Page 41 - MetalForming May 2016
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                  The substantial difference in additive-process cycle time to 3D-print the die sets for the B-pillar and floor pan (Table 2) reflects the difference in the amount of material deposi- tion required. Further, since the cost of the weld wire exceeds that of the base metal, material cost becomes significant as draw depth and part size increases. A common trend in cost estimates for the three die sets is that finish machining and polishing account for the majority of the manufactur- ing cost. Therefore, tooling can be made less expensively with 3D printing when parts do not require a high surface finish.
Advancing 3D-Printed Dies
The benefits of this concept extend beyond the realm of automotive manufacturing and apply across any metal- stamping application. The WAAM process can offer an eco- nomical advantage when producing die sets for parts with rel- atively shallow draw depths. However, as part complexity grows, and for dies that require cooling channels (for hot stamping, for example), a powder-bed AM process may prove more advantageous.
While the slow deposition rate and high investment cost of a powder-bed system are prohibitive, the better geomet- ric accuracy from powder-bed processes can enable the placement of conformal cooling channels. These can improve temperature distribution along the part surface and also substantially enhance cooling. MF
2016 PMA Awards of Excellence in Metalforming
Distinguish your company from the competition
 Questions?
Award winners receive:
• Recognition at FABTECH 2016 • Coverage in
MetalForming magazine
• Customized press releases
• Recognition on PMA’s website • Cash prizes and
commemorative plaques
• A sense of accomplishment
for their employees
Contact Pete Ulintz
at 216-901-8800 or pulintz@pma.org
Detailed award descriptions, submission requirements and an online entry form are available at www.pma.org/awards. Deadline to enter: June 30, 2016
6363 Oak Tree Blvd. | Independence, OH 44131-2500 216-901-8800 | www.pma.org/awards
                                  Cimatron is now part of 3D Systems THINGS ARE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER
    As one of the early pioneers developing CAD/CAM software for manufacturing, Cimatron will continue its 33 year legacy going forward as part of 3D Systems.
Look forward to new opportunities for MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE!
For more information go to:
www.3dsystems.com www.cimatrontech.com
               www.metalformingmagazine.com
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