new payout eye toolpath display for the iMove postprocessor

The payout eye positions can now be visualized as a toolpath - either for a single cycle for detailed step-by-step analysis, or across all cycles to provide a clearer view of the envelope of the envelope on which the positions lie.

enhanced friction factor input for pin winding simulation

A new input method for friction factors has been implemented, improving the simulation of pin-supported winding on one or both turning zones, as well as for similar filament winding techniques.

new iMove postprocessor

Version 11.1 introduces a completely redesigned iMove postprocessor that generates smoother and more efficient part programs.

• Completely new algorithms
• Significantly faster calculations
• More precise payout eye positioning
• Additional front and back distance offsets can now be specified alongside the standard distance between the payout eye and the mandrel surface. These extra offsets help optimize movement in the turning zones and can reduce winding times. As a general guideline, the additional distance should be set to half the payout eye width to prevent collisions when the cross-carriage approaches the mandrel rotation axis. Fine-tuning these values allows for smoother transitions and improved efficiency during winding.
• The payout eye position can now be calculated in two distinct modes:
  Non-equidistant spacing: The distances between individual payout eye positions vary. The user specifies a minimum allowed distance between two positions.
  Equidistant spacing: The payout eye positions are evenly spaced, creating a smoother fiber path. The user defines a fixed distance that is applied consistently between all positions.
• An advanced algorithm automatically determines the optimal spacing between payout eye positions, ensuring the smoothest machine motion and the shortest possible winding time.
• The new iMove algorithm prioritizes mandrel rotation over vertical axis movement, intelligently eliminating the need for vertical axis motion. This results in significantly faster production times and simplified part programs. Except for special applications, the vertical position is kept constant (its value can be specified by the user). As a result, a vertical axis is no longer required, further simplifying machine design.
• Completely new velocity and machine dynamics calculations result in smoother machine operation.
• A new equal-time-interval mode ensures steady machine movement, especially effective when using equidistant payout eye positions.
• A global speed factor allows the user to scale the part program speed up or down as needed.
• For closed winding patterns on axisymmetric mandrels, users can now choose to output either just the first cycle or the full sequence of all cycles.

User interface improvements include:

• The postprocessor window is now always directly accessible.
• Calculation results are displayed immediately at the bottom of the postprocessor window.
• A warning is shown for each axis if its range is exceeded.
• A warning is displayed if negative mandrel rotations are detected—these may be required in certain cases, such as when using the vertical axis, a payout eccentricity, or working with non-axisymmetric parts like elbows.

The classic postprocessor from Version 10 remains available for backward compatibility via the POSTPROCESSING menu.

new Machine Profile Manager

Users can now create and manage an unlimited number of machine profiles, each with its own set of machine-specific parameters. Whether working with multiple machines or adjusting different configurations on the same machine, switching between setups is quick and effortless. This is ideal for managing multiple machines or comparing different settings on the same machine - for example, testing variations in velocity or acceleration across one or more axes.

new iMove PRO extension

The functionality of the new iMove post-processor is now modular. The base version covers nearly all common applications, while the iMove PRO extension is designed for advanced users who need more specialized features. This modular approach allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs - accessing advanced tools only when necessary. It keeps CADWIND flexible, cost-effective, and efficient.

For details, see our Compare Packages page.

new NASTRAN output format with PCOMPG

The laminate structure can now be exported in NASTRAN format using PCOMPG layered composite elements. This enables a more flexible and advanced representation of composite materials for structural analysis.

new NASTRAN output for the export to FEA software

In connection with iWind, CADWIND V10.3. offers a new function to export the component geometry and laminate data in NASTRAN (NASA STRucture ANalysis) format. The NASTRAN format can be used for various Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software programs such as MSC Nastran, Siemens Simcenter Nastran / NX Nastran, Strand7, etc.

new HDF5 Composite CAE output format for the export to FEA software

CADWIND V10.2 offers a complete new way to export the component geometry and laminate data to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software: the HDF5 Composite CAE format.

MATERIAL developed the new interface in cooperation with ANSYS. The HDF5 Composite CAE format is also supported by other FEA software manufacturers like Siemens VISTAGY / Fibersim, Altair HyperMesh, etc. Among other things, the HDF5 Composite CAE format allows the analysis of thickwalled components.

iWind

CADWIND V10.1’s main new feature is the new iWind algorithm. iWind is an entirely new way of simulating filament windings. It is rich in new features, all designed to make it faster and easier for the user to find optimal winding patterns and and enhances the CADWIND experience even further.

CADWIND V10.1 gives instant results on the screen as parameters are changed, allowing for fast experimentation. A complete list of possible patterns is displayed from which you can quickly and easily choose the winding that is right for you.

Summary of iWind:

• completely new designed algorithm
• improved friction modelling for better results
• calculates more points with higher precision
• very fast by using the full power of all CPU cores (real parallel processing)
• lists directly a whole range of possible winding patterns
• patterns are shown in an extensive table with all their characteristics
• the pattern list can be sorted, filtered, searched and grouped to quickly find the best patterns
• new types of patterns including patterns with several layers
• optional simulation of the first winding cycle for fast results
• new Live View functionality: instantly visualize windings as parameters change
• all parameters have slider bars, so they can be quickly set by mouse and exactly set by keyboard
• pattern search depth can be set by slider: from "Basic" for speed to "Deep" for all results
• the start position can be changed to help find different winding patterns
• the winding direction can be selected (forward or backward)
• degree of coverage can be set as an acceptable range, only patterns in the range are listed

Project and file management

CADWIND V10.1 has also a new improved project and mandrel file management:

• You can now include the mandrel model data, the output format definition data and comments in the project files. This makes it much easier to manage and document all of your winding projects.
• The mandrel model generator parameters are now written as comments in the MDR files so that the user can directly see the dimensions of the part. Furthermore, the model generator parameters can be saved and loaded for easier use of the mandrel model generator.