PRODUCT REVIEWS
Real-time calculation of sheet metal
Optimate , a specialist in AI-based part analyses in the cloud , exhibited its capabilities at this November ’ s Blechexpo / Scheisstec trade fair in Stuttgart . In addition to feasibility analysis and automated part optimisation , a new cost calculation feature was presented to show visitors .
“ Contract manufacturers and design engineers in sheet metal processing were able to test our automated part analysis live at our booth in Hall 1 ,” said Optimate CEO , Jonas Steiling .
The Stuttgart-based TRUMPF spinoff began as a start-up in 2020 . It has now outgrown its infancy and become “ a veritable companion for sheet metal processing .” The cloud-based web app now covers much more than it did when it was launched three years ago .
“ Our automatic part optimisation now generates 70 per cent more suggestions , recognizes more optimisation potential and can offer even more creative approaches to reducing costs ,” added Sebastian Beger , CSO , Optimate GmbH .
With the app , designers and sheet metal processors can identify defective parts in advance and adjust them , if necessary , before they enter production . According to Optimate , the feasibility analysis finds almost every part that cannot be finished and provides warnings . This means that manufacturers do not discover as late as in the programming stage , or even at the bending machine , that a part cannot be produced in this way .
Flexible entry
There are three options for using the Optimate App : via the browser , via an API interface or via a CAD plug-in . It is possible to use the feasibility analysis , cost calculation and part optimisation directly in the browserbased web app without installation .
After registering , the user can start immediately . Users and web shops that wish to access Optimate ’ s sheet metal knowledge across the board can do so via an API interface . Those who want to use the tool in their CAD system for design purposes can do so via a CAD plug-in for SolidWorks .
The development of further plug-ins for other CAD systems , for users in design and work preparation , is also planned .
Cost calculations
Assembly analysis and cost calculation were also added as new features .
“ In 2020 , we started with feasibility analysis and optimisation and have now expanded these to include a cost calculation ,” explained CSO , Sebastian Beger . Users are now shown the three options for digital support as soon as they enter the app .
“ If a user uploads his parts to the app via the browser , he sees feasibility warnings as well as optimisation
Optimate CSO , Sebastian Beger .
Digitalisation of sheet metal processing .
Optimate CEO , Jonas Steiling .
potential on the screen within a few seconds ,” confirmed Beger .
“ By using our cost calculation , designers of sheet metal parts can identify possible cost drivers already in the development process ,” added Jonas Steiling .
In addition to the analysis of individual parts , assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can also be checked for feasibility and optimisation potential . Users can upload a complete assembly to the Optimate app during design , which is then disassembled and checked for feasibility .
The app simultaneously determines the optimisation potential for the individual sheet metal parts and performs a cost calculation . “ For some users , it is also interesting from a cost perspective to consider the complete assembly . For the optimisation of complete assemblies , we are currently using a hybrid approach ,” concluded Sebastian Beger . Watch the video on feasibility analysis and AI-based part optimisation on www . youtube . com / watch ? v = I4j0- qaylW0 n
www . optimate . de
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