New Die Stamping Simulation Software Woos FABTECH

Tool geometries defined in Cimatron can be used directly for process simulation with AutoForm-ProgSim. (Image courtesy of AutoForm.)

Engineers can now simulate the entire progressive die stamping process with the AutoForm-ProgSim software. Drawing, flanging, forming and trimming operations and springback evaluation are new among the capabilities of the tool introduced and demonstrated by sheet metal forming software tool leader AutoForm Engineering GmbH at FABTECH 2017.

The new software suite joins the tool design capabilities of the 3D Systems Cimatron tool with the sheet metal forming simulation capabilities of the AutoForm tool to provide a complete design and analysis solution. Engineers first design the forming tool geometry with the Cimatron tool and then analyze the metal forming process with the AutoForm-ProgSim software.

Engineers can use the Cimatron tool to design, analyze and refine the initial design of the tooling. Cimatron addresses the complete tool-making process, including 2D and 3D design, multi-axis machining, numerical control (NC) programming and revision and maintenance of the design and component. After the user designs and analyzes the initial tool design, he or she exports the data file for forming the simulation in the AutoForm-ProgSim software.

The optimization of trim lines significantly reduces lead time and costs (black line represents the reference geometry). (Image courtesy of AutoForm.)

The user simulates the stamping process to analyze and validate the tool design, simulate the stamping process and evaluate the resulting formed parts. Users can optimize and refine the design for trim lines and spring back within the ProgSim tool and then export the results back to Cimatron to refine the tooling. After revising the tool design, the users can then re-export and re-simulate the sheet metal forming process to evaluate the revisions. Users can iterate the design until specifications are met and they are satisfied with the result, all without building a physical tool or bending real metal. This iterative simulation process improves efficiency and greatly reduces the need for wasteful trial-and-error “cut it and try it” iterations in physical tooling.

Visit the AutoForm and 3D Systems websites to learn more about the tools and view videos of the tools in action.