Spring Design Software - packages help

[MangaMech]

Can anyone advise on thier experience with the following design software for springs. I'm looking to purchase a program to support a desiggn office in; selection and optimisation, and give hardcopy for a number of product technical files to meet design standards.

MITCalc
SMI see

http://www.smihq.org/public/software/asd6.html

IST see

http://www.ist.org.uk/software_services.htm

Hexagon see

http://www.hexagon.de/fed_e.htm

or any other package that may be of interest for spring design?

Thanks in advance

 

[TVP]

The SMI and IST software are both quite robust and easy to use. They have extensive industry experience, and are used around the globe. I have no experience with MIT Calc or Hexagon.

 

[sbozy25]

I have used all of them. If I had to choose I would agree with TVP, SMI and IST are the premiere software packages out there.

IST costs a little bit more, but I think it is worth it. They have a better selection of materials, and more features to simulate real world application. If I were you I would pony up the little extra and get IST.

 

[dgallup]

I have the old SMI GSDS5 which still works OK but it has a pretty primitive interface & uses an antique dongle for licensing. Every time I upgrade the computer I have to jump through hoops to get the software running again. I would love to upgrade it but SMI does not give existing customers one nickel of price reduction. I only do a couple of springs a year so there is no cost justification. Just a heads up about SMI's retarded pricing policy.

 

[jackpot]

Just a heads up on the old GSDS5 software - there are many critical errors in this program - one for example is the E modulus for CrSi - for some reason it is just a little less than 30000000 ?? And the torsion spring program is baffling.

This error and many others have been corrected in the current version ASD 6.0 - you may want to consider this value next time you design your annual spring.

Jack