digital tools and references


Pipe Analysis and Selection Capability: The John F. Kennedy Space Center has developed one new program for the analysis of stresses in pipes and another for the selection of pipe sizes and materials to withstand given pressures. The two programs incorporate stress-analysis equations from the established theory of elasticity, plus data on the strength and elastic properties of commonly used pipe materials. In addition, the programs can make use of data added by the user. The programs incorporate the ASME/ANSI B31.1 and B31.3 piping codes and the JIC code commonly used for hydraulics. Once the user has selected the applicable program and pipe material (and provided data if the material was not previously listed in the database), the program calculates the stress, working pressure, or pipe-wall thickness, as required by the user. Sample input files are included.

Hardware: The programs were written entirely in Fortran 77 on a DEC VAX VMS system. The source code should be compatible with most other Fortran 77 compilers with little modification. Each program consists of about 530 lines of source code. The executable files are included.

Developer: John F. Kennedy Space Center. Contact the Technology Programs and Commercialization Office, Mail Code MM-E, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899; (407) 867-6373; fax (407) 867-2050.

Cost: Available to the general public as a service of the NASA Technology Transfer Program. No licensing fees are required. The software will be provided only to U.S. companies or U.S. citizens.

Mold and Die Machining Capability: Version 3.5 of EdgeCAM, the off-line programming software from Pathtrace Systems, contains new surface machining features aimed at mold and die applications. Enhancements include new projection machining and combination machining techniques plus improved 21/2- and 3-axis milling strategies. The new advanced surface machining module includes cycles for combination finishing, boundary collapse, flow curves, and circular patterns with direct NURB output to the CNC file. Gouge-free projection machining allows the machining of isolated areas defined by 2-D boundaries and reduces cycle times by minimizing surface areas. The new flow curve cycles reduce both toolpath generation time and required skill level, while improving the surface finish and aesthetics of machined components by creating lace cycles between curves and applying planar-pattern toolpaths to the model. Automatic analysis of the model locates areas such as flat lands and steep wall regions. Combination finish cycles are automatically applied to optimize the generated toolpath and ensure a consistent surface finish.

Hardware: IBM-compatible PC running Windows 95, 98, or NT.

Developer: Pathtrace Systems Inc., 2143 Convention Center Way, Suite 100, Ontario, CA 91764; (909) 937-1222; fax (909) 937-1229; usinquiry@pathtrace.com; www.pathtrace.com.

Cost: $950.
Sheet Metal Estimating Machine Shop Estimating (MSE) has added the following estimating modules for sheet metal fabrication: punch press (CNC turret, manual); cutting (laser, plasma, oxyacetylene, water jet); combination machines (punch/laser, punch plasma), press brakes/bending machines (power brakes, hand-operated brakes); shears (power shears, jump shears); nibbling machines; and welding. The modules calculate cycle times based on true machine emulation—by vendor, equipment, and model—in order to provide accurate speeds and feeds.

Hardware: IBM-compatible Pentium PC.

Developer: Micro Estimating Systems Inc., 3106 S. 166th St., New Berlin, WI 53151; (414) 860-0560; fax (414) 860-0561; www.microest.com.

Cost: $6,000 (price varies with number of modules selected).


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