As one of the world’s major manufacturers of model railways, PECO is a forward-looking family business that started trading back in 1946. Initially concentrating the production of trackwork for model railway enthusiasts, the company has grown exponentially. To support its expansion, the Devon-based company relies on VISI CADCAM software from Hexagon at its design and manufacturing facility.
PECO’s toolroom manager Simon Cockerham says: “We use numerous licences of VISI across our processes, from concept through to final press or mould tool creation. In addition, we use VISI to generate laser-cut wooden kits featuring surface textures, and create instructions that guide enthusiasts and users on how to assemble the equipment.”
He continues: “VISI has always been very good for our business as it focuses on what we need to do the job. Some of our previous software packages caused issues due to tight component tolerances and the nature of the machining processes that we have to undertake to achieve the geometries required in our press and mould tools.”
VISI incorporates modules such as: modelling; analysis; mould design; flow; electrode design; die tool design; 2.5, three and five-axis toolpaths; blanks; and reverse. This capability provides PECO with the facility to create solid models, design, analyse, validate and prepare mould tool geometries, and perform pre- and post-production analyses of plastic parts.
With dedicated modules for creating electrodes, designing dedicated progressive die and press tools, comprehensive machining strategies, and even reverse engineering of editable solid models from scanned data – VISI provides a complete package for the company.
“Another key reason why we use VISI is the complexity of our products,” says Cockerham. “We need jobs to be right first time.”More information www.bit.ly/4iX3f8h
