PRODUCT REVIEWS
AutoForm ProgDie for progressive die-makers
The LWC-RT4-BPP laser welding system for the production of metallic bipolar plates .
AutoForm Engineering GmbH , a supplier of software solutions for stamping and BiW ( body-in-white ) assembly processes , has unveiled its newly developed software AutoForm ProgDie , tailored specifically to the needs of users working on progressive dies . With AutoForm ProgDie , progressive die-makers can design , simulate , validate and modify various strip layout concepts and then select the one that best suits their needs .
“ Progressive die stamping is a versatile and cost-efficient process to produce a wide range of stampings for various industries . Although it is based on the principles of sheet metal stamping , its process design , simulation and validation differs significantly from that of transfer and line die stamping . Consequently , this stamping process has its specific engineering and simulation requirements . The AutoForm ProgDie workflow is tailored to meet the needs of progressive die planners and process engineers . The software enables rapid strip layout design , tool design and strip design validation ,” explained the software specialist .
“ AutoForm ProgDie allows users to easily calculate the blank layout and then quickly evaluate and compare different nesting options . With the software , they can efficiently identify the optimal strip layout , taking into consideration maximal material utilisation . The software also allows them to create a 3D strip plan with an intuitive drag-and-drop 3D design interface which simplifies the design process significantly ,” it continued .
As automotive manufacturers and suppliers strive to reduce lead-time and tooling costs , they are focused on reducing tooling development time , which is one the most time-consuming phases of the entire product development process . AutoForm ProgDie is designed to enable users to rapidly create a tool design beginning with only the CAD part geometry , evaluate alternative tool designs and then select the best one to be used for the manufacturing process .
“ Strip design validation is essential for any progressive die-maker as it avoids costly trial and error adjustments , as well as costly prototype design and creation . AutoForm ProgDie allows progressive die engineers to achieve a rapid and accurate simulation of progressive dies , including all forming and trimming operations . The simulation of progressive dies is based on the wellestablished incremental approach used in several other AutoForm products . Users can gain deep insights into the progressive diestamping process and quickly identify problem
areas ( such as wrinkles , splits , excessive thinning or springback ) that might occur during the process . The software enables users to design the best possible alternative solutions to correct the identified problems ,” outlined AutoForm .
“ In addition , AutoForm ProgDie allows users to address potential progressive diestamping robustness issues . By simulating potential robustness problems taking inherent process variations into account , they can ensure the requested process capability targets of their customers . With AutoForm ProgDie , progressive die-makers can validate a process quickly and accurately before the real manufacturing process begins ,” it added .
Dr . Markus Thomma , CMO of the AutoForm Group , stated : “ The market launch of AutoForm ProgDie is an important milestone for AutoForm . Tailored to the specific needs of those users working on progressive dies , the software allows them to gain deep insights into the progressive die stamping process . The software enables them to easily and accurately design , simulate and validate the process , minimise part rejects and maximise production efficiency .”
AutoForm offers software solutions for the sheet metal forming and BiW assembly process . With over 400 employees dedicated to this field , it is a leading provider of software for product manufacturability , tool and material cost calculation , die face design and virtual stamping as well as BiW assembly process optimisation . n
www . autoform . com
Award-winning laser welding system in focus
Weil Technology received the EuroBLECH Award 2024 in the joining technology category at the EuroBLECH trade fair in Hanover , Germany , on Tuesday 22 October 2024 . Its LWC-RT4-BPP laser welding system picked up the award for the production of metallic bipolar plates .
“ Our welding module for the production of bipolar plates for fuel cells and electrolysers achieves very high absolute welding speeds of 1m / second with a large usable working range . It precision joins thin metal foils to form bipolar plates ,” explained the manufacturer .
“ The static structure between the optics and clamping technology guarantees accuracy and reproducibility . The butterfly weld process ensures outstanding weld seam quality , minimised distortion and low waste . The double field scanner technology used achieves extremely high process stability by increasing the required welding speed between two scanners . This enables annual production of several million bipolar plates ,” it continued .
The manufacturer has been developing machines and modular systems for over 35 years . Its systems are characterised by the combination of laser , clamping and automation technologies to enable versatile production steps in forming , cutting and joining processes . n
www
. weil-technology . com
110 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2024