Ejector Guide
Stop Button
All of the components displayed above can be added to an XMD job. The designer has full
control over the placement, sizes, and style of components by interactive dialogue boxes.
Colors, sizes, locations and quantities can be managed the same as any other XMD Component.
Components can be placed in any view and displayed to any other view.
A DD L EADER P INS :
Standard or inverse bushings can be added.
Std: Bushings are installed from back of core block
Inverse: Bushings installed from the front of the core block
Adjustments can be made in the
dialogue box at the right.
Vendor: Will be established as
per the “Xmdcfg.exe” file or by
component availability. If the
"configured" vendor does not
make a particular component
style, then XMD will override
the default.
Diameter: Size predetermined
by XMD's data base logic.
Simply clicking on the desired
diameter can change it.
Length:
The
length
is
predetermined by XMD. Check carefully to ensure that it is created to the correct length.
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Taper: You can place a taper on the end of the leader pin. Determine the length of the taper;
XMD will automatically place 5 degrees per side taper on the pin. Radius will be .063".
Change type:
Standard: Typical "off the shelf" leader pin
Shoulder: Typical style shoulder pin where the shoulder dia. is
the same as the bushing
Headless: A standard style leader pin with the head cut off. A tapped hole is often machined
into the back and the pin is held in the mold with a screw. This is the way it is drawn by XMD.
Use the "remove from assembly “function under “Modify/Assembly” menu selection to change
this configuration.
H/L Shdr. (Headless Shoulder): This is the same as Headless but in the form of a shoulder pin.
The pin can be modified in the same way as the Headless.
Digitize Top: The leader pin's depth will be set automatically to the depth that is selected. If a
clearance hole is necessary behind the pin it can be added with the use of a generic hole, in the
“Add/Components” menu.
Single/Group/All of Type/Assembly: These selections are all a part of the XMD selection menu
(See pg. 14-14).
E JECTOR G UIDES :
If the tool design utilizes a support plate then you will have two options by which to add ejector
guides.
Bot clmp: The conventional method where the head of the leader pin is machined into the
bottom clamp plate.
Sup plt: The method where
the head of the leader pin
machined into the support
plate.
is
You can interact with the
dialogue box on the right.
Vendor:
Will
be
established as per the
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“Xmdcfg.exe” file or by component availability. If the "configured" vendor does not make a
particular component style then XMD will override the default.
Diameter: This size is predetermined by XMD's database logic. Simply clicking on the desired
diameter can change it.
Length: the length is predetermined by XMD. The lengths will be different depending on the
mounting method as follows,
1. Bot clmp: The pin will be extended into the back of the core block, using the “Bot. Clmp”
option. The length of the pin will be a standard catalogue length; therefore the depth of
the extension will change.
2. Sup plt: The pin length will be established to the nearest standard size pin. XMD will
extend the pin into the ejector plate.
Digitize top: This function allows the designer to control the length of pin. If, for example you
didn't want the pin extended into the back of the core, simply select “Digitize top”, select the
line representing the back of the core, and XMD will draw a custom length pin to the desired
length (XMD will automatically document the (longer) closest sized, standard length pin in the
BOM).)
Single/Group/All of Type/Assembly: These selections are all a part of the XMD selection menu
(See pg. 14-14.)
P ILLAR S UPPORTS :
Standard or manufactured pillar supports can be added to the design.
Vendor: The vendor will be established as per the “Xmdcfg.exe” file or by component
availability. If the "configured" vendor does not make a particular component style then XMD
will override the default. The highlighted “COM” relates to the manufactured or "home made"
pillar supports.
Diameter: The diameter size is predetermined by XMD's database logic. Simply clicking on the
desired diameter can change it.
Length: The Length is predetermined by XMD. Check carefully to ensure that it is created to the
correct length. Special is related to “COM”. The length of the pillar support will automatically
adjust to be the same height as the ejector box parallels.
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Clearance: This function is related the size of the hole around the pillar support in the ejector
and ejector retainer plate. This is configurable in configuration file. To override the default,
enter the desired clearance in the entry box.
Custom Size: These boxes allow you to type in the diameter and length of the pillar support.
Single/Group/All of Type/Assembly: These selections are all a part of the XMD selection menu
(See pg. 14-14).
S TOP B UTTONS :
Stop
Buttons
are
automatically
assigned
between the ejector and
bottom clamp plates. The
shank's placement can be
either in the bottom clamp
plate or the ejector plate.
This can be set in the
configuration file.
Vendor: Will be established
as per the “Xmdcfg.exe”.
Click another vendor to
override the default. The
new vendor will appear in
the BOM
Diameter: Can be changed by this box.
Single/Group/All of Type/Assembly: These selections are all a part of the XMD selection menu
(See pg. 17-14).
F.
ADDING WATERLINES
This part of the XMD program allows the user to create waterlines and bubblers, in all
directions, controlling the depth, sizes, colors, angles, etc. They can be trimmed and offset. Pipe
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plugs and threads can be added or removed. Drill points and counterbores can be easily
modified also.
Some other highlights:
Waterlines are tied to a specific plate. When adding waterlines, you are prompted to tell XMD
which plate it belongs in.
XMD will attempt to add and remove drill points where appropriate as the design changes.
Bubblers are surface sensitive. This means that bubblers will automatically look for surfaces on
levels 100.1, 100.2, 200.1, and 200.2, in addition to the faces of the plate the bubbler is in. (See
XMD Level Structure Appendix pg. ii), and they will stay away from those surfaces by the
distance that is specified in the “Xmdcfg. Exe” file.










Waterlines can be placed in any view, at any depth. If a waterline is placed in plan view,
without any depth specified, it will set its own depth to be below the lowest part
surface, at the configured distance, from waterline to surface.
If waterlines are placed in plan view first, any waterline that crosses a section line will be
automatically displayed to the appropriate section.
Any waterlines placed in the section views first will be automatically displayed in the
plan view.
When placing waterlines in the section views, XMD will ask if the line is to be in the Core
or Cavity. Select the proper view and XMD will place the waterlines on the correct level.
Waterlines can be displayed to or from any view. They can be hidden from any view
also, using the “Display Menu”.
The “Modify size” command allows for the addition of counterbores to the end of
waterlines. Sizes, pipe plugs and threads can also be changed.
Waterlines can be easily moved, copied, and mirrored. The colors and linetype are also
manipulated easily using the “Modify Attributes” command.
Any undesired waterlines could be deleted using the “Delete” command.
Waterlines can be placed at the same depths as other waterlines by using the
“Waterline Depth” icon, found in the “Tools” menu. This icon must be assigned to a
Hotkey or a Toolbarin order for it to be activated in the Immediate Mode. In other
words, this icon is of no use in the “Tools” menu. It is only a stored there.
As waterlines are created in the mold design (2D drawings), they are simultaneously
being created in 3D. The 3D geometry is fully associative with the 2D geometry and vise
versa. The designer has the choice to work in 2D, 3D, or both.
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Default Waterline levels for 2D drawings
Section A-A:
Cavity: 4.7.2
Core: 4.7.1
Section B-B:
Cavity: 5.7.2
Core: 5.7.1
3D Centerlines:
Cavity: 100.5.X.X
Core: 200.5.X.X
3D Water (3D Holes)*:
Cavity 100.5.X.2
Core: 200.5.X.2
*Each mold plate has a sub level for 3D holes, as well as any 3D components associated with it.
(See the XMD Level Structure Appendix pg. ii)
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T HE W ATERLINE M ENU
This part of the XMD program allows the user to create waterlines and bubblers, in all
directions, controlling the depth, sizes, colors, angles, etc. They can be trimmed and offset. Pipe
plugs/ taps can be added/ removed. Drill points and counterbores can be easily modified also.
Some other highlights:

Bubblers are surface sensitive. This means that bubblers will automatically look for
surfaces on levels 1, 2, or 5, and they will stay away from those surfaces the distance
that is specified in the Xmdcfg. exe file.
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











Waterlines can be placed in any view, at any depth. If a waterline is placed in plan view,
without any depth specified, it will set its own depth to be below the lowest part
surface, at the configured distance, from waterline to surface.
If waterlines are placed in plan view first, any waterline which crosses a section line will
be automatically displayed to the appropriate section.
Any waterlines placed in the section views first will be automatically displayed in the
plan view.
When placing waterlines in the section views, XMD will ask if the line is to be in the Core
or Cavity. Select the proper view and XMD will place the waterlines on the correct level.
Waterline levels; 2D drawings 34, 44, 54, etc. Level 7 for 3D core water, level 10 for 3D
cavity. See XMD Level Assignment
Waterlines can be displayed to or from any view. They can be hidden from any view
also, using the Display Menu.
The Modify size command allows for the addition of counterbores to the end of
waterlines. Sizes, pipe plugs and taps can also be changed.
Waterlines can be easily moved, copied, and mirrored. The colors and line-type are also
manipulated easily using the Modify Attributes command.
Any undesired waterlines can be deleted using the Modify delete command.
Waterlines can be placed at the same depths as other waterlines by using the Waterline
Depth icon, found in the Tools Menu. This icon must be assigned to a HotKey or a
Toolbar in order for it to be activated in Immediate Mode.. In other words, this icon is of
no use in the Tools Menu. It is only a storage place.
As waterlines are created in the mold design (2D drawings), they are also being created
in 3D at the same time. The 3D geometry is fully associative with the 2D geometry and
vise versa. The designer has the choice to work in 2D, 3D, or both.
If an error is made use the Undo and Redo commands from the Tools menu.
S MART W ATER
This command was designed to make it easier and safer to place water in both 2D and 3D. Like
the bubbler placement animation, a preview of what you will get when you click is animated
with the cursor. Its strength lies in the fact that it will adjust itself not only by the part/parting
line surfaces, but also by the plate solid, and even other waterlines.
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Also, you don’t need a different command when you want the waterline to switch directions.
Hitting the tilde key (~) switches between horizontal, vertical, and normal to view directions.
It helps to see it demonstrated, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_8pucyIUj4
How it Works
The Smart Water placement animation completely relies on the construction plane and system
depth, allowing you to quickly design waterline circuits in plates that are on compound angles.
Start the command by pressing the Smart Water button,
and choosing a plate. XMD will automatically set your
system depth to the middle of the chosen plate.
Consequently, you should not set your system depth in
advance.
Next, XMD will ask you whether you would like a blind
or thru.
The animation behaves slightly different
accordingly, see below.
XMD will then ask you to choose the position for the waterline. At this point, the waterline
should be animating with your cursor as you move it around the screen. If you are not seeing
anything animated on your cursor, it is most likely because your CP/Depth setting is not
intersecting the plate where your cursor is. You may wish to try the following:




Adjust your system depth – You can either do this using KeyCreator, or if this plate
already has a waterline, you can use XMD’s Waterline Depth function (in the Tools
menu) to set the system depth to match another waterline. You should also educate
yourself on the use of the Auto Depth feature (explained below).
Adjust your construction plane – Ensure that the construction plane you currently have
set is equal to your design view (CP=DV). It is very difficult to use the Smart Water
command if this is not the case.
Check your waterline default settings – Open the XMD Options dialog (Tools menu) and
activate the Water Defaults tab. First, check that you have an appropriate default
diameter for the plate you are working in. If the diameter is too big for the plate, there
may not be a valid location to put it. If you are trying to place a blind waterline, you
should also check that the tip offset is set to a reasonable value.
If all else fails, try creating a line or point with KeyCreator (without snapping on to
anything) to get an idea of where XMD is trying to animate your waterline.
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Blind waterlines animate with a drill point on the end, and will adjust the length of the
waterline in response to interfering geometry. Interfering geometry is considered to be one of
the following:



Surface Geometry – Similarly to the add bubbler animation, Smart Water looks at
geometry on the part and parting line levels and will keep the tip a safe distance away
from them.
Plate Geometry – For blind waterlines, Smart Water will not allow the waterline to
break thru the far edge of the plate solid.
Hole Geometry – Smart Water will adjust the length of the waterline so that it will not
break thru interfering holes or pockets. Exception: Instead of avoiding waterline holes,
Smart Water will adjust the waterline’s length so that it will end inside the last
intersecting waterline. This can be trimmed or extended afterwards if not desirable.
For blind waterlines, hitting the tilde key (~) switches between the following directions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Horizontal (positive)
Horizontal (negative)
Vertical (positive)
Vertical (negative)
Into view
Out of view
Thru waterlines behave slightly different than blind waterlines. Obviously, instead of ending
with a drill point inside the plate, they break thru the plate on both ends. Also, they will adjust
the waterline’s start and end points to be inside the closest pair of intersecting plate faces to
the cursor. This allows you to see what is interfering with the waterline at the current cursor
location. You must take additional care when placing thru waterlines, as they do not
automatically get turned into blind waterlines when there is interfering geometry.
For thru waterlines, hitting the tilde key (~) switches between the following directions:
1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. View direction
Auto Depth Mode
Both thru and blind waterlines have an additional capability to automatically adjust the system
depth as the mouse is moved around to keep the waterline a safe distance below the surfaces.
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This is similar to how the Autowater function works, except that you can place the waterline
location manually.
The following must be true to use Auto Depth properly:



Construction plane is set to 1 or 4 (top or bottom view).
Selected plate is the core block, cavity block, or a plate on the insert level.
Surfaces are present on the part and/or parting line levels.
If you meet the above criteria, Auto Depth may be set using the conversation bar.
If D=Auto is shown, then Auto Depth mode is ON (default if available). Otherwise, if D= Sys is
shown, then Auto Depth mode is OFF – System depth being used.
Configuration
Smart Water’s default settings are adjusted thru the waterline menu of either the XMD Config
program, or the XMD Options command. The circled fields in the image below (taken from the
XMD Config program) will affect Smart Water behavior.



Changing the waterline size will change Smart Water’s waterline size.
Changing the distance from waterline tangent to part will affect how far the waterline
stays above/below the surfaces in Auto Depth mode.
Changing the tip offset affects the distance blind waterline tips are kept from interfering
surfaces.
C REATE H ORIZONTAL /V ERTICAL W ATERLINES :
XMD will create a vertical waterline across the width of the mold. The default sizes, colors, and
end condition (pipe plug/tap, c'bore) will be as specified in the configuration file
C REATE A B UBBLER :
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This command allows for the incorporation of bubblers into the waterline circuit.
Notes:
Bubbler sizes, by default, are 2 times the N.P.T. size of the waterline. This can be modified using
the configuration file. The default can be overridden in a single drawing by using the "Set
default bubbler” command.
Bubblers and waterlines can be moved and copied as a unit. The bubbler must be attached to
the center of the waterline. Be sure to pick the waterline when executing the move/copy
commands. If the bubbler is chosen as the component to be moved, the waterline will not
follow. A bubbler can be moved/copied along a waterline.
The components will automatically-trim with each movement. Bubblers can be placed a
number of different ways, with various approaches;
In Plan View: To create a bubbler in the center of its relative waterline, select the location of the
bubbler inside of the waterline's boundaries. The bubbler will align itself with the center of the
waterline. The intersecting lines will be trimmed away. To create a waterline/bubbler where the
bubbler is offset from the center of the waterline; add the bubbler at the desired location first,
then add the waterlines where required. This combination cannot be moved or copied as a unit.
In Section View: Bubblers can be added in any location. The bubbler's depth will automatically
be set to the depth of the section line.
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The “Waterline Depth” command can be applied to gain more control of placement.
Resize
Bubbler
Dialogue Box:
Vendor: The Vendor
name will not apply
here because it is a
drilled hole.
NPT
size:
The
default value will
appear or you can
choose a different
one.
Depth Info Surface
Offset: This is the
distance that the
bubbler stays away
from a surface. This is
the default value. It
can be temporarily
overridden here. If a
new,
permanent
value is desired, it must be changed in the configuration file.
Defaults: Allows for the permanent change of surface offset.
Blade Baffle Angle: Blade baffled will be drawn perpendicular to a waterline by default. This
angle may be adjusted to create bubblers at waterline circuit corners.
T RIM -E XTEND W ATERLINES AND B UBBLERS :
XMD waterlines, when incorporated into the mold design, automatically span themselves
across the length and width of the mold. The “Trim/Extend” command allows for the designer
to adjust the waterlines accordingly. Bubblers can also be modified here; but seeing that they
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are surfaces sensitive, chances are that you will not have to adjust them.
After invoking the “Trim” command, you are able trim using any of the above options from the
selection menu.
Trimmed waterlines can be moved and copied and re-trimmed.
When creating a circuit, keep waterlines trimmed to the centerlines of the intersecting lines.
This keeps the 3D schematic continuous. The remaining waterlines, which are extending into
the perpendicular waterline, can be trimmed using regular KeyCreator trim/extend commands.
P IPE P LUGS AND T APS
These commands provide endpoints, in the form of plugs or taps, to trimmed waterlines. The
insertion method is the same as using the drill point command.




Select the line that requires an added pipe plug or tap.
Be sure to select the end closer to where you want the plug or tap to be added. XMD
will select the closest end to the selected position for incorporation.
The plug or tap will be created on the end of
waterline.
The length of the waterline will remain the
same. The tip of the new plug or tap will be
placed where the waterline ends.
A UTOWATER :
This command will automatically create waterlines
through the mold, horizontally or vertically, at
specified intervals, and at a constant distance from any
part or parting line surfaces.
Autowater can be executed from any view. In plan
views you will be prompted to choose horizontal or
vertical waterline placement. When using autowater in
the section views, XMD will ask to choose between cavity or core placement.
After the waterline direction is decided, the locations and distances can be selected from the
dialogue at right.
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The menu bar across the top of screen will display the message "calculating profile”. You will
then see "Updating components and holes” and finally, “Please wait". The new water will then
be drawn to the entered specifications.
Note:
This command is an excellent tool for initial waterline layout. The waterlines may have to be
adjusted by the user to gain optimum cooling conditions.
O FFSET W ATERLINES :
This command allows the user to create waterlines at a specified distance from each other, in
either direction. A new, complete waterline is placed in position. The designer does not have to
draw anything.
Choose value and direction (select a position with cursor above, below or to the sides of a
waterline) for offset
The new waterline will be placed on the selected side. You can then continue to offset by two
methods,
Continuous Offset: Simply hit “Enter” and the last line created will continue to be offset in the
same direction.
Change Offset Direction: return back to the original waterline, click on this function, and the
offsetting process will start in the opposite direction.
Notes:


You can choose a line entity to offset from. Click on the line and XMD will create a new
waterline at the specified distance from the line.
When offsetting, the new line will be created at the same working depth as original.
A NGLED W ATERLINES WITH S POTFACES :
This command allows the user to create angled waterlines with the spotface automatically
added. This command is very interactive, allowing the user to see the angled line being created,
while still having the ability to modify the angular increments on the screen. The waterline
moves as the user moves the mouse.
Placing Angular Waterlines:
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These waterlines can be placed in plan or section views. The user will be first asked to select a
pivot point for the waterline.
After selecting the pivot point the
waterline will appear on the
screen in a freeform or moving
state. As the user moves the
mouse, the waterline follows,
while the angle of the waterline is
updated on the screen. The user
can interact with the “WL Options”
dialogue box to implement the
desired parameters.
Once the waterline is in the
desired position the user just
needs to mouse click it in place.
The waterline will be drawn
complete with a spotface.
Note: These waterlines can also be added to plan views. The user will not be prompted for core
or cavity placement as XMD knows the view that you are in at all times.
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C REATE W ATERLINE B Y E NDPOINTS :
This command allows for the creation of waterlines based on existing geometry. Lines can be
created horizontally, vertically or angular with this command.
Notes:



The original construction line will have to be deleted.
The pipe plug hangs out of the bottom of the core block. This can be easily remedied by
adding a spotface to the waterline’s end.
The angled waterline is automatically displayed to the plan view. All pipe plug and
c'bore geometry will be shown appropriately.
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C REATE A D RILL P OINT :
This command provides an end condition for a trimmed waterline. It is also useful for helping to
clarify waterlines that are underneath each other, at different depths, in a view. The length of
the waterline will remain the same after the drillpoint is added.
A DD A S POTFACE :
This command can be used to add spotfaces to waterlines that break out of their plate on an
angle. If this is not the case, the following error will be given:
Care must be taken when selecting the waterline as the spotface is placed at the end of the
waterline that is clicked, unless that end already has, or cannot have a spotface.
Note: The spotface command will not work if the pipe plug or pipe tap is selected. The user must
select the waterline as the component to add the spotface to.
Once the spotface is incorporated, it can be modified using the “Modify Size” command as
found in the Modify menu
C REATE W ATERLINE P ERPENDICULAR T O C URRENT V IEW :
This command allows for the creation of waterlines into and out of views. You will have a
choice, when working in the plan views, as to what side of block will be required for pipe plug
placement. XMD will display the following prompts to aid with pipe plug placement
Into vw (View): The pipe plug will be placed as if the waterline was being drilled from the front,
or molding face side, of the block.
Out of vw (View): The pipe plug will be placed as if the waterline was being drilled from the
back of the block.
S ET T HE D EFAULT B UBBLER /W ATERLINE D IAMETERS :
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This command allows the user to override the bubbler/waterline default values that were set in
the configuration file. The change will be permanently applied to the drawing, however it can
be updated. A dialogue box will appear where the changes can be made.
All the waterline styles that XMD creates can be adjusted using this dialogue box.
G. NEW SMART PATTERNS:
This icon takes you to the Smart Pattern Browser, where you can interact with the dialogue box
to incorporate previously formatted Smart Patterns into a tool design. (See Formatting Smart
Patterns pg: 14-10)
S MART P ATTERN B ROWSER
The Smart Pattern Browser lists Smart Patterns contained in a given directory on the hard drive.
By default, this is the Smart Pattern Catalog directory. This may be changed by clicking the
button with the three dots […] and then selecting a different directory. This allows you to sort
smart patterns into sub-directories.
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Insert: You can introduce the Smart Pattern to the design in two ways;
Double click on the highlighted Smart Pattern or
Highlight the Smart Pattern and click on the insert icon.
Once a Smart Pattern is brought into a design, the .SPT file is also saved in the job folder (under
the components sub-folder). If you would like to browse Smart Patterns in the job directory,
you can click the “Job” radio button at the top.
Delete: Allows you to remove the Smart Pattern from the database.
Edit: Clicking on this button automatically opens the “.spd” file. The user can then edit the
drawing. When editing is complete, hit the “CTL+Tab” keys to return to the tool design. Click on
the “Redraw Component” command, from the Display Menu, to update the Smart Pattern in
the tool design.
S MART P ATTERN L EVELS
XMD calculates what plate it thinks the new Smart Pattern is tied to and creates a sub-level for
the Smart Pattern underneath it.
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See Modifying Smart Patterns. Pg14-14)
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A DDING A S MART P ATTERN :
Once a Smart Pattern has been selected, there are two phases to placing it.
Location/Orientation
You are asked to select the position for Smart Pattern. To make things easier, the Smart
Pattern is attached to your cursor.
You are also able to orientate the Smart Pattern by pressing the “Orient” button, or by hitting
the tilde (~) key on your keyboard.
Rotation
Once you have confirmed its location and orientation, you are now able to rotate the Smart
Pattern.
As you move your cursor around, the Smart Pattern is rotated in
increments indicated by the value in the “Snap Angle” dialog. If a
non-nominal angle is needed, set this value to 0.
Upon confirming the rotation angle, the Smart Pattern is placed.
H. BROWSE/ADD CUSTOM ASSEMBLY:
A Custom Assembly can be added through this command.
Upon running the command, you are asked to choose a custom assembly file. Note: XMD does
not provide custom assembly files, you must create these yourself. See Creating a Custom
Assembly pg. 11-4.
Once a Custom Assembly file is chosen, a dialog box (pictured to the right) is opened with
different options on how you would like to place the components.
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I.
CONVERT SOLID TO XMD COMPONENT
With this command, you can take any solid in the job and bring it into XMD as a custom
component (e.g., slide, insert, manifold). XMD will treat it like it does any other plate in the job.
XMD will:









Automatically measure the custom component for the BOM.
Associate a name and material with it.
Apply selective transparency to better see the internals.
Cut clean section drawings directly from the solid.
Allow it to be updated at any time with new geometry (See Replace Plate command).
Generate complete plate details for it.
Back up models for data security.
Automatically creates holes for components, in the sold.
Automatically detect changes you make to solid models, and updates size information.
Exception: Currently, converted plates must be resized using KeyCreator solid modeling tools.
XMD is not capable of resizing these plates for you.
Demo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkMeEtPcxXA
Before using the command there must be a solid in the job that you wish to use as an XMD
plate. The solid can be imported from any CAD system or created directly in KeyCreator. It is
recommended that you ensure that the following items are true of the object that is to be
converted:



It is a closed, manifold solid body.
It is on the desired level.
It is in the proper position/orientation.
Telling XMD about the Solid
1. Picking the Solid - To be able to
pick it, the object must be a
closed, manifold body, and must
not already be an XMD
component. Once picked, XMD
may move the solid to a sub-level,
or ask you which level should be
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the plate’s parent.
2. Indicating the major axis - The major axis is used to measure the thickness of the plate.
It is also used for the direction that XMD’s Move In/Out command will move the plate
along. The major axis is typically perpendicular to the base (bottom) face of the solid, so
XMD will ask you to choose a planar face that you would consider the base face. The
picture above illustrates some typical choices for the base face (highlighted yellow in the
picture). XMD then uses this base face to determine the major axis (the red arrows in
the picture). Note: If there is no appropriate face to use as the base face, you can press
ENTER at this step and then proceed to pick two points to indicate the major axis.
3. Indicating the X/length-axis - The length of the plate is computed along the X-axis.
XMD asks you to pick a line to indicate this axis. The picture above illustrates some
typical choices for the X-axis line (highlighted blue in the picture). Note: The X-axis must
be perpendicular to the major axis. If there is no appropriate line to use as the X-axis,
you can press ENTER to indicate it using two points instead.
4. Final Details - Users are presented with a dialog that can be used to enter the desired
material, and name for the plate. Users should also verify that XMD has measured their
plate correctly based on the indicated major, and X/length axis. If all is well, click OK
and XMD will proceed to do the conversion.
Notes
If the plate contains complex surface geometry, it is recommended that you set the plate to
master mode. See Plate Solid Management: Master Model and Finished Model.
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J. COPY COMMANDS:
Copy Intersection
Copy to
quadrant(s)
Copy anywhere
Mirror copy to
quadrant(s)
Copy midpoint
Copy across line
Copy vertical
Mirror copy about
line
Copy horizontal
Mirror copy about
two points
Copy Relative
Copy across two
points
Copy many
This group of commands allows for the duplication of XMD Components and Smart Patterns.
The BOM is automatically updated as the components are duplicated. The “Copy” commands
can be reversed using the “Undo” command from the “Tools Menu”.
Note: For ease of documentation in this menu the term "component" will apply to both the XMD
component and the Smart Pattern.
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C OPY A NYWHERE :
Allows for the copying, up and down, across, and diagonally.
C OPY V ERTICAL :
This command allows for the duplication of components in the vertical direction only.
C OPY H ORIZONTALLY :
This command copies components in a horizontal direction only.
C OPY I NTERSECTION :
This command permits the duplication of a component at the intersection of any two
components. You will be prompted to choose the desired intersection, as there will be two
possible locations.
C OPY TO M IDPOINTS :
This command permits the duplication of a component to the midpoints of any two
components.
C OPY R ELATIVE :
The copying of a component a specific horizontal and vertical distance can be executed using
this command. Data may be input for the distance using KeyCreator’s captured variable method
(See pg. 14-36), mathematical equations, or simply by direct input.
K.
COPY MULTIPLE COMPONENTS:
This command allows the user to copy a multiple of different components, horizontally and
vertically, at specific distances. All of the new components will have the same integrity as the
originals.
C OPY C OMPONENTS TO Q UADRANTS :
Using this command, components can be duplicated by copying them to different quadrants
about the center of the mold. The result will be an identical part in, opposite or diagonal
quadrants, whatever is specified. The user can also copy into all four quadrants simultaneously,
simply by hitting enter, when prompted for component placement.
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C OPY C OMPONENTS ACROSS A L INE :
This command allows you to pick single or multiple components and copy them across a
horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. The result will be an identical part opposite the line that
was chosen.
C OPY C OMPONENTS ACROSS T WO P OINTS
Components can be copied across any two points, across, up and down or diagonally. The
result will be an identical part opposite the line that was chosen.
M IRROR C OPY TO Q UADRANTS :
Using this command, components can be duplicated by mirroring them to different quadrants
about the center of the mold. The result will be an symmetrically opposite parts in, opposite or
diagonal quadrants, whichever is specified. The user can also copy into all four quadrants
simultaneously; simply by hitting enter, when prompted for component placement.
M IRROR C OPY C OMPONENTS A BOUT A L INE :
This command allows you to pick single or multiple components and copy them across a
horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. The result will be an symmetrically opposite part opposite
the line that was chosen.
M IRROR C OPY A BOUT T WO P OINTS :
Components can be copied across any two points, across, up and down or diagonally. The
result will be a symmetrically opposite part, opposite the line that was chosen.
Captured Variables: Any value that is
registered by KeyCreator, either
distance, angle or verification queries
can be easily referenced, without having
to write them down. Each time that
queries are made, the results are presented
in a dialogue box. Each of the values in the
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box are appended with the” @ symbol” and a number.
(eg.:@1, @2, @3, etc.)
These symbols can be used as entry values in calculations and other areas where a large number
is required. Example: A component has to be copied using the value of “YC” from dialogue box
above. The user simply has to enter the “@3” in the entry box where the distance is required.
EXERCISES:
A DD K NOCKOUTS TO THE J OB :
Select the Inch option from the dialogue box. Another dialogue box appears where you can
select the knockout positions. Click one of the positions twice. The opposite knockout should
highlight as well. After you have made your selection, hit enter. The knockouts are placed.
This method of placement utilizes the SPE/SPI standard locations, and the knockouts were
located symmetrically about the center of the mold. If the mold is to be offset in the press, then
the knockouts must be moved manually. When attempting to place offset knockout use the
same approach as above but only click once on a knockout. Hit “OK” and the single knockout
will be placed. You can then copy it to the offset position (you cannot move an eyebolt) and then
use the copy anywhere command to situate the others. After you’re finished, delete the original
one.
Use the Modify Size command to position the knockout sizes.
A DD G IBB S CREWS TO THE J OB .
The first thing cut a section, in Section B-B, to show the slide and gibbs.
Switch to the Core Plan view.
Use the Edit Drawings command in the Drawing Menu and create a section in Section B-B.
Make a straight section; use “Digitize Depth” and select cursor position up near the center of
the slides.
Choose to keep the original geometry and previously shown components. After the section is
created, use the “Compress Curves” command in the KeyCreator “Xform” menu and remove
duplicate entities. Change the remaining slide and gibb geometry to hidden line font.
Return to the core plan view and place a vertical construction line in the center of one of the
gibbs. Trim it to the same length as the gibb.
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Return to the long section. Select, from the Add Menu, New Components (Hot Key-G) and then
the Screw button. Select the S.H.C.S. with a C’bore. Select ¼” from the list.
XMD will prompt you for the following information,
Head Side of Screw: Pick a line where the drilling will
begin.
Start of threaded hole: Pick the line where the tapped
hole starts.
Select line for “END” of Threaded hole or hit “Enter” for
blind hole: If you want to tap through the plate, select the
line where the tap is to exit. If you hit “Enter”, a drill point
will be created.
Hit “Enter” to create a blind hole for this exercise.
XMD will now prompt to digitize the position of hole. Using the Hot Key for the Core Plan View,
(Ctl+Num1), or the icon on the XMD Toolbar, switch to the Core plan view. (See Immediate
Mode Commands, below)
Using the KeyCreator selection Menu, choose “Along E” and pick the vertical construction line,
near the bottom of the line and enter .5 inches.
XMD will prompt for the plate to place the screw. Select “Core”.
The screw will be placed and you will be asked if you want to change anything. Select “NO” and
the screw will be placed.
Use the Attributes command and change the line type to “solid” and the color to “Peach”.
Show the screw to Section B-B and switch to the view. To verify that it is displayed there.
Return to the Core plan and using the “Copy Vertical” command duplicate the screw. Use the
“Along E” command again, but this time select the top of the line and enter .5 as the value.
Use the “Copy to Midpoints” command to place the third screw in the gibb.
Use the “Copy Multiple” command and duplicate the screws 3.25 inches in the horizontal
direction.
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Use the “Mirror or Copy about Centerline” of Mold command to place the screws in the other
gibbs.
Select, from the Tools Menu, the “Very Component” button. Click on the command and then on
one of the screws that you just added. XMD will present a dialogue with the screw type, size
and quantity. This command can be used for any XMD component or Smart Pattern.
Immediate Mode Command:
Specified KeyCreator/XMD commands that can be invoked at
any place in the menu structure. When an immediate mode
command is invoked it will not cancel the current command. You
are able to "insert" the immediate mode command and carry on
with the active command. Immediate mode is only available in a
macro, specified as such or by the use of a Toolbar. If in the
placement of the screw in the above exercise, the core plan view
was accessed through the application men; it would not have
worked.
A DD D OWELS TO THE G IBBS
Switch your view to the Long Section.
Select the Dowel command from the New Components menu.
XMD prompts to choose the line for the dowel. Select the line that represents the bottom of
the wear plate.
Digitize the position of the dowel. Switch to the Core plan and use the “Delta” command, select
the center of one of the screws at the top of the mold and enter a value of -.5 in the “Y”
direction.
Choose a diameter of .25 inch.
Show the dowel to the Long Section and switch to the Long
Section.
Use the Size command to change the length of the dowel to
1 1/2 inch. Select “Single” in the dialogue box.
The dowel component is made up of three components.
There is a 2D dowel, and two 3D (generic) holes. Each of
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these can be modified individually or collectively. Be very careful during modification that the
selection menu is set correctly. If not, the entire dowel may be modified (All by Type) instead of
a potion of the component (Single).
Modify the dowel so that the generic hole in the gibb is a
through hole. Use the “Modify Size” command; select the
generic hole in the gibb. Select the “Change Type” button
in the dialogue box and change the configuration to
through. Hit “OK” and set the hole Depth to 1 inch.
Make sure that “Single” is checked in the dialogue box.
Change the Attributes of the dowel to be Yellow and
hidden line type.
Switch to the Core plan and change the Attributes of the dowel to solid line type.
Copy the dowel to the opposite end of the gibb, creating two dowels per gibb.
Now copy the two dowels to the other gibb and mirror all gibbs to the other slide. (Hint: use the
same procedure as you did for the screws.)
Use the “Verify Components” command and make sure that there are eight dowels in the mold.
Use the “View Holes” command, click on “Core Block” and check to make sure that all dowels
and screws are shown properly in 3D.
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A DDING E JECTION :
Ejection can be added effectively with the KeyCreator’s Snap
command turned on. Having snap on during the placement
allows you to use cursor position and still place the pins at
nominal distances from the center of the mold. XMD’s
default keyboard file accesses two, different snap commands
.Hot Key “Alt+Z” invokes the Snap .125 command and Hot
Key “Ctl+Alt+Z” invokes the Snap .062 command. Try using
these as you place the ejection. Also, it is a good idea to
make your own snap command. “A .02” snap increment is
very good for fine-tuning ejector pin locations.

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Turn on the “Snap.06” command. Add 3/8 diameter
“Surface Ejector Pins” to the design. Add them to the
cavity only and mirror them later.
If there are other components interfering with the pins, leave them there. Create
interference conditions, as we will later review the Interference Checking tool within
XMD.
Use the “Size” command and change the diameters of the two pins in the center of the
part to 1/2 inch. Use the “Single” command to do this.
Use the “Size” command again and D-Lock the heads of the pins.
Select a 3/8 inch diameter pin and click in the check box to turn the
function on. Set the “Distance to Flat” option to .188 inch (1/2 inch
diameter of pin). Select the “Group” option in the dialogue box to
change all 3/8 diameter pins.
Use the same procedure as above and lock the ½ inch pins.
Mirror all pins to the other cavity.
Ejector pins lengths are calculated automatically by analyzing the
distance from the head of the pin to the extreme highest point of the surface geometry.
The ejector pinholes are automatically reamed by XMD. The ream is calculated from the
lowest point of the projection. Ream length can be adjusted by using the “Size”
command.
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VIEWING THE HOLES CREATED BY SURFACE EJECTOR PINS
Using the Hot-Keys of the “XMD.kbd” file (All commands will require you to hit the numbers on
the keypad as these commands will not work with the numbers on the main body of the
keyboard.).



Hit “Ctl+Num1” to switch to the Core plan view.
Hit “Ctl+Num7” to switch to the Isometric view.
Hit “Ctl+Num0” to turn off All Levels.
Now add the levels for the core geometry (200.1), parting lines (200.2) and ejector pin
projections (200.6)

Hit the “+”key and enter 200.1, 200.2, 200.6 in the text box.
The ejector pin projections are displayed. If any pins are moved, they will automatically be reprojected and displayed on level 200.6.
There are two different types of snapping within KeyCreator, Position Snapping and regular
Cursor Snapping. If Position Snapping is toggled “On”, then it will override the cursor snapping.
To activate cursor snapping you can either 1) Toggle “Off” the Position Snap or, 2) Hold the “Ctl
Key” down. This will temporarily disable the Position Snap and allow the cursor snapping to be
activated.
U SING I NTERFERENCE CHECKING

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
Click on the “Interference Checking”
command in the Tools Menu.
In the Check column select Ejection. Select
“All Components” in the “Against” column
and set checking range “Within” .125.
Click on the “Check” button at the bottom of the dialogue box.
The interfering components are listed in another dialogue box. The interfering
components are highlighted in the 2D drawing and the 3D drawing. Click on the 2D and
3D buttons.
Click in the workspace and Move the conflicting
components. Pick the recheck button when you’re
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finished. Continue moving the components until the “No Further Interference Exists”
dialogue appears.
Click on the “View Holes” command, select the ejector retainer plate and review the 3D
creation of the plate.
Create a Plate Detail of the retainer plate to review how XMD creates and details the
plates as they are being built up. Make details of other plates and blocks.
Exercise Using Non-Surface Ejector Pins

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

Select the “Ejector Pin” button from the “New Components” menu (Non-Surfaced pins
are item b) and place, using the Key-In option. Enter X-2, Y-2.25, and Z0.
Use the “Edit Drawings” command and cut a vertical section through the pin.
Switch to the new view. Notice that the ejector pin is not extending to the core surface.
Click on the “Size” command, select the ejector pin, and then select the “Digitize Top”
command. Select the Intersection of the side of the pin that will be the longest side and
the core geometry directly above it. The pin will stretch to the intersection that you
selected. Trim the long side of the pin to the core geometry in the section.
A DDING AND M ODIFYING E JECTOR S LEEVES
Ejector Sleeves can be added to the plan view or section view. They are created as an XMD
assembly. Components in the assembly can be modified individually.

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Create or modify a short section view to go through the center of the boss in the Core
plan.
Change to the section view that displays the boss. Create a vertical construction line
through the center of the boss.
Select the “Ejector Sleeve” from the “New Components” menu.
Select the ¼ diameter from the list.
XMD will prompt you for the following,
Digitize top point of sleeve: Select the bottom of the boss either at the midpoint of the boss or
the intersection of the construction line and the bottom of the boss.
Digitize top point of pin: Select the deepest point of the hole in the boss.
The sleeve will be placed. The head of the pin and sleeve will be placed in the ejector box with a
pin plate and screws retaining the core pin in the bottom clamp plate.
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
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Review the sleeve assembly in this section. Notice that the short view of the pin plate is
displayed. Let’s change its size and orientation so that the entire assembly is displayed
in this section. Switch to the Core plan.
Use the “Size” command, select the pin plate and change the size to match the entries
in the dialogue box at the right.
Select “Single” to change the pin plate.
Rotate pin plate so that it is shown full length in the short
section.
Select the “Rotate component about Major Axis” from the
“Move” menu. Select the sleeve assembly. Choose the
“Single” option, making sure that the asterisk is “On” in the assembly option. Enter 90 degrees
as the rotation value.

Switch to the Short section.
Remove F.H.C.S. and replace with S.H.C.S. and re-assemble.



Delete the F.H.C.S. in the pin plate. Select one of the screws. In the selection menu pick
the “All by Type” button and switch the Asterisk in the assembly button “Off”. Both
screws should be removed.
Add a new 5/16 inch. S.H.C.S. to the pin plate. When placing it, use the “Delta”
command and set the distance .62 from the center of the ejector sleeve.
Copy the screw to the other side of the plate. Use the “Delta” option and enter a value of
1.25 in the horizontal direction.
The screws should be automatically placed in correct position in the plate in both h the “X” and
“Y” directions. Switch to the core plan to ensure that they are located correctly. If not, move
them to the proper position.
When a component is placed in a section view, XMD automatically places it in the depth that
the system is set to. The depths are usually set, based on the location of the section lines. In the
case of a jogged section, the depth is set to where the section is first cut.
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Add the new screws to the assembly and copy it to the other cavity.
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Select the “Combine Components into an Assembly” from the “Assembly” menu.
First select the sleeve assembly, and then select each screw individually. You will see a
slight flash in the conversation bar when the new component is added to the assembly.
Switch to the core plan and “Mirror” the sleeve to the other cavity.
Select the “Verify Components” command from the “Tools” menu, and verify that XMD
has correctly counted the new components for the material list.
C REATING A C ORE P IN AND W EAR P LATE A SSEMBLY
(to core out a hole on the end of the part where the slide is required)
For this exercise we will require a section view that cuts through the center of the slide. If you
don’t have one, create one now.






First create a wear plate, using simple
KeyCreator geometry. Make it ¼ inch
thick.
Create a horizontal section line through
the center of the hole in the part; Trim
the line so that it is situated between the
hole and the wear plate.
Add, from the “New Components
Ejection” menu a “Core pin”.
Pick, for the top of the pin the “EndEnt”
of the line marked 1. For the head side
select the “EndEnt” of the line marked 2.
Select “None” in the dialogue, which follows.
Make the pin ¼ inch diameter. The pin will then be placed.
Notice that the pin really isn’t as long as it should be. Use this pin to
extend the clearance of the head as far as the wear plate. Now
extend the construction line (using”Trim to Position”) as far as the
extended clearance line. Delete the core pin and add another one,
exactly the same as the one above, but this time use the new,
longer construction line. Trim the new pin back so it is angled the
same as the wear plate. It will be automatically shown to the plan
view. Delete the construction line.
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A DD A F.H.C.S. TO HOLD DOWN THE WEAR PLATE .
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Select Head side of screw: Select the outside line of the wear plate.
Start of threaded hole: Select the other side of wear plate.
Hit “Enter” for blind hole.
Where to place the screw. Select the Midpoint of the outside of the wear plate.
Select “None” for the plate to place screw in. (when this option is selected the holes for
the screw, and other components will be placed on the “Unassigned Holes” level, #300.2)
Select “No” when prompted to change anything. The screw will be placed. Select the
‘Size’ command to ensure the length is correct (3/4 inch).
Select the “Attributes” command and make the screw “Yellow” with a “Hidden” line
font.
Switch to the Core plan view. The components should be shown there automatically.
Note that the screw that was just added is directly under the core pin. Move it ½ inch in
the Positive “X” (Horizontal) direction.
Copy the screw Negative 1 inch in the “X” direction.
Use the “Assembly” command and combine the two screws and the core pin into an
assembly, using the “Combine Components into an Assembly” command.
Use the “Mirror” or “Copy” about centerline of mold command to place a copy of the
assembly in the other slide.
The purpose of this exercise was to show you how to, in one way, deal with components that
XMD does not automatically create. Feel free to use KeyCreator geometry to create any
components that you need. Another way to deal with “non-standard “components is with the use
of Smart Patterns. (See Chapter 14 page 14-10)
A DDING E YEBOLT H OLES
When a custom moldbase is created, eyebolts are automatically added to the core and cavity
blocks. They can be relocated and resized, as needed using XMD commands. However, when
standard mold bases are made, the eyebolts must be added to all plates and blocks.
Add Eyebolts to Bottom Clamp Plate

Click on the “New Components- Holes-Eyebolt Holes” menu and select the “Bottom
Clamp Plate” from the list.
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
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Click on one of the eyebolts from the generic plate that appears. Double click on the
same eyebolt to create the eyebolts in the opposite quadrants.
Review the suggested size of the eyebolt dialogue box. The suggested sizes are based on
the thickness and weight of the plate. Make any changes that might be needed. Hit “OK”
to place the eyebolts.
The eyebolts are automatically placed in the plate at the positions specified. Adjust the
locations as required.
Make an eyebolt chart plate detail of the bottom clamp plate for reference.
Notes:
1. Eyebolts can be added to any plate that XMD creates by use of this command. If
eyebolts already exist in a plate, XMD will warn you of the situation. You will still be able
to add more. Existing eyebolts can be copied to new locations instead of using this
command.
2. If an eyebolt is placed on the centerline of mold it cannot be moved from its location. It
has to be copied to the new location and, after that it can be moved anywhere.
3. Eyebolts cannot be moved from the outside of the block.
4. Eyebolts cannot be moved above “Z-Zero” without first using the “FREE LIMITS”
command which is accessed through the “Size” command.
5. This command does not allow for eyebolts being added through the thickness of a plate.
The “Generic Holes” command will handle this.
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A DDING G ENERIC H OLES
1. Adding An Access Hole Behind the Guide Pins

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Make sure that a guide pin is displayed in the Short
Section.
Click on the “Size” command, pick the leader pin, and
click on “Change Type”. Change the style to
“Headless”. There should now be a screw, from the
back of the cavity holding the pin in place.
Click on the “New Components/Holes/Generic Holes”
button.
Enter information in the dialogue box the same as
shown.
Click Ok.
Select the “Two Line” option for the insertion
method. Pick the lines as shown at right.
Next, you will be prompted to place the hole. Use
the Hot Key “Ctl+Num9” to switch to the Cavity plan
view. Select the center of one of the leader pins as the
location point.
Enter the values for hole’s diameter and
chamfers the same as the dialogue box at left.
The two lines that were selected determine the
depth.


Click “OK” to place the hole.
Use the “Mirror” command to place the hole at the other guide pin locations. Note that
there is a single offset guide pin, so the hole will have to be moved into place.
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
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Use the “Show” command to display the hole to the Short section, over the guide pin.
View the plates in 3D to make sure that the holes have been added.
Use the “Hole Assignments” button and review where XMD has placed the holes.
A DDING E YEBOLTS TO THE E JECTOR R ETAINER P LATE


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

Switch to the Core plan view.
Click on the “New Components/Holes/Generic Holes”
buttons.
Assign the parameter to the dialogue box as shown at
right. Hit “OK”.
Select the “Plt +dir” option from the selection menu.
Choose “Ejector Retainer Plate” from the list.
Select the “Bottom” of the plate to start the drill.
Select position for hole: (Snap works well for this.)
Enter a tap depth of .75 and make the holes 1/2-13 NC THD.
Mirror holes to create four eyebolts in the plate.
Make a plate detail of the retainer plate.
A DDING P OCKETS AND P LATES
The most important thing to remember while creating pockets and
plates is:
YOU MUST CREATE THEM IN THE VIEW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO SEE THE LENGTH AND
WIDTH OF THE PLATE.
1. Adding a Manifold Pocket
 Switch to the Cavity Plan View (We will add the pocket in this view because this is where
we will see the length and width of the plate.)
 Delete the locating ring and sprue bushing. (If the assembly is still intact, then just one
of the components will need to be selected. Make sure that the assembly button is
clicked “On”.)
 Click on “New Components/Pocket and Plate”.
 Click the “Pocket Only” option in the dialogue box.
 Enter the following;
Length: 14
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Width: 4
Placement Options: Center and Angle
Indicate Depth by: Plate and Side:
Corner Radius: .5
Click on the “Thru” option in the side view.

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Key In Values: X0, Y0 and Z0 when prompted to place pocket.
Select “Manifold Spacer” from the list of plates.
Select either “Near of Fr” to set the depth. (It is not important which side you pick
because it is a thru pocket.)
The pocket is placed.
Show to all views.
Review by using the “View Holes” command.
2. Add A Cover Plate for a Wire Channel


In the Cavity plan view, click on the “Inserted Plate” option.
Enter values as shown below.
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



Place pocket and plate by using the “Delta” command and situate the corner Y-1.0313
from the left hand center of the mold.
Select the “Far” side of the “Manifold Spacer”.
Show plate and pocket to all other views.
Use “View Holes” to check the position of the pockets.
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3. Add A Wire Channel


In the Cavity plan view, click on the “Pocket Only” option.
Enter values as shown below.

Place the pocket using the
“Delta” command. Use the
“Midpoint” of the edge of
the mold and enter Y-.5 for
the first location. Then use
the “Midpoint” of the
manifold pocket and enter
Y.5 for the second location.
Select
the
“Manifold
Spacer” and “Far Side” for
pocket placement.
Display the pocket to the
section views. Switch to
Section A-A.


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The pocket is sitting at the back of the cavity. It must be moved up so it is situated at the bottom
of the cover plate pocket.




Use the “Move in Direction of Major Axis”
command to move the pocket to its proper
location. Select the “EndEnt” of the cover
plate bottom as the new location.
Add four F.H.C.S., to hold the cover plate in
position.
Use the “View Holes” command to review
the Manifold Spacer plate.
Solidify the plate. Use the “Solidify plate” command from the “Tools Menu”. Select the
plate option when prompted.
Creating Round Plates and Pockets
Add standoffs to the same end of the mold as the wire channel.



Switch to Section A-A.
Select the “Pocket/Plate” command and choose “External Plate”.
Enter the values as shown below.
Select a
position
the
manifold
spacer to
place the
stand-
on
off.
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



Select “Manifold Spacer” and “Near Side” for the final positioning.
Add a ½ inch screw to the Stand-off.
Combine components into an assembly.
Mirror to create a second stand-off.
Note: A prompt will appear to inform you that a new plate is being created. In this case, it will
be Stand-off 02. The new plates are listed when you select the “View Holes” command.
A DDING W ATER
We are going to create a simple waterline circuit in the cavity, making use of most of the water
line commands.





Click on “Set Default waterline diameter” and change the default size to ¼ N.P.T.
(Bubblers will automatically default to 2 times the waterline diameter.)
Use the “Auto-Water” command and create horizontal lines with a distance of ¾ inch
from part surface and 3 inch center-to-center distance.
Switch to the Short section.
Change the color of the line closest to the
back of the block to yellow. We will use this
for reference later.
Switch to the Cavity plan.
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
The line that was changed to yellow in the section is the same color in the plan view.
Now create a vertical line at the same depth as the yellow line.



Turn on the Snap.125 macro (Alt+Z).
Select the “Vertical waterline” command. You are prompted to “Indicate vertical line
position”. Before selecting position user the “Set Waterline Depth” command to set the
system to be the same depth as the yellow waterline. Use the Hotkey “Ctl+W” and
select the yellow waterline. Using snap, (If you have “position snap” toggled ”On”, hold
down the “Ctl” key to temporarily disable it.) place the waterline at X-7.0 using the
cursor position,.
Duplicate this water about the vertical centerline of the mold.
Trim Horizontal Waterlines to the Vertical waterlines



Use the “Trim waterlines” command and select a horizontal waterline.
Hold down the shift key (with Position snap toggled “On”) and move your cursor near a
centerline of a vertical waterline. The near flag should automatically appear. When it
does, click to trim the waterline.
Use the same procedure for the remaining three waterlines.
Trim the Vertical lines





Use the “Trim waterlines” command and trim the two vertical lines to be approximately
½ inch past the last horizontal lines they are to join to.
Use snap and cursor position to establish the trim end.
Select the “Drillpoint” command and select the ends of the waterlines that were just
trimmed. A drill point will be placed on each.
“Display to View” the longest vertical waterline to the Short section.
“Display to View” the two different height horizontal lines to the Long section.
Add up and down lines to connect the circuit.


In the Cavity plan view; select the “Perpendicular to current view” command.
Select the “Out of View” option (This puts the pipe plug at the back of the block).
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


Place the waterlines at the endpoints of the horizontal lines that you just trimmed. You
will only have to place them at 3 positions because the vertical waterline intersects one
(yellow) waterline.
Place one up and down line in the circuit, where the shorter vertical line intersects at
approx. X=7 and Y=1.5.
“Display to View” to both section views to best show the up and down lines.
Note: You will see situations in the long section where the
waterlines aren’t meeting properly. Use KeyCreator’s
“Trim and Extend” commands to rectify them.
Any waterlines that cross each other at the same level can
trimmed as well.
be
Add Bubblers



Add two bubblers on the vertical centerline of the
mold in the center each of the two uppermost
waterlines in the plan view.
Display them to the Short section.
Switch to the Short section.
The default setting for the distance of the bubbler to part surface is 1 inch. This can be modified
by using the Size command.




Select the “Size” command and change the part surface offset value to .75 inch. Click
“OK”. You will see the length of the bubblers increase.
Use the “Move Horizontal” command and move the centermost bubbler across the
screen. Notice that the bubbler decreases and increases in length as the surfaces
change.
Turn on level 200.2 (Core surfaces) to see the change in elevations that the bubbler is
avoiding.
From the “Tools” menu, select the “Undo” command and hit it a few times to return the
bubbler back to its original position. If you have hit the “Undo” command too many
times, select the “Redo” command to replace the geometry.
Viewing the Waterlines
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The circuit is partially complete. Let’s go and look at it in 3D. This way we can make sure that
the circuit is working and that all the waterlines are connected properly.






Use the “View Holes” command and select the Cavity block. The waterlines will be
displayed there.
Use KeyCreator’s “Verify” command, select a waterline to see that it is on level 400.3.2
(Cavity Block/3D holes)
Turn off all levels (Hot Key Num 0) and display only 400.3.2.
(Hot Key:
Num +)
Set the Active level to 900 (Hot Key: Num /)
Use KeyCreator’s “Solidify” command to turn the tubes into a solid.
This procedure has no use in XMD. It is only suggested as a method for easier viewing of
waterlines.
When you’ve finished, delete level 900.
View 3D Centerlines of the Waterlines
Whenever a waterline is created, a 3D centerline is automatically created, as well. The
centerlines are especially useful for creating waterline plaques, if required by your customer.
The 3D centerlines for the cavity drawing are on level 100.7, Cavity Half Water (3D centerlines).
The same exists for the core. They will reside on level 200.7.
Completing the Circuit





Use the “Size” command select a pipe tap. (XMD creates all waterlines with a pipe tap,
by default. This can be modified in the XMD configuration file.) Change the Pipe tap
option to Pipe plug. Select “All by Type”. All waterlines should now have pipe plugs on
the ends.
Create one “In” and one “Out” line. Select the “Size” command and select the pipe plug
at the bottom of the mold.
Change the Pipe plug to a Pipe tap and check on the “Counterbore diameter” option.
Select “Single”.
Repeat the same procedure for the Out line at the top of the mold.
This completes the circuit. Jiffy connectors and diverting plugs will be studied later.
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Add Direction Arrows for Waterline Flow
For this exercise, we will assume that the water is flowing “In” at the waterline near the bottom
edge of the mold and “Out” of the waterline near the top edge of the mold.
Note:
I.
II.
III.










Waterline arrows are placed according to the system settings. The arrow assumes the
active level, active color and linetype, etc. when it is placed in the mold.
Waterline arrows only search for centerlines. They can be used to trace the flow of
anything, not just waterlines.
Waterline arrows work outside of XMD, in regular KeyCreator files as well.
Use the Hot Key “Num /”, select a waterline to set the active level.
Select the “Waterline Arrows” command from the “Tools” menu.
Select the “Curved Arrows” option.
Enter .438 for the “Approx drill diameter”.
Select the centerline of the Horizontal “In” line and the centerline of the Vertical line
that it intersects. A curved arrow will be placed.
Continue the same procedure at all intersections.
Select the “Straight arrow” command.
Select the centerline of the “In” line, near the C’bore.
Select one of the directional arrows that highlight to define the direction for the arrow
to point. The arrow will be placed.
Continue this until you have placed enough arrows to define the water flow direction.
Waterline Notes


When waterlines are placed, they automatically span across the entire length and width
of the mold. If, in the case of inserts or other components, the waterlines must be
trimmed to the edge of the component. When this happens, the waterlines end
condition is lost. Add pipe plugs or taps from the water menu to restore end conditions.
Angled waterlines are automatically spotfaced.
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


If an angled line is created with the “Waterline by Endpoints” command, use the
“Spotface” command to add a spotface.
Spotfaces cannot be added to straight waterlines. If in the case where a waterline
breaks through a locking angle, use the “Size” command and select a “Counterbore” to
act as a spotface. The default counterbore size is established for a waterline connector,
so it will have to be made smaller.
Waterlines automatically default to the level that is allotted for them. They can be
moved manually to other levels. If the waterline has to be resized, it will revert back to
its “parent” level. They can be moved without any change in level.
A DDING S MART P ATTERNS
Study the procedure and create the Smart Pattern in the tutorial (Pages 14-10-14-13.)
Add Jiffy Connectors Smart Patterns






Switch to Cavity plan view.
Click on the “Smart Pattern” command.
Select, from the browser “JP352” jiffy connector.
Double click on it or highlight it and hit the “Insert” button.
Enable the “Snap.06” command (Hot Key Ctl+Alt+Z)
Then following prompts that appear:
Select position for pattern:


Select the “Waterline Depth” command (Hot Key Ctl+W) and select the “In” waterline
to set the depth.
Hold down “Ctl” key to disable the Position Snap (this enables the cursor snap) and
cursor. Select the intersection of the bottom of the counterbore and the centerline of
the waterline.
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Orient Smart Pattern Free or Right angles: Select “Right”
Free: Select this option when the Smart Pattern is going to be on any angle other than
90°.
Right: Select this option when the Smart Pattern is going to be 90° to any axis.
Select point along Major Axis: This is the installation direction. Cursor select along the
centerline of the waterline.
Digitize along Top direction: (This is the “Y” axis.) Cursor select along the line that represents
the bottom of the counterbore. This will create a 90° angle between the major and minor (top
direction) axis.
The Smart Pattern will be placed.


Display the Smart Pattern and the waterline to the Long section.
Use “Verify Components” in the “Tools” menu to review how XMD recognizes the
component.
Adding A Smart Pattern Perpendicular to a View
For this exercise we are going to add a second Jiffy connector to the” Out” waterline.



Change to the Short section view.
Add the same Smart Pattern as above.
The following prompts appear:
Select position for pattern:



Select the “Plate Depth “command (Hot Key Ctl+P) and select the Cavity block from the
list.
Select the “Far” option to set the depth to be on the same side of the mold as the
waterline.
XMD will prompt you for an offset value. Select 1.125. This will set the depth to be the
same as the bottom of the waterline’s counterbore.
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
Hold down “Ctl” key to disable the Position Snap (this enables the cursor snap) and then
cursor select the intersection of the two centerlines of the counterbore for that
waterline.
Orient Smart Pattern Free or Right angles: Select “Right”
Select a point along the Major Axis or hit “Enter” if perpendicular to screen.
This is the installation direction. The component, when installed, will be pointing out of the
screen toward you, or perpendicular to the screen.

Hit “Enter’ to choose perpendicular to the screen.
Into or Out of View: Select “Out of View”.
Digitize along Top direction: (This is the “Y” axis.) Select the “EndEnt” of the horizontal
centerline.
The Smart Pattern is placed and automatically displayed in the Cavity plan view.
Adding A Custom Assembly
A Custom Assembly is an XMD component, created by combining a Smart Pattern, and other
XMD components. The Custom Assembly carries with it all of the same characteristics as Smart
Patterns. All components in the assembly can be individually itemized in the Bill Of Materials.
Before we can add a Custom Assembly, we first have to first create one.






Add the Smart Pattern “WTRMD18”. Place it in the Short section, in the center of the
plate.
Use “Plate Depth” and set the depth to the “Manifold Spacer”, “Far Side”.
Use Snap and Cursor position when placing the component.
The “Major Axis” will be “Perpendicular to View”.
It will be automatically displayed to the Cavity plan view. Display it to all other views.
Add two, ¼ inch S.H.C.S. to hold the manifold in place.
Create the Custom Assembly

Select from the “Modify” menu, the “Assembly” button. Select from there the “Create
Custom Assembly” command.
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XMD will prompt you for the following:




Select “Main Smart Pattern for Custom Assembly”. Select the water manifold.
Select Components to add to custom assembly. “Single” select the screws.
Enter Custom Assembly file name: “WTRMFD with screws”.
Enter A Description: 3 port water manifold with screws.
The custom assembly is created. Delete the water manifold and screws.
Add the Assembly




Select, from the “Add” Menu, the “Add Custom Assembly” command.
Select “WTRMFD with screws” from the dialogue box.
Select “Yes” for “Default Orientation and Depth”.
Use “Snap” and cursor to place the assembly in the center of the “Manifold Spacer
Plate”.
The assembly will be placed where the selection was made, in the same orientation that the
assembly was created and at the depth it was created at.
Selecting “No” to “Default Orientation and Depth” allows for the Custom Assembly to be
placed in any position. After selecting “No”, the assembly can be placed exactly the same way as
the main Smart Pattern’s orientation.
Notes: Custom Assemblies can be used in any XMD jobs. The default orientation and depth
carries over to other jobs as well.
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CHAPTER 13
THE TOOLS MENU
This menu provides users with various utility commands that will prove useful during the course
of design.
Undo
Redo
Level Tools
Bill of Materials
Toggle Labels
Attributes
Ejector Pin Chart
Waterline Depth
Plate Depth
Create Arrows
Interference
Checking
XMD Options
Verify Component
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A.
LEVEL MANAGEMENT TOOLS:
This group of commands helps to make level manipulation a little easier. The designer can turn
levels off and on by selecting lines and arcs on the particular level. The previous level
configuration can be quickly restored with the click of a button. Also, levels can be added and
removed by selecting them numerically with the given interface panels.
U NLOCK L EVELS :
XMD uses level locks to prevent the deletion of KeyCreator
or XMD levels. When using KeyCreator, without XMD, the
user can delete levels at will. A particularly dangerous
situation can arise, especially for XMD, when a parent level
is deleted. Once the parent level is deleted, all child levels,
even if they contain geometry, are automatically deleted as
well. Level locks were created for this reason.
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The Unlock Levels command will remove all the level locks that XMD has created, thereby
allowing users to delete and move levels. If used, users must take extreme caution when
managing their levels with KeyCreator!
R EMOVE A LL L EVELS (E XCEPT THE SELECTED E NTITY ):
This command allows the user to remove all displayed levels except the level of the selected
entity. This selection does not change the active level to be the same as the displayed level. If
this is desired, it must be done manually.
R EMOVE L EVEL ( OF S ELECTED E NTITY F ROM T HE D ISPLAY ):
This command removes the level by selecting an entity from that level. The active level is not
changed. If this is necessary, then it must be done manually.
R ESTORE L EVELS :
This command is a type of undo option. The previous levels can be re-displayed or restored as
to the condition of the initial level display. This command works in conjunction with above two
level commands.
A DD L EVELS :
This command allows you to add one or more levels, by their numbers, to the current display.
The dialogue box below will prompt you.
R EMOVE L EVELS :
This command allows you to remove one or more levels, by their numbers, from the current
display. The dialogue box below will prompt you.
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A DD P ARENT L EVEL ( WITH CHILDREN ):
This command allows the user to turn on multiple files at once. The parent level and all sub
(children) levels are turned on simultaneously.
R EMOVE P ARENT L EVEL ( WITH C HILDREN ):
This command will remove all child levels that are associated with the parent level.
For example: If Parent level 100 exists with ten child levels, 100.1, 100.2, 100.3, 100.4, 100.5,
etc. When this command is used and the parent level (100) is removed, the child levels, 100.0100.10 are also removed.
Add All Levels (with children):
This command adds all displayed levels. Parent along with any children levels will be displayed
in the view.
R EMOVE A LL L EVELS :
All displayed levels, including child levels will be turned off. (hidden from view)
B.
UNDO:
Allows for the "Rolling back" through completed commands. If, for example, a wrong location
was chosen, or some error was previously made, the commands can be undone back to the last
time that the XMD Job was saved.
C.
REDO:
This command automatically adds a command that was removed using the Undo command.
The redo command can be performed between the first saved command and the last executed
command. Redo can be invoked an unlimited number of times.
D.
BILL OF MATERIALS:
This section of the XMD program is where the Bill of Materials is automatically created. XMD
keeps a running total of the components and their quantities in its data base for quick and easy
access. The components must be XMD Components or Smart Patterns. Any user geometry
cannot be automatically maintained.
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Bom Facts:






The BOM can be moved using KeyCreator commands. XMD will continue to update the
relocated BOM.
Text in the BOM can be manually updated using KeyCreator’s text editing commands.
Any BOM can be deleted with XMD's delete command from the Modify menu. Click on
the line of the BOM and a prompt will appear verifying your selection, click Yes, and the
BOM and any balloons will be deleted.
A BOM can be created without balloons. The user can create a steel only or a complete
BOM.
Balloons can be moved using the XMD move commands. The user will have a choice as
to whether to move the Node or the Balloon. Moving the node will keep the balloon
latched onto the component while moving the balloon will unlatch the balloon and
leader line and the complete assembly will be moved.
The BOM can be created on an individual sheet by using the Edit Drawings command as
found in the Drawing Menu.
S TART A B ILL OF M ATERIAL :
This command allows for the implementation of a material list without any balloons. The user
will can create a Steel only list or a full list. You can then go back and begin the ballooning
process. When ballooning with this approach, the sheet numbers will be filled in as the balloons
are added.
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B ALLOONS :
This is the conventional method of creating a BOM. The user can create the balloons first thus,
"building up" the BOM as he/she moves along.
A list of all of the configured BOMs will appear in this list. You can choose the BOM by double
clicking from the list.
Using the dialogue box below you can choose the location of the BOM. (lower right corner)
XMD will now allow you to configure the appearance of the BOM with the next dialogue box.
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Width/Color : Select a line width and color for the horizontal and vertical lines making up the
BOM.
Text: Choose text color by clicking on the button.
Blank Entry: This area can be configured to be any symbol on the keyboard. This symbol will
appear when User Geometry ( is ballooned.
Detail #: Letters or numbers for entry identification...1,2,3, or A,B,C, etc.
Font: You can configure how the text for the BOM entries will appear. Box, Bold fonts are
standard KeyCreator fonts. The slant angle can be set the same as KeyCreator's.
Maximum Blocks: Here you can set the number of entries to stack up before creating a second
or third column.
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E.
EJECTOR PIN CHART:
This command automatically creates a chart of all ejector pins in the XMD job. The actual sizes,
cut-off lengths and additional pin information is also presented in this chart.
The actual plate sizes will differ from the drawing sizes. They should be obtained from the
toolmaker to get more accurate results. The actual sizes can be typed in the appropriate
dialogue box. After inputting the sizes click OK
The designer can establish how much "benching stock" that is to be left on the pin. Hit OK.
You are now placing the pin table. Use any of the above choices.
The Pin chart will appear. You are then asked to select a location for the Actual plate size note.
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Ejector Pin Chart with Plate Sizes Notes:
Notes:
1) The detail column will be filled in if the pins
have been ballooned.
2) The Code Number (second column) will
appear in plan view, beside the corresponding
ejector pin.
3) If any changes are made simply delete the
chart and create a new one.
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F.
COMPONENT LABELLING:
This command allows the user to place text on any XMD component, in any view. The text will
contain information about the component that is going to appear on the material list.
Example: A SHCS will have the diameter and length in the
component label.
Notes:


This command is a toggling command. To remove
the labelling simply select the command again,
select the label to turn off.
Component label text height and font styles can be
set in the configuration file.
G.
ATTRIBUTES:
Line and text attributes can be set, changed, and viewed with this group of commands.
Selecting any entity can change the active level.
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S ET T EXT A TTRIBUTES :
This command allows the user to set the default text attributes to that of a selected text entity.
After selecting the text entity, the default font, aspect ratio, text height, level and all other
attributes will change to match the selected entity.
S ET E NTITY A TTRIBUTES :
This command allows the user to set the default attributes to that of a selected entity. After
selecting the entity, the default line type, line width, color, level, and all other attributes will
change to match the selected entity.
Note: If a spline or Solid is selected the level will be set to match the selection. Other attributes
will not change.
C OPY T EXT A TTRIBUTES :
Text attributes can be changed "on the fly" using this command. Select the text to change the
others to, and then select the text you want to change. The text will change to match the text
that was first selected
V IEW A TTRIBUTES :
This command provides immediate access to the selected geometry's attributes. After selecting
the geometry to view, the dialogue box below will appear, displaying the applicable attributes. .
If more information about the text or entity attributes is required, use the KeyCreator
command, “Tool/Verify/Entity” in the KeyCreator pull down menu.
C HANGE A RROW D IRECTION :
This allows you to reverse the direction of the dimension arrows and the label leader lines.
Select the icon, select the text to change. The arrows and leader lines will reverse automatically
C HANGE W ITNESS L INES :
This command is a duplication of KeyCreator's witness lines command. The witness line can be
manipulated to display either both, first second or none. As you click through the menu, the
corresponding witness line(s) will be removed from the display. This is especially helpful in
removing duplicate line entities from dimension witness lines being on top of each other.
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C HANGE D IMENSION P RECISION :
This command allows the user to change the number characters after the decimal point. XMD
typically creates a 3 place decimal dimension. This can be edited by clicking on this command.
After you click on it, a dialogue will come up where you can select the desired precision. You
can then use Workshop's selection menu to select the dimensions to change.
H.
SET WATERLINE DEPTH:
This command allows you to place a waterline parallel or perpendicular to another waterline at
the same depth as the originally selected waterline. This icon must be used in the “Immediate
Mode”, by assigning it to a Hotkey or a Toolbar, in order for it to work.
A waterline(s) must be already in place.
Depth by ?.
Select the waterline and then place the new waterline.
Note: In order to take full advantage of this command, the waterlines must be placed Choose
the method to place the waterline.
Before placing the perpendicular waterline select the Waterline depth icon.
The dialogue box will prompt you to select the waterline setting its position with the cursor. If
hard positions such as endpoints, intersections, etc. are used then the water will be drawn at Zzero. Since the tool drawings are created in 2D, the drawings are automatically placed at Z-zero.
The hard points override the depth setting. Use the snap position along with the cursor
positioning to achieve nominal placements.
I.
PLATE DEPTH:
This command will automatically set the working depth according to a chosen plate. This
command is especially good for creating angled waterlines.
Setting the Plate Depth: Depth can be set from any plate in the XMD job. There will be slightly
different dialogue whether the depth is set from section or plan view.
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Plan View Dialog
Section View Dialog
Near & Far: The sides of the mold (section
Top & Bottom: The faces of the plate in plan views); “Near” being the closest side, as if you
views.
were standing beside the mold.
J.
WATERLINE ARROWS:
This command provides the user with the ability to place arrows on any centerline. This
command is particularly useful for displaying waterline flow directions but it is not limited to it.
There are two arrow Options, straight and curved.
CURVED WATERLINE ARROWS
STRAIGHT WATERLINE ARROWS
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K.
VERIFY COMPONENTS:
This command allows the user to review
an XMD Component with regard to its
type, size, vendor, and quantity. The
information that is reviewed is what will
be displayed in the Bill of Materials.
XMD keeps a running total of all of its components in a mold. As the mold is updated, the
counts and identifiers of the components will also be updated.
L.
INTERFERENCE CHECKING:
This part of the XMD program will assist the user in checking the mold design to determine if
there are any existing conditions where a component, or feature in the tool design may be
hitting or interfering with other components.
Various component types can be chosen from including waterlines, ejection, generic holes, or
all components at once. These component types can then be checked against other
component types, or certain solid features of the mold such as the part and parting surfaces (as
found on levels 100.1/200.1, and 100.2/200.2 respectively). You can also check against “Plate
Faces” which identifies the faces of the plate solids that likely correspond to the part and
parting line geometry.
A minimum distance can be established by simply entering it in the appropriate area in the
dialogue box.
After the procedure has been invoked, XMD will display the results in a dialogue box. The
designer can choose to review the results in 2D or 3D. The area in question can be easily found
by clicking on the result in the dialogue box. After clicking on it, it will become highlighted in the
tool design. The conflicting component can be moved and the interference check rerun, the
minimum distance changed, or the conflict ignored.
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After interference layout or procedure has been established it can be saved for future use.
Many configuration templates can be saved and called upon when needed. XMD will create an
“.itf” file, using the saved name as the title. It will be saved, by default, to the same location as
the XMD support files, (title blocks, BOM, “.cfg”, Smart Patterns). The user can change the
default path.
Interference Checking Interface: After clicking on the interference icon a series of dialogue
boxes will appear. The first one is where the checking parameters can be set or established.
Interference files can be opened, and new ones saved.
Note: The name of the active file is displayed on the top of the dialogue box.
Save File: This icon will save and resave an existing “.itf” file after changes have been made.
Save As: This command will allow the user to change the name or the location of an existing
file. If the interference parameters are being saved for the first time, then the "Save As"
command will be invoked automatically.
Open File: Any interference file (*.itf) can be accessed from here.
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Active: These checkboxes allow the user to turn a checking operation “Off” or “On”, as
required. The "X" in the box indicates that the operation is “On”, while a blank box shows that
the operation is “Off”.
Check: Any of the components from the pull down menu can be picked to
check. The selected component will be placed in the dialogue box.
Against: This selection is made to work in conjunction with the selected
component to be checked. The selected component will be placed in the
dialogue box.
Within: The minimum distance from which the components are to be away from one another
can be input here. Simply click in the entry area and type in the desired value.
Cancel: Exits the command.
Check: Once all of the above values or selections have been entered, the user can then execute
the interference command by selecting on the “Check” button. A progress bar appears as the
component relationships are being analyzed. Another dialogue box displays the results. The
interference with the specified (allowed) tolerance is displayed along with the actual componentto-component distance. If the actual distance is zero, then the two components are colliding with
one and other.
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

The dialogue box can be dragged anywhere on the screen in order to access the
conflicting components.
When the conflict is selected in the dialogue box, it becomes highlighted in the tool
design.
The designer can search the design easily by clicking on the 2D or 3D icons on the bottom of the
dialogue box.
Viewing the interference in 2D
Viewing the interference in 3D
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EXERCISES
Most of the “Tools” menu commands have been used in the previous chapters. The ones that
have yet to be reviewed are the “Level Tools” and the “Attributes Tools”. They can be reviewed
in the chapter above.
An important part of the Level Tools is to know what Hot Keys execute the commands. Review
the” Hot Keys the Tools Menu” for all XMD commands by clicking on the “Add Ins” pull down
menu. The Hot Keys that are established for the commands are displayed there.
The entire “XMD.kbd” command structure can be reviewed in the Appendix.
A DDING A B ILL OF M ATERIALS AND B ALLOONS
There are two ways to create a bill of materials with XMD. You can create the entire BOM and
balloon it after or you can create the more traditional style BOM by adding the balloons and
building up the material list as you go along. The balloons will be in numerical order when you
use the traditional method. Using the first method, the balloons will be more randomly
arranged because the BOM was created and ordered in the same way that the mold was
developed.
Add the Bill of Materials (the full method)







Switch to the Short Section.
Select the “BOM” command and select the first icon.
Select the “Demo.bmc” file from the list.
Pick a position over the title block the place the lower right hand corner of the Bill Of
Materials.
The configuration dialogue box appears (See page 12-29) Click “OK”
You re then prompted to either select a “Full” or “Steel Only” BOM.
Select “Steel Only”. A Bill Of Materials is generated listing the sizes all of the plates that
make up the mold.
This can be used for ordering the steel for the job after approval.
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
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Use the “Delete” command; select the top line of the BOM. Select “YES” to the prompt,
“Delete all Material Lists”.
Add another Bill Of Materials the same way as above but, this time select the “Full“
option. A complete BOM, consisting of all of XMD’s components, Smart Patterns and
Custom Assemblies will be displayed.
Notice that the sheet numbers are empty in the list. We will review this in “Adding Balloons”.
This is a great method to get the components listed. Be aware that this list does not contain any
user geometry. If anything was drawn or added manually to the design it will not be
automatically listed. It can be done manually when the balloons are added.
Adding Balloons





Start in the Short section.
Select the “Balloon” button from the BOM menu.
Select the first command, the balloon with a leader line.
The configuration dialogue box appears (See page 12-30). Make sure that the
“Alignment” is checked to “None”.
Click on the “Draw” button.
Indicate position for balloon: Select above the top clamp plate near the vertical center of the
mold
Digitize leader segments or hit “Enter” to place arrow: Hit” Enter” and then select the line that
represents the wirer channel cover plate. (You can zoom up using the “Alt+W” Hot Key)
Note: If you don’t hit “Enter” right away, you can click anywhere on the screen to create a
“Dog-legged” type leader line.
This places the first balloon.




Hit the “Backup” button. The configuration dialogue box re-appears. Click on the
“Horizontal” button in the “Alignment” area. Click on the “Set” button.
Place the second balloon by clicking near the area where you want the balloon to
appear. The new balloon will automatically align horizontally with the first one.
Hit “Enter” and select one of the screws that are holding down the cover plate.
Continue on with the ballooning the view as described. Stop in the same location as
shown below.
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
Create more balloons down the side of the mold. Use the “Alignment” option and set it
to “Vertical”. Select the Manifold Spacer as the first component.
The balloons descending the side of the mold might be too close to the side. They can be
relocated with the “Move” command.



Select the “Move Horizontal” command. Select the last horizontal balloon that you
created.
Select the “Node” option when prompted..
Cursor select farther away from the mold’s edge to provide a good distance between
the mold and the balloon. The balloon should be moving with your cursor selections and
the arrow should remain “locked” in its original position.
Note: the Balloon option will allow for the movement of the entire balloon




Hit “Escape” to exit from the command.
Align the vertical balloon with the newly located horizontal balloon. (You have to do this
manually. It is a good idea to
have snap on for this
procedure)
Add a balloon to the slide.
This is not an XMD
component rather it is user
geometry. XMD doesn’t
recognize this component, so
a dialogue box appears
where you can fill in the
information. It will be
transferred directly to the
Bill Of Materials.
Continue adding the balloons
until you’ve finished the one
side.
Note: Notice in the BOM, all of the component’s
information has been added, except for the sheet
number. This gets added after the component has
been ballooned. It can be used as a “double check”
method. Once the sheet numbers are filled in, all of
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the XMD components have been ballooned. The user geometry will have to be done manually.
Removing and replacing Balloons and BOM Entries
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

Use XMD’s “Delete” command select a balloon.
Answer, “Yes” to both prompts, “Delete balloon” and “BOM entry”.
The balloon and the BOM entry will be deleted.
Repeat this procedure for a few other balloons.
Try to go back and re-balloon a previously deleted item. Notice that the blank space
doesn’t get filled in. XMD continues on to the next successive number, leaving the
spaces blank.
Click on the “Renumber balloons” command.
Select “Yes” when prompted.
Select a starting number of 1.
XMD will rebuild the BOM, starting with the number that you specified.
Delete the BOM
Use XMD’s “Delete” command; select the top line of the BOM.
Delete all material lists? Select “Yes”. The BOM and all balloons will be removed.
The Conventional Method
This method is where the balloons and the BOM are created simultaneously. The balloon
numbers are placed in numerical order.








Switch to Section A-A
Select the “Create the Balloon” command.
Select the “Demo.bmc” file from the list. Place it above the title block.
Click “OK” to bypass the configuration options and click on the first balloon option in the
new dialogue box.
Select the top of the mold near the vertical center to place the first balloon.
Hit “Enter” to place the balloon. (You can still make “dog-legs” if you don’t hit enter.)
A dialogue box appears, presenting you with the BOM entry for that component. You
can edit the text here.
Click “OK”, the entry is placed in the BOM.
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
Use the “Alignment” command. Finish the exercise by creating balloons in this view and
in the Long section.
Placing the BOM on its own Sheet





Click on the “Other Drawings “ (Ctl+A) command in the “Display” menu. The border and
title block will appear.
Use the Conventional method (above) to start the procedure.
The balloon prompt will appear, select the first one. Click “OK”.
Click the “Draw” button.
When prompted to place the first balloon, use the Hot key (Ctl+Num5), switch to the
short section and balloon as you normally would.
The Material List automatically becomes sheet number 1.
Other BOM Commands


There are four commands left to be reviewed, “Export BOM”, “Create A Report”,
“Output BOM” and the “Ejector Pin Chart”. Exercises are not necessary for these
commands.
Read pages 12-32 and 12-33 to review these commands. Try to make an Ejector Pin
chart in the Core Plan view of your drawing.
Note: After you make an ejector pin chart, review the pins in the Core plan view and then create
a detail drawing of the ejector retainer plate. Notice that the Code numbers in the chart are
transferred to both the Core plan and the Plate detail.
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CHAPTER 14
THE XMD CONFIGURATION PROGRAM
The XMD Configuration program is where the user can customize XMD. The user is able to
select components, waterlines, 2D moldbase lines, clearances and many other options for
customization. The selections can then be incorporated into XMD as default values when a new
job is started.
The XMD Config application can be accessed from the Windows Start
menu. Under “All Programs” there should be a folder that starts with
“XMD” which will contain a shortcut to the config program.
Configuration Files: XMD Configurations are saved to and loaded from the hard drive. Since
users can create multiple configurations, it is important to note which configuration is currently
loaded. This can be found just underneath the menu bar:
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Two pre-configured config files are supplied automatically called xmd.cfg (inch) and
xmdmm.cfg (metric). These cannot be modified so it is recommended that you create your own
configuration by doing a “Save As” operation from the File menu.
There are a number of files necessary for the configuration file to work. Some are automatically
created. All are based on the names that were supplied by the user. The files are stored in the
“CFG” folder either in the default “XMD” folder on a local drive or in a folder that has been
directed to a network drive. The 3D holes configuration is located in a “Holes” subfolder in the
same, “CFG” folder. The “cfg” file will be copied from the default folder into the new job folder
at the start-up of the XMD job.
Before closing the application, the user is asked to save their changes.
Default Configuration: When the XMD Config program is first run, the default configuration is
loaded automatically. You can change the default config file by choosing the “Set Current As
Default” option in the File menu. This will change the default config file for both the XMD
Config program and new jobs created in XMD.
A.
MOLDBASE:
This portion of the XMD Config Application deals with the customization of offset guide pin
corners, locations for guide pin and ejector box components. There are many other clearance
options that are configurable, including chamfers and machining faces.
O FFSETS :
Offset Corner: Here the designer can predetermine the offset corner for the mold. The offset
corner can be selected by clicking the “Change” button. The potential offset corner will highlight
with the red circle. It will rotate about the mold in a counter clockwise manner.
Offset short rail screw under leader pin: To offset short rail screw under leader pin select
"yes" by clicking in the check box.
The designer can choose the components that are to be offset, and by how much by modifying
the numbers at the bottom of the dialogue box. Return pins, leader (guide) pins, and ejector
guides can be offset in both the X and Y directions.
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L OCATIONS :
The
designer
can
control the fractional
placement
of
components with this
dialogue box. The
locations below are
suggested by XMD but
they can be changed to
suit individual needs.
C HAMFERS :
Chamfers can be modified and set for each individual
plate in the mold. XMD's suggested defaults are
displayed at startup but can be altered.
F ACES :
The workface corner is used by the Plate Details
command inside XMD. The designer can set
workfaces by clicking on the Change Workface
button. The red triangle will move around the
block until a workface is selected. The user can
then select and customize the names of all of the
block faces. Simply click on the face and the
corresponding face will change color.
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M ISCELLANEOUS :
This area of the configuration program allows the user to adjust clearance parameters, clamping
preferences, export options, and material label options, as seen in the picture below:
Launch the Plate Export Configuration Utility: This button will launch a separate configuration
utility that will supply the default settings for exporting plate solids from within XMD.
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Output Directory: The default location of all exported plate geometry.
Output Formats: The default file format(s) for exported plate solids.
Hole Options: How XMD should represent the holes for the exported plate solids. Holes can be
extracted from the solids, or represented as wireframe leaving the solids untouched. You can
also optionally choose to add a wire representation of the threading for both pipe taps and
generic taps. Users can also choose to export only eye bolt holes.
Misc.: Miscellaneous options, such as rules to enforce with regards to file names.
Plate File Name Configuration: This table is used to define shop specific naming
conventions. The default is made up of a job number field, followed by a plate name field,
resulting in the following example file name (as pictured above):
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When a plate is exported, the file name is generated by reading the fields from top to
bottom. The order can be adjusted by highlighting a row and using the up and down arrows on
the right.
To add new fields to your template, simply click the Add button on the bottom left. To remove
fields, highlight an existing field and click the Remove button. To edit existing fields, doubleclick the field you would like to edit.
Fields have some standard properties:
Field Name: This is the text that is placed at the top of the field’s column in the Export Dialog.
Field Type: There are multiple types of fields available, such as Date, Material, Custom Text,
etc. These are explained in detail below.
Plate Specific: Whether this field is displayed separately for each plate in the Plate Specific
table, or once in the Common table.
Required: If checked, XMD will not allow the export process to proceed until the field has been
set. In the pictured example, the “Designer” field has been marked required so that the
designer won’t forget to attach his or her name to the export.
Prefix – Each field can have a prefix set which will appear in front of the value. Prefixes should
be used to separate the various fields. You will typically want every field (except the first) to
have either an underscore or a dash as the prefix. You can also use prefixes to be more
descriptive about what the following field represents (as illustrated in the picture to the right).
Options: Certain field types have additional settings besides the above.
There are a variety of field types available:
P LATE S PECIFIC F IELD T YPES
During the export procedure, the following predefined field types will appear in the lower
“Plate Specific Properties” table. Because XMD understands them, they will be automatically
populated with the corresponding values. The following plate specific field types are available:
Plate Name: This will use the plate’s name as-is, including the plate number.
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Plate Code: This field is used to map plate names to user-defined
plate codes. It consists of two columns and as many rows as you
need (pictured on the right). To add or remove a row, use the
Add and Remove buttons at the bottom.
The column on the left represents the plate names that you want
to match, and is populated initially with the standard plate names
XMD uses. The column on the right represents what the plate
name on the left will be replaced with.
Matching is done based on what the plate name starts with, and
is not case sensitive. The pictured example will match a plate
called “Manifold” with the code “SPCR”, but will not match a plate
called “Cavity Manifold” because it starts with “Cavity”, not
“Manifold”.
Setting up a plate code field
In the event that a plate name does not match up with a code, the
plate name (minus the number portion, if any) will be used. Therefore, you need only define
those plates for which the standard name is not sufficient.
Plate Number: This field type will try to identify a number code at the end of a plate
name. Number codes often take the form 1, 1A, or A, and are proceeded with a space, dash, or
other delimiter.
This field is very useful when a plate code field is used, so that when multiple plates match up
with the same plate code, this field can be used to differentiate.
Plate Material: The configured plate material.
Plate Detail Number: The assigned detail number in the BOM.
C OMMON F IELD T YPES
The predefined common field types will appear in the upper “Common Properties” table of the
Export dialog, and will be automatically populated by XMD. The following common field types
are available:
Job Number: The job number, as it appears in title block.
Date: The date at the time of export. Multiple formats are available to choose from.
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C USTOM F IELD T YPES
Custom fields are completely user-defined, and will not be populated by XMD during the export
process. You must be careful to define them as either plate specific, or common. The
following custom field types are available:
Custom Text – This field type can be used to tell the
Export program to include a generic text field. A prime
candidate for this field type would be the revision level.
Custom Combobox – This field type is similar to the
above, but allows you to predefine the possible values
(pictured to the right). At the time of export, these
values will be displayed in a combobox that the
designer can then choose from. Note: It is also
possible for the designer to manually type in a
new value if needed.
Fixed Text – This field type is somewhat unique in that
it does not visibly appear in either table of the Export
Dialog. It will simply appear in every file name that is
generated, in the order that is has been defined in. It
can be used, for example, to start every file name with
your company’s initials.
Defining a custom combobox field
Below is an example of a fully customized plate file name format:
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B.
COMPONENTS
This portion of the config program allows the user to set many options with regard to the
appearance of the design. Vendor preferences and the default units (inch or metric) can also be
set here.
C OMPONENTS :
Component: Lists all of the configurable XMD components. The components that are
highlighted in blue allow the user to be more specific in the set up of those components.
Color: Allows the user to select the default color for each component.
Label & Show Label: Identification initials for components are configured here. The user has
the option of changing the initials (2 max.) and choosing whether or not they are to be displayed
by clicking the “Show Label” option on or off.
Vendor: Most vendor categories are listed as default. When default is chosen the component will
appear in the BOM with the vendor name that is at the top of the list in the Vendor Preferences
area. If the user desires different vendors for particular components the default can be changed.
Default Units: The user can set the components to be created either as metric or inch in the tool
design.
Metric: Clicking this selection on allows the user to override the default settings of individual
components, as set in the Default Units.
Example:
If the default units were set to Inch and we required all ejector pins to be drawn in metric sizes,
we could set the ejector pin unit category to metric by clicking the metric button on.
Vendor Preferences: The vendors that XMD supports are all listed in this category. The user
can drag a vendor to the top of the list. This will be the default vendor. If XMD and the vendor
support them, all components, they will appear in the BOM with the top vendor as the supplier.
You can use your favorite vendor names to organize the list. XMD will automatically search the
list as organized to find an appropriate vendor.
W ATERLINES :
The user can select and re-select from many options to configure the waterlines to suit the
necessary standards. The three configuration styles for water are NPT, British Standard Taper
and Metric Taper.
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Default Waterline Size: This can be set so that the same sized waterline will be drawn all the
time. This default can be changed to be job specific by selecting the “Default WL Size” in the
Waterline Options dialogue box.
Default distance from waterline tangent to part: The desired distance can be set here and it
can be modified for different jobs when the Autowater command is used. If the waterlines are
placed individually they can be manually placed at the desired depths.
Default offset of bubblers from part: The offset distance is set here as the default value,
however, by selecting “Modify\Size” and “Bubblers” on the XMD main menu, the distance can
be modified.
Pipe Plug: Clicking this will set all waterlines to have pipe plugs on their ends.
Pipe Taps: Clicking this will set all waterlines to have pipe taps on their ends.
Note: A counterbore check box is under the “Default End” area. With this check box selected, a
counterbore of a pre-configured size will be added to the ends of all waterlines.
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Default WL Standard
This area of the dialogue box allows the user to select the default standard of waterline to be
incorporated. Once selected, the size is directly related to the default waterlines size dialogue
box. The user can set the default waterline sizes for each choice there.
C'bore and Bubbler Sizes:
This area of the dialogue box allows the user to configure the bubbler sizes along with the
counter bore diameters and depths for each size of waterline displayed.
Display:
This area controls the display of the C'bore and Bubbler Size XMD interface. As the user selects
a different waterline style, the new options will appear in the interface area.
L OCKED P INS :
Default settings for how the various types of pins can be locked are found here. Pins can be
either D-Locked, Slot-Locked, or have no lock.
S PRUE W ELL :
Values such as the taper angle, and well dimensions can be configured here for sprue wells:
S URFACE P ROJECTION :
This section pertains to which types of components should be automatically projected, as well
as what color XMD should set them to if they are unprotected (set to manual projection).
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H OLES :
Automatically subtract holes in new plates: If this is checked, XMD will run newly created
plates in “Finished mode”, meaning holes will be subtracted/filled from the solid in real time.
This is not generally recommended.
Configuring Holes: This area of the configuration program is where both the 2D and 3D holes
for the components are determined. New configuration files can be created, old ones deleted
and existing ones modified. Note: For safety reasons, the default file, XMD Standard, is a fixed
file and it cannot be altered.
Creating A New File: The user requires an existing file to begin. Any file from the list of
configured files can be selected. After selecting the file, click on the “Copy” button and XMD
will prompt for a new name. The file can then be modified and saved with the new name.
Modifying An Existing File: To modify the holes
configurations, the user must first select a file to
edit. Once an existing file is selected from the pull
down menu we then select the “Configure” button.
This will display the Holes Configuration Interface.
All changes can be made there.
The Holes Configuration Interface:
This interface is used to customize
the holes for components to
accommodate your company or
customer's requirements. The user
can select the desired component
from the search window. An image
of the component will appear.
Fixed, reference dimensions will be
found in the center dialogue box.
The configurable values will be in
the top most dialogue box.
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Updating the Hole Values: Hole diameters and chamfer sizes can be
modified, individually and collectively. To modify an individual hole,
simply click on the number in the hole sizes dialogue box and enter the
new value.
To modify collectively, click on the button beside the value that is to be
altered. A dialogue box allows you to enter the new value and apply it to many potential hole
situations.
Updating the Chamfer Values: The chamfer sizes can be managed and set individually or by
ranges. Holes that fall within particular size bands can have a specific size, while other holes
within a different range can have a different size chamfer.
These changes can be propagated to all holes in the
entire program, to only holes of this component type,
to components/holes that share the same component
and hole type, and to all holes in the program that
share the same hole type. NOTE: You MUST input a
minimum and maximum hole size, even if you just want
to affect a single row.
Updating the Overdrill Values: Certain hole types, such as counterbores support an overdrill
value. As with setting chamfer values, these can be set individually or by ranges, but can only
be propagated throughout the same component and hole type. For more information, see
Updating the Chamfer Values above.
C.
MISC
Settings not related directly to
components or the moldbase can be
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found in this portion of the configuration program.
BOM:
Here the user is able to set the format of the BOM output. The BOM can be exported in three
ways.
Comma Separated Values: This creates the bill of materials with commas between each
column.
Tab Separated Values: This is the same as Comma Separated Values except the tabs (hyphens)
are separating the columns.
The above two formats are saved into the current job folder as 1234.out. This “out” file can then
be imported into an Excel spreadsheet.
Excel: This option immediately transfers the bill of materials into Excel.
D RAWINGS :
Settings pertaining to XMD-generated drawings can be found here:
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APPENDIX
THE XMD LEVEL STRUCTURE
CAVITY HALF
Geometry
Levels
Cavity Half
**Cavity Part
**Cavity Parting Lines
100
100.1
100.2
**Slides, Lifters, Inserts
**Slides
**Lifters
**Inserts
**Inserted Cavity
100.3
100.3.1
100.3.2
100.3.3
100.4
3D Plates
Top Clamp Plate
Solid Plate
Wire Holes
Misc Components
*Open
*Cavity Half Water (3D
Centerlines)
*Hydraulic & Electrical
*Hydraulic
*Electrical
100.5
100.5.1
100.5.1.1
100.5.1.2
100.5.1.3
100.6
100.7
*Manifolds, Runners and
Gating
*Unassigned Cavity Water
100.9
3D Misc. User Components
100.11
CORE HALF
Purpose
Cavity Part
Cavity Parting Lines
Cavity Mechanisms
Inserted Cavity
3D Cavity Water
100.8
100.8.1
100.8.2
100.10
Cavity Water Not In
Plate
Geometry
Core Half
**Core Part
**Core Parting Lines
**Slides, Lifters, Inserts
**Slides
**Lifters
**Inserts
Levels
200
200.1
200.2
200.3
200.3.1
200.3.2
200.3.3
**Inserted Core
3D Plates
Core Block
Solid Plate
Wire Holes
Misc Components
200.4
200.5
200.5.3
200.5.3.1
200.5.3.2
200.5.3.3
Ejector Pin Projections
*Core Half Water (3D
Centerlines)
*Hydraulic & Electrical
*Hydraulic
*Electrical
*Manifolds, Runners and
Gating
*Unassigned Core Water
200.6
200.7
Misc User Components
200.11
Purpose
Core Part
Core Parting Lines
Core Mechanisms
Inserted Core
3D Core Water
200.8
200.8.1
200.8.2
200.9
200.10
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O THER 3D L EVELS IN THE XMD L EVEL S TRUCTURE
GEOMETRY
Reference Geometry
*Part Set up Body Lines
**Cavity Block (user defined)
**Core Block (user defined)
*Reference Sections
*Associated Misc.
*Associated Misc.
LEVELS
PURPOSE
500
500.1
500.2
500.3
500.4
500.5
500.6
3D Set Up Lines
User Cavity Block
User Core Block
Reference Section Data
Misc. Reference Data
Misc. Reference Data
Notes:
* denotes a level that is positionally associated to the part.
** denotes levels that are treated as positionally associated to the
part and are also analyzed for size in some way.
T HE XMD L EVEL S TRUCTURE F OR 2D D RAWINGS
Notes:
a) Number in brackets denotes parent level.
b) * denotes a level that is positionally associated to the part.
c) ** denotes levels that are treated as positionally associated to the part and are
also analyzed for size in some way.
d) When new drawings are added they will assume the next available number in the
sequential level structure numbering scheme.
CORE PLAN (2)
CAV. PLAN (3)
SEC A-A (4)
SEC B-B (5)
PURPOSE
**Part Geometry
*Parting Lines
**Slides, Lifters, Inserts
**Slides
**Lifters
**Inserts
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
2d Part Section
2d Parting Lines
Mold Base
Components
(all XMD components, except
ejection, water, plates, including
holes, pockets and smart
patterns)
Ejection
Ejection Misc.
Straight Ejector Pins
Stepped Ejector Pins
Sprue Puller Pins
Ejector Sleeve Assembly
Return Pins
2.4
2.5
2.5.x
3.4
3.5
3.5.x
4.4
4.5
4.5.x
5.4
5.5
5.5.x
2d Mold Base (Open)
2d Components
2.6
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.6.5
2.6.6
3.6
4.6
4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
4.6.4
4.6.5
4.6.6
5.6
5.6.1
5.6.2
5.6.3
5.6.4
5.6.5
5.6.6
Free
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Ejection
Ejector Pins
Stepped Ejector Pins
Sprue Puller Pin
Ejector Sleeve Assy.
Return Pins
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Water
Core Water
Cavity Water
2.7
n/a
n/a
3.7
n/a
n/a
4.7
4.7.1
4.7.2
5.7
5.7.1
5.7.2
Hydraulics & Electrical
Hydraulics
Electrical
Manif. , Runners & Gating
2.8
2.8.1
2.8.2
2.9
3.8
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.9
4.8
4.8.1
4.8.2
4.9
5.8
5.8.1
5.8.2
5.9
Bom, Tblk, Dims & Notes
Open (Default Active)
2.10
2.11
3.10
3.11
4.10
4.11
5.10
5.11
Core Water
Cavity Water
Title Block, BOM
Open
Additional sections and views follow the same pattern.
M ATERIAL L IST D RAWING
Bill of Materials
Notes and Dimensions
Free
Open
Title Block and Border
LEVEL
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
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BOM
Open
Title Block
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XMD DEFAULT KEYBOARD FILE SETTINGS (XMD.KBD)
Command
Autoscale
Hot Key
A or Alt + A
Previous Drawing (XMD)
Copy Components (XMD)
Ctrl + B
C
Distance/Angle
D
Modify Attributes (XMD)
E
Show From View (XMD)
F
Add
A
Component(XMD)
Hide Components
New G
CP=DV (Macro)
H
I
J
K
Level Assignment (XMD)
Move (XMD)
Quick Note
L
M
N
Load/Start Job (XMD)
O
Add Smart Patterns (XMD)
P
Add Balloon (XMD)
Modify Size (XMD)
Q
R
S
Show To View (XMD)
T
Entity Information
U
V
Zoom Window
Command
W or Alt-W
Hot Key
Description
Displays entire contents of displayed view on the
screen.
Restores the previously displayed view
Allows the duplication of components to various
positions.
Invokes the distance toolbar where distances and
angles can be measured
Allows for the modification of components linetype,
color ands centerline configurations.
Displays XMD components from a non-active view to
the active view.
Displays the dialogue box where XMD components
can be selected for addition to the drawing.
Removes XMD components from the displayed view.
Makes the Construction View the same as the
Displayed View.
Invokes the Level Assignment dialogue box
Allows for the relocation of XMD components.
Takes the user directly to the text editor dialogue
box.
Opens the dialogue box where XMD jobs can be
loaded or created.
Opens the dialogue box where Smart Patterns can be
selected for addition to an XMD job.
Create balloons on components for the material list.
Allows for the modification of the size and
configuration Of XMD components.
Displays XMD components from the displayed, active
view to another view.
Displays the Attribute and coordinate information
about an entity.
Allows the magnification of a view with a window
Description
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X
Removes an XMD component from the view and the
database.
Displays a dialogue box where the locations of the
component holes are displayed for possible
modification.
Delete (XMD)
Hole Management (XMD)
Y
View Back
Create (Pull Down Menu)
Zoom Double
Set Entity Attributes
Z
Alt + B
Alt + C
Alt + D
Alt + E
Chamfer
Open Layout Dialogue
Add-Ins menu
New File
Set Construction View
Toggle Line Limits
Entity Masking
Alt + F
Alt + G
Alt + I
Alt + J
Alt + K
Alt + L
Alt + M
Level Masking
Open An Existing Part
Alt + N
Alt + O
Pan Active Viewport
Alt + P
Dynamic Rotation
Alt + Q
Alt + R
Zoom Scale
Alt + S
Set Linetype
Alt + T
Define Displayed View
Alt + U
Alt + V
Set Active Color
Set Active Line Width
Snap_125
Command
Alt + X
Alt + Y
Alt + Z
Hot Key
Allows the user to select a new view, either by name
or number to display.
Set default color from the dialogue box.
Set default line width from displayed dialogue box.
Turns on and sets the snap to .125” value.
Description
Other Drawings (XMD)
Ctrl + A
Displays a dialogue box where all XMD drawings can
Restores the previously displayed Workshop Views
The Create Pull Down Menu in Workshop
Magnifies the displayed geometry 2 times size.
Allows the user the set the default linetype, color.
Line width, etc.
Displays the chamfer with trim and no trim icons.
Displays the layout information dialogue box.
Opens a new file.
Displays construction view selection options.
Turns line limits Off/On
Displays dialogue box where entity attributes can be
selected to describe the type for modification.
Lets the user make levels unselectable.
Opens dialogue box where you can open an existing
Workshop file.
Move about displayed view by moving the box
around the geometry.
Allows the user to rotate the geometry freely in
space.
Scale the geometry about a user specified point and
places it in the center of the screen.
Displays dialogue box where the default linetype can
be set.
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be selected for viewing.
Toggle Grid
Create Horizontal Line
On-Line Calculator
Ctrl + B
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + D
Ctrl + E
Ctrl + F
Ctrl + G
Ctrl + H
Ctrl + I
Macro Record
Ctrl + J
Macro Pause
Ctrl + K
Unlock Levels (XMD)
Toggle Restrict Details
Ctrl + L
Ctrl + M
Ctrl + N
Open Workshop File
Ctrl + O
Set Plate Depth (XMD)
Ctrl + P
Delete Multiple
Ctrl + Q
Copy
Set the Construction Depth
Macro Play
Save
Create A Vertical Line
Set Waterline Dept(XMD)
Toggle Snap
Redo
Undo
Command
Box Move
Verify Position
Delta Move
Change Attributes
Ctrl + R
Ctrl + S
Ctrl + T
Ctrl + U
Ctrl + V
Ctrl + W
Ctrl + X
Ctrl + Y
Ctrl + Z
Hot Key
Shift + A
Shift + B
Shift + C
Shift + D
Shift + E
Copies the selected geometry to the clipboard.
Displays selection buttons to set the depth by.
Displays dialogue box of available macros to play.
Turns the Grid display Off/On
Allows for the placement of a horizontal line.
Displays dialogue box where values and functions
can be entered.
Displays dialogue box where new macro can be
named and recorded.
Temporarily stops the recording of a macro so that
other commands can be executed.
Asks for confirmation to unlock all the levels.
Turns On/Off the ability to see dimensions in views
other that the ones that they were created in.
Displays a dialogue box where from which files can
be opened.
Allows the user to set working depth by selecting a
plate.
Defaults to either a single selection or window
selection method for deletion.
Displays dialogue box to save Workshop file.
Allows for the placement of a vertical line.
Allows the user to select a waterline to set
construction depth.
Allows the user to turn the snap settings on/off.
Restores commands that were previously undone.
Removes the previously executed commands.
Description
Displays box move icons
Displays the location of a selected entity.
Displays the command icons
Allows for the modification of an entity’s
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Fillet
Grid and Snap Settings
Horizontal Dimensions
Mirror Copy (XMD)
Project Normal/Skewed
Xform Old/New
Add Custom Assembly
Xform Rotate
Quick Trim Toggle
Vertical Dimension
Add Waterlines (XMD)
Command
Drawing Editor (XMD)
Burst Composites
Create a Label
Make A Composite
Mold Parameters
Edit Splines
Delete Level
Shift + F
Shift + G
Shift + H
Shift + I
Shift + J
Shift + K
Shift + L
Shift + M
Shift + N
Shift + O
Shift + P
Shift + Q
Shift + R
Shift + S
Shift + T
Shift + U
Shift + V
Shift + W
Shift + X
Shift + Y
Shift + Z
Displays filleting icons.
Displays Grid/Snap dialogue box
Icon to create horizontal linear dimension.
Mirroring of XMD components about center of
mold.
Displays the project icons.
Displays the Old/New icons
Displays the Custom Assembly Browser
Displays the 3 rotation options.
Toggles the quick trim command off/on.
Icon to create vertical linear dimension
Displays the waterline creation icons.
Hot Key
Ctrl + Alt + A
Description
Displays dialogue box where drawings and sections
can be added/modified.
Ctrl + Alt + B Converts Composite geometry into individual
entities.
Ctrl + Alt + L Opens dialogue box text can be entered. Arrow will
be place in desired location.
Ctrl + Alt + Combines individual entities to act as one entity.
M
Ctrl + Alt + P Displays dialogue box where mold base and plate
adjustments can be made.
Ctrl + Alt + S Displays spline editing icons.
Ctrl + Alt + X Provides entry box where level number to be deleted
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Snap_06
Ctrl + Alt + Z
can be entered.
Sets snap setting to 1/16” incremental value.
C OMMANDS K EYS O THER T HAN L ETTERS
Command
Line Menu
Arc Menu
Circle Menu
Point Menu
Polyline Menu
Spline Menu
Generic Move
Hot Key
1 (on keyboard)
2 (on keyboard)
3 (on keyboard)
4 (on keyboard)
5 (on keyboard)
6 (on keyboard)
7 (on keyboard)
Create Rectangles
Offset At A Distance
8 (on keyboard)
9 (on keyboard)
Trim First
Trim Both
Trim Double
Trim Divide
Trim Modal
Trim To Position
Generic Edit
Ctrl + 1
Ctrl + 2
Ctrl + 3
Ctrl + 4
Ctrl + 5
Ctrl + 6
Ctrl + 7
Command
Break First
Break Both
Break Double
Break Divide
Break Modal
Break Position
Change Detail Attributes
Hot Key
Alt + 1
Alt + 2
Alt + 3
Alt + 4
Alt + 5
Alt + 6
Alt + 7
Trim/Extend Waterline
Render HLR
Shift + 1
Shift + 2
Description
Displays entire line menu
Displays entire arc menu
Displays entire circle menu
Displays entire point menu
Displays entire polyline menu
Displays entire spline menu
Move individual detail and geometric
entities.
Displays entire rectangle menu
Trim and extend commands
Trim and extend commands
Trim and extend commands
Trim and extend commands
Trim and extend commands
Trim and extend commands
Edit individual detail and geometric
entities.
Description
Break Command
Break Command
Break Command
Break Command
Break Command
Break Command
Allows for changes of
multiple entities at once.
Removes hidden lines
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Render HLD
Render Flat Shaded
Render Smooth
Shift + 3
Shift + 4
Shift + 5
Render Silhouette
Pan Up
Pan Down
Pan Left
Pan Right
Rotate Left
Rotate Right
Rotate Up
Rotate Down
Rotate Clockwise
Rotate Counter-Clockwise
Toggle Tree Window
Shift + 6
Shift + 7
Shift + 8
Shift + 9
Insert
Delete
Home
End
Right Arrow Key
Left Arrow Key
Up Arrow Key
Down Arrow Key
Ctrl + Right Arrow Key
Ctrl + Left Arrow Key
Shift + Left Arrow Key
Displays hidden lines
Displays shaded image
Displays
shaded
with
wireframe.
Displays silhouette outline
Opens and closes the Tree
Window
Render
Without Right Square Bracket
Wireframe
Render as Wireframe
Left Square Bracket
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Workshop View 1
Workshop View 2
Workshop View 3
Workshop View 4
Workshop View 5
Workshop View 6
Workshop View 7
Workshop View 8
Num 1
Num 2
Num 3
Num 4
Num 5
Num 6
Num 7
Num 8
Num 9
Num 0
Num /
Num *
Num Num +
Num Del
Ctrl + Num -
Remove All Levels
Set Active Level
Display All Levels
Remove Level
Add Level
Move To Level
Undisplay Branch
Top View
Front View
Rear View
Bottom View
Right Side View
Left Side View
Isometric View
Axonometric View
Turns off all displayed levels.
Allows user to input level number
Displays all parent and child levels
Removes one or more levels from display
Adds one or more levels from display
Move entities from one level to another
Removes parent and children levels from
C OMMANDS ON THE K EYPAD
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Display Branch
Display A Level
Undisplay A Level
display.
Ctrl + Num + Add parent and children levels from
display.
Shift + Num Display a highlighted level by cursor
+
Shift + Num- Un-display a highlighted level by cursor
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OBSOLETE CHAPTER 1
PREPARING THE PART DATA
Data can be imported into KeyCreator using one of its many translators. Once the data is read
in, it can then be manipulated to become "XMD ready"
XMD was designed to work with surface or solid data. The XMD waterlines, bubblers and
ejector pins are "surface sensitive", which means they will interact with the surface geometry
to obtain optimal mold build conditions.
There are a number of different ways to manage the data so that a designer's computer can
operate at the expected rate of speed. The titles below describe methods of changing data to
keep the design process running as smoothly as possible.
A. CHANGING THE SURFACE DISPLAY:
After the surface geometry is brought into
KeyCreator, it may appear with a multitude of grid
lines. These lines are called surface grids, and they
can be changed. Too many surface grids will result
in longer geometry regenerations. To reduce the
number of grid lines simply do the following steps.
Select Change Flowlines from the Advanced
Modeling
Click on the modify icon.
Select the Change Flowlines icon
Set up the dialogue box to be as shown.
Choose "All Displayed" from the selection menu.
The file will be reduced to the minimum amount of geometry required to accurately display the
part.
C ONVERTING S URFACE GEOMETRY TO WIREFRAME .
This is not a mandatory step in the process. It will be completely dependent on the designer's
computer and its operating power. In most cases, with today's computers, a large amount of
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surface data can be managed easily. If, in the case of multi-cavity tools, where the computer
shows a significant slow down, then surface to wireframe conversion should be employed.
ALWAYS KEEP ONE CAVITY AS COMPLETE SURFACE DATA TO OPTIMIZE THE POWER OF XMD.
B. CONVERTING SURFACES TO NURBSPLINES.
There may be times when a part file is too large, or you are designing a multi-cavity tool, which
may cause your PC to operate at a slower speed than you would like. In these cases it may be
necessary to convert the part or parts into wireframe geometry. If possible, keep at least one
part as solid geometry as XMD’s waterline and ejection tools depend, somewhat on this type of
geometry.
A method of accomplishing the solid/sheet bodies to wireframe task is by exporting a CDL file.
After the CDL file is imported into KeyCreator, it is a composite. All geometry is grouped
together to act as an individual body. This is ok if you are not going to do any work on the data.
Actually it is very easy to move copy and manage this data as a composite. If you do not plan to
alter this geometry, keep it as a composite.
If it is absolutely necessary, the
composite can be disassembled using
the generic Burst command. It is found
under the Edit pull down menu.
A second method is found in the
Advanced Modeling menu, under the Tools command. From there select
the Solids Tools Extract button. Extract the edge curves to create a
wireframe rendition of the part.
Note: Make sure that you an empty level set as active as the wireframe
geometry will be placed on the active level.
C. NOTES ABOUT SOLIDS
XMD is designed to work with both solids and surfaces. The designer can choose the most
efficient method to create the tool layout. If manifold solid core and cavity blocks are
presented, for design startup, they must be converted to non-manifold sheet bodies. XMD will
not recognize a solid block because the geometry that XMD uses to identify the core and cavity
block thicknesses must be placed on separate levels. (500.2, cavity and 500.3, core)
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Once the mold design has been started with sheet bodies, the designer can then use solids as
much as he/she desires. XMD will actually convert some of its own geometry (plates) into solid
models.
D. FILTERING THE PART FILE
There will be times when incoming, non native, CAD geometry contains corrupt entities. These
entities can cause problems within KeyCreator and especially XMD, by causing application
errors and system crashes. These potential problems may be eliminated by filtering the part file
immediately after the file is imported.
M ETHODS OF F ILTERING
F ILTERING W IREFRAME G EOMETRY
Export the wireframe geometry as a CADL file. The CADL (.cdl) file can then be imported into
new file. The Cadl Execute command is found under the Add-Ins pull down menu.
F ILTERING S OLID G EOMETRY :
A solid model can be filtered by using KeyCreator's ACIS SAT translator. In KeyCreator select
"Files>Export>Acis SAT". Enter a name for the new file in the appearing dialogue box. Select the
geometry to be exported. The export is complete. Import the filtered geometry into a new file.
"Files>Import>ACIS SAT". It can also be imported directly into the XMD file, if desired.
E. CHOOSING A POINT OF ROTATION
The part, at this stage, has been cleaned up and filtered. It is now ready to be moved into mold
position. Before the part is moved, it must be "tagged" with a reference point. This point will
become the common location of the data as it moves through the different departments in the
mold design/build/check process.
A common method of "Tagging" the part is to create a point near the geometry, in a strategical
location. This location can be the center of a boss or opening in the part that can be referenced
for its location in the mold. It can also be a bodyline, if a grid system is used in the product
design. This is quite common in the creation of automotive parts. A typical grid point location
could be X=4300, Y=750, Z=250. These points will become the location of the Body Lines, Work
Lines or Setup Lines. The mold is created to be nominally located from the reference points in
the X, Y, and Z axis.
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Note:
When the rotation point and/or body lines are incorporated into the part data, they must be
placed on Level #500.1 (Part Body Set Up Lines). XMD will analyze these levels for their position
with relation to the part. If these lines are placed elsewhere, they could be incorrectly analyzed
for determination of steel size, thus resulting in an incorrect mold design.
E XERCISE
Using the XMD_Training_Part, in the XMD_21_5 folder, perform the following operations that
are required to properly prepare the data.
Change the surface display of the UV flowlines on the part to be 2 and 2.
Using the three exporting methods, dwg, dxf and CDL, create wireframe geometry from the
surface geometry. Import it into a separate file and save it as Training_Wire.ckd.
Export the surface (sheet bodies) geometry as an SAT file to perform the filtering function.
Use File/Export/ACIS SAT to create the SAT file.
Use File/Import ACIS SAT for importation into KeyCreator.
Create a point of rotation, using the Create point at position command, in KeyCreator. Create
the point at X350, Y250 and Z150. Make level # 500.1 active before you place the point.
Save the file as XMDstart_train.ckd
The Expert Training Manual
Copyright © 2011 Cornerstone Intelligent Software Corp.
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