PRODUCT REVIEWS
Springback compensation
AutoForm Engineering GmbH , a leading supplier of software solutions for stamping and Body in White assembly processes , has launched its newly developed software AutoForm-AutoComp . With this software , users can quickly evaluate and compare different compensation strategies and then select the one that is best suited to their needs . As a result , the final tool geometry and process set-up can be efficiently defined , ensuring part geometry within the required tolerances and with a minimum number of correction loops in physical tryout .
“ With the increasing use of modern materials , such as high-strength steels and aluminium , applying the most effective compensation strategy brings tangible benefits to users . AutoForm-AutoComp allows users to quickly evaluate and select the most effective compensation strategy . Compensation loops are automatically carried out in the background .
Users can select the number of iterations , check the status of these iterations and immediately visualise them on the screen ,” outlined AutoForm .
With AutoForm-AutoComp , the final tool geometry and process set-up are defined much faster , ensuring part geometry ‘ within the required tolerances and with a minimum number of correction loops in tryout ’.
“ The effective implementation of AutoForm- AutoComp results in improved planning reliability in die development , tool shop and tryout as well as minimized risk of later , costly changes to tooling or processes ,” added AutoForm .
“ In recent years , springback compensation has become one of the most important issues that affects body-in-white manufacturing . We
are pleased that we can offer our customers new software to support them in this area . AutoForm-AutoComp helps users to efficiently tackle springback compensation issues . The software enables them to select the most effective compensation strategy and leads to faster and more reliable process engineering ,” concluded Dr . Markus Thomma , CMO of the AutoForm Group . n
Material stacking system
CIDAN stacker .
When the hold-down is pulled back , the blanks fall straight down .
The RAPIDO SSM ( stacking sensitive material ) is CIDAN ’ s newly developed cutting and stacking system designed to speed up a guillotine shear and never leave scratches or dog-ears .
Designed for ‘ fast , gentle and structured stacking ’ and especially suited for sensitive materials , CIDAN opted for , in its words , ‘ excellent ergonomics without heavy lifting ’.
“ Set the back gauge dimensions and the number of blanks . The hold-down retracts in a flash and the blanks fall gently onto the mobile material trolley below , where the panels are stacked at a speed of up to 35 pieces per minute . The material trolley can be loaded with up to 800kg . With widths of up to 410mm , stacking is possible up to a height of 90mm and with widths of more than 410mm , up to a height of 40mm ,” explained CIDAN .
“ Together with the CutLink controller , you get a genuine cutting and stacking titan that can be programmed for ten different back gauge settings with the required quantity , and the panels are always stacked neatly on the material trolley ,” it concluded . n
In-line process controllers
iLARIZ Draw . Control is a patented technology for reducing the carbon footprint and conserving resources by minimising scrap during the deep drawing process for sheet metal components . It provides in-line process control that actively and automatically intervenes directly in the metalforming process and immediately detects and compensates for external disturbance variables and fluctuations in material and process parameters . Possible component defects are therefore eliminated before they occur .
A forming tool is equipped with sensors , actuators and a control unit based on processrelevant reference variables to integrate iLARIZ technology . The autonomous system is a toolbased solution which is independent of the utilised press and its control system . It is made up of standard industrial components . In addition to being integrated into new tools , existing tools can also be equipped with iLARIZ technology .
“ Besides Draw . Control , we also offer Draw . Monitor as an entry-level product for digital sheet metal forming . Draw . Monitor is a technology for process monitoring and quality assurance when deep drawing sheet metal components . The simulation-based design methodology for the specific positioning of the sensors in the tool results in representative sensor signals , which form the basis for event-oriented process monitoring with Draw . Monitor . These measurement curves can be used to detect and visualise process fluctuations and quality defects during the forming process ,” explained iLARIZ . n
ilARIZ Draw . Monitor .
iLARIZ Draw . Control .
62 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR December 2021 / January 2022