Page 49 - MetalForming June 2013

want them to solve for final validation. You already know the results of your stamping, in terms of splits and wrin- kles. The simulation software should produce nearly the same results expe- rienced at the tryout press. A good sim- ulation engineer will be able to set up this sight-unseen job in about the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee. After you have met with all of the software brands that interest you, review the results of your test stamping and compare the
accuracy for yourself.
Training and Tech Support
Training is essential. Incremental forming simulation is not an intuitive technology engineers can use without proper training. Don’t fool yourself into thinking simulation software is just like CAD. So, be sure to choose a software platform from a vendor who provides formal training for new users; ongoing training for experienced users is a plus.
Further, there will come a time when the simulation engineer will require technical support to solve an issue. The potential issues range from requir- ing a click-by-click guide for advanced functionality features not used every day, to needing a second opinion on particular simulation results that appear out of the ordinary. Having access to experienced engineers, knowledgeable with the software and who can provide technical support, is a huge benefit. Be sure the software platform selected has a solid technical- support staff that is available during your business hours.
Technical support also can come from a well-organized user commu- nity, often found with suppliers of widely used specialized software plat- forms like incremental forming-sim- ulation software. These user commu- nities are filled with smart engineers that live by the mantra “find a way, or make one.” They are prepared to offer tips, techniques and workarounds for everything. This translates into min- imizing simulation engineering time by learning and sharing methods that work—and those that do not. Look for software platforms offering well-
organized user-group events.
The Value Proposition
Justifying an investment in simula- tion software requires a shop to project reductions in tryout time and the resulting cost savings, which can prove challenging. I propose that incremen- tal formability-simulation software has become an absolute requirement today, as did investing in wire-EDM technol-
ogy became 20 years ago. It is the cost of doing business. So, if we must per- form simulations anyway, the decision to invest in inhouse simulation capa- bilities versus outsourcing the jobs depends on the volume of simulation work. Think annual volume, since most simulation-software platforms carry annual lease terms.
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