Abstract: Finishing allowances are given to a structure by a CAD/CAM system, and cutter path data for machining the finishing allowances are simultaneously generated. A surface finish is indicated on a die structure by a finishing mark. Finishing allowances are given to the die structure, producing a die structure with finishing allowances. Thereafter, a physical interference is confirmed on a screen image in order to generate cutter path data for a cutter head with respect to the die structure. If an interference occurs, the operator replaces a cutter with a longer cutter, and confirms again a physical interference. Cutter path data with respect to the die structure with finishing allowances can be generated substantially automatically.

Abstract: Creating a solid (i.e. three dimensional) model with a CAD system, from a two dimensional representation, includes dividing the two dimensional representation into a plurality of shape portions, inputting them into the CAD system, rendering them solid, and then connecting them into the desired solid model. Among the shape portions are those whose cross-sections are substantially uniform. In inputting, the operator of the CAD system need only input line segments of the shape portions in approximately the correct orientation.

Abstract: A pit defining a machining cavity is positioned downstream of a loading conveyor. A workpiece such as a foam block to be machined into a lost foam pattern for use in full-mold casting is fixedly mounted on an invertable workpiece mount base that is positioned above the machining cavity. The machining cavity houses a cutting unit for cutting, from below, the foam block supported on the workpiece mount base. Chips produced when the foam block is cut by the cutting unit are discharged by a chip discharger disposed beneath the machining cavity. The machining cavity can be substantially closed by the workpiece mount base or the foam block mounted thereon. There may be employed upstream and downstream machining stations each having the machining cavity, the workpiece mount base, and the cutting unit. The workpiece mount base in the upstream machining station is vertically movable, and the upstream and downstream machining stations are interconnected by transfer units.

Abstract: A pit defining a machining cavity is positioned downstream of a loading conveyor. A workpiece such as a foam block to be machined into a lost foam pattern for use in full-mold casting is fixedly mounted on an invertable workpiece mount base that is positioned above the machining cavity. The machining cavity houses a cutting unit for cutting, from below, the foam block supported on the workpiece mount base. Chips produced when the foam block is cut by the cutting unit are discharged by a chip discharger disposed beneath the machining cavity. The machining cavity can be substantially closed by the workpiece mount base or the foam block mounted thereon. There may be employed upstream and downstream machining stations each having the machining cavity, the workpiece mount base, and the cutting unit. The workpiece mount base in the upstream machining station is vertically movable, and the upstream and downstream machining stations are interconnected by transfer units.

Abstract: A pressing die comprises a shaping panel form being pressed against a blank to be pressed into a product, an attachment panel adapted to be mounted on a press machine frame, first ribs extending from optimum positions on the shaping panel, second ribs extending from optimum positions on the attachment panel and offset from the first ribs, and intermediate ribs optimally joining the first and second ribs to each other.

Abstract: A pattern for molding a die having a shaping panel and an attachment panel is produced by drawing a first rib figure extending from the shaping panel of the die based on configuration figure data which are entered manually or through data transfer into a computer-aided design system based on the configuration of a product, drawing a second rib figure extending from the attachment panel of the die in view of a relationship to a press machine which incorporates the die, and joining the first and second rib figures to each other thereby drawing an entire die figure.