MTI Systems, Inc. has announced a “limited time opportunity” for manufacturers to test its cost-estimating software, Costimator, using their own parts.
The software uses 3DFX—an automatic feature recognition module—to generate estimates directly from a 3D CAD model. It calculates cycle times as well as the cost of manufacturing a part or assembly, based on the capabilities of the suppliers’ equipment and shop rates.Preview of Costimator with 3DFX. (Image courtesy of MTI Systems, Inc.)
Costimator uses industry-validated cost models and time standards compiled from more than 1,600 manufacturers over the last 30 years into a range of database libraries. These include:
- Material Speeds and Feeds
- Process Cost Models
- Feature-Based Cost Models
- Parametric Cost Models
- Worldwide Shop Rates
- Raw Material Data
- Assembly Time Standards
- Handling Time Standards
For a complete list of the manufacturing processes covered by Costimator, click here.
The most recent version of 3DFX is capable of recognizing machining- (milling, drilling and turning) as well as sheet-metal-type features. It is compatible with most major CAD file formats, as demonstrated in the chart below:
In addition to generating cost estimate reports, the software can also generate reports for:
- Process Plans
- Manufacturing Routing
- Multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Supplier Requests for Quotation (RFQ)
“This is an opportunity for companies to see for themselves, using their parts rather than a canned demo, how Costimator with 3DFX can dramatically increase the speed, accuracy and consistency of their cost estimating and quoting process,” said David LaJoie, VP of sales at MTI Systems.
To try out Costimator with one of your parts, register for the demo here.