Page 45 - MetalForming May 2013

“Previously, you had to take that to a third-party product or perform it manually,” says Bragg. “We now have algorithms to unfold nonlinear bends along a flange line. It adds speed and efficiency, allowing the designer to get the job done without having to wait for outside work.”
As computing power has increased, software providers have added features that were not previously available. For example, VISI 20 offers animation so users can visualize cam movements and other tool actions, as well as colli- sions. And in another nod to increased computer-processor speed, the soft- ware installs 32- and 64-bit versions.
Even though software has evolved to perform ever-more complex functions, it also can help users make decisions in ahurry.
“This is open, free-form modeling software,” Bragg adds. “It can perform 50-percent reviews quickly. Designers can waste a lot of time trying to get everything solved up top and planning for all of the what-if scenarios. Now the software can give them important information quickly, without forcing them to spend time in a lengthy process to get results.”
Optimized Forming Simulation
Nothing spells aggravation like see- ing a wrinkled or torn part on the press bed, after tool design and build. Not only a time waster, such a scenario grinds production to a halt, puts a con- tract in jeopardy and sends money spent on materials, tool construction and salaries up in smoke. Fortunately, software makers deliver solutions to help prevent such catastrophes. For example, Dynaform 5.9, a full-featured die-system simulation suite released in 2013 by Engineering Technology Associates, Inc. (ETA—www.eta.com), Troy, MI, contains a new Optimization Platform (OP).
The OP module contains propri- etary SHERPA optimization technol- ogy from Red Cedar Technology, East Lansing, MI. It reportedly reduces development time and cost for man- ufacturing by reducing incidents of
wrinkling, thinning and tearing. It does this by supporting optimization of drawbead forces along with binder pressure, lubrication, and workpiece material type and thickness. Impor- tantly, as powerful as this function is, it makes optimization viable for a larger set of users, say company offi- cials, since special optimization expertise is not required. Additional- ly, the latest computing platforms
combined with an efficient solver eliminate demanding computing requirements.
“This solution allows quick and accurate optimization of die-face design, saving product-development time,” says Arthur Tang, ETA vice pres- ident. “For many years, tooling engi- neers have used Dynaform as a virtu- al tryout for metal stamping. Now they can go beyond identifying problem
Tooling Technology
Our innovation
is your strength.
Ulbrich has an impressive number of high-performance metal products that provide infinite solutions to precision industries. By keeping pace with worldwide market demand, Ulbrich has always been—and always will continue to be—your trustworthy partner.
PRECISION STRIP AND FOIL
CONNECTICUT
SPECIALTY WIRE
CONNECTICUT SOUTH CAROLINA
SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES
AUSTRIA OREGON
SOUTH CAROLINA
SERVICE CENTERS
CALIFORNIA CONNECTICUT ILLINOIS
MEXICO ONTARIO QUÉBEC
WWW.ULBRICH.COM
ULBRICH STAINLESS STEELS AND SPECIAL METALS, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 800-243-1676 INFORMATION@ULBRICH.COM
www.metalformingmagazine.com
MetalForming/May 2013 43