Page 41 - MetalForming August 2016

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
Tooling by Design
of the influences of variables such as friction, material properties and work- piece geometry on process mechanics, it is impossible to adequately design dies much less predict and prevent the occurrence of defects.
To address this deficiency, metal- formers can turn to process simula- tions, which make science-based man- ufacturing knowledge readily available early in the die-design phase (Fig. 2). Now, the die engineer or designer can submit a design concept and try it out on the computer before developing the final design. This provides an oppor- tunity to make process improvements while evaluating process-sensitive vari- ables. The designer can accept simu- lation results, or he can repeat the sim- ulation process with new input parameters until establishing an acceptable process.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of metal-stamping simulations is the abil- ity to see the blank deform in small, incremental steps in a “see-through” die. How often have you encountered a problem with a tool in the press shop and tried to watch what happens as the press slide inches down? Eventually, you lose sight of what’s happening as the die closes.
Wouldn’t you have a better oppor- tunity to solve problems and evaluate the robustness of a design if you could see what was happening inside of the die? Stamping simulations allow us to do just that. If necessary, the designer can select and evaluate an entirely dif- ferent design path because the impact on project cost and timing is minimal in the absence of a hard die design.
In contrast, the designer all too often submits a die design—without the ben- efit of stamping simulation—to the tool shop for build. The die reaches the tryout press and for the first time results are available for a stamping process that was developed four to six months earlier. If the results fail to meet expectations, we surely will hear those dreaded words once again, “If we only knew...” MF
RESISTANCE WELDING MACHINERY & MORE, READY FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT.
RAMPING UP PRODUCTION?
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EXPERIENCE AND TECH TOUR August 18-19, 2016 | Livonia, MI
Metals is the fastest growing segment of 3D printing, expected to nearly double in size by 2018. Now’s the time to align with the only publication specifically dedicated to the industry—3D Metal Printing magazine, and be a part of the inaugural 3D Metal Printing Experience and Tech Tour.
3D Metal Printing Experience and Tech Tour attendees will be able to interact directly with industry experts, learn about the latest technology developments for 3D metal printing and hear case-study presentations on 3D metal printing. They’ll also participate in exclusive plant tours to view
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For more information on this conference, visit www.3DMPmag.com/conference.
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www.3DMPmag.com www.MetalFormingmagazine.com
www.metalformingmagazine.com
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