Bridgeport Machines have been using FEMGV for several years. During this time a range of components have been modelled and analysed, ranging from small components in engineering plastics weighing a few grams to large iron castings weighing several tonnes.The picture illustrates a recently developed head casting measuring about 500mm x 500mm x 700mm and weighing 200kg. As a result of this investigation it was possible to change this casting to produce a new product which was 20% longer but of similar weight and stiffness to the original design.The component was modelled using the DXF interface in FEMGV to translate from an AutoCAD drawing, and a linear static and Eigenfrequency analysis was performed giving a good indication of static and dynamic stiffness performance.
