AutoForm Engineering’s recently released update of its AutoForm R8 software packs in new features and enhancements to support automotive sector customers as they streamline their digital process chain.
The software promises to enable improved strip layout definition. Users can define the strip layout for a single or double part and then quickly evaluate and compare different nesting options. The software allows for the prediction of potential blank shape and nesting, which could help minimize the usage of materials, as well as predict and reduce part costs. In addition, a new webs design feature lets the user select predefined shapes or model new ones with just a few commands.
Users will also have more options for springback compensation. With AutoForm R8, users can input real measurements rather than virtual ones. Since compensation is based on arbitrary geometries, this feature eliminates the need for part simulation results. The software allows for external data from various sources—such as measurement, hemming simulation or assembly simulation—to help tools compensate. This data source flexibility lets users increase their use case coverage.
AutoForm R8 users will be able to use the software to engineer a stamping process for patchwork blanks. Using the software’s simulator, users will be able to estimate part formability and test various sizes and configurations of patchwork blanks.
The company extensively consulted its clients when developing the software upgrade.
“The feedback and input we received regarding desired new features and enhancements was gathered through close collaboration with our customers worldwide and was of great value during the development of this release,” said Dr. Markus Thomma, AutoForm Engineering corporate marketing director. “All of the new enhancements and functionalities developed in AutoForm R8 support our users to improve and facilitate their daily work.”
AutoForm Engineering is a leading supplier of software solutions for the automotive sheet metal forming industry in Europe. The company offers software modules designed to reduce die development costs, shorten lead times, improve quality and reliability, and evaluate new materials. It has recently expanded its business from its home country of Germany into the Scandinavian market and the Czech Republic.
The future of the automotive industry is expected to be largely driven by additive manufacturing. According to Forbes magazine, “some of the best-known benefits of additive manufacturing align precisely with what automotive OEMs are looking to deliver: faster development cycles, part consolidation, lightweighting, and new and custom geometries.”
AutoForm’s European expansion is a response to the increasing demand for cutting-edge technologies by automakers. Its new branch offices put the company in close proximity to carmakers such as Volvo, Volkswagen and Porsche—all of which are AutoForm clients that the company is confident its software will help.
“With AutoForm R8, [automotive companies] are well equipped to reach new goals and to further streamline the digital process chain,” Thomma said.
Read more about the latest in automotive technologies at Sasken Prepares for the Future with New Automotive Center of Excellence.