ISMR October 2021 | Page 96

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Simulating the forming process

AutoForm Engineering GmbH , a leading supplier of software solutions for stamping and BiW assembly processes , has unveiled its latest software version , AutoForm Forming R10 .
“ This latest release allows users to design forming processes of the highest quality . The important new features and enhancements are of particular benefit to users working in die face design , springback compensation , tryout and hot forming ,” it told ISMR .
AutoForm Forming R10 offers new features to fully support die face generation . With this new version , users can develop flanges on forming tools not only during the design of the drawing operation but also for the secondary forming operations . The software allows users to deactivate single geometrical features for shape change and activate them again , if necessary , to evaluate alternative designs . By using AutoForm Forming R10 , they can significantly speed up the die face generation process .
“ AutoForm Forming R10 also allows users to easily evaluate different compensation strategies . With this version , they can visualise and compare compensation strategies and then select the one that is best suited to their needs . As a result , the final part geometry can be efficiently generated within the required tolerances and with a minimum number of correction loops in tryout ,” added AutoForm .
In practice , die spotting requires corresponding engineering skills and a considerable amount of time to prepare the die during tryout . AutoForm Forming R10 supports virtual die spotting . Users can activate the tools to be spotted and select the position before completely closing the tools where the die spotting should take place . Afterwards , the results can be exported to the CAM department where they can be used for milling . This new feature offers time savings which would have been dedicated to physical die spotting in tryout .
Additional options cover processes for which a thick shell element is crucial , such as ironing and coining . Users can now successfully simulate these processes by changing the element type from elasticplastic shell to thick shell . With AutoForm Forming R10 , simulation with a thick shell element does not require any modifications of the simulation set-up . In addition , the software offers new features for ‘ more realistic consideration of tribological effects ’ as well as solutions for the latest developments in hot forming ( such as new trends in tailored tempering , new modern steels , tribology and high quenching efficiency . n
Above right : AutoForm Forming R10 allows users to evaluate different compensation strategies .
Right : Virtual die spotting of an A-pillar .
www
. autoform . com

Thin plate quench

Tenova LOI Thermprocess , a specialist in heat treatment equipment , has received another order from Wuhan Iron & Steel Co . Ltd . ( WISCO ) for the installation of a continuous quench to cool thin steel plates .
“ Our LOI Thermprocess quench is specially designed for the efficient cooling of thin and very thin plates of highstrength and wear-resistant material . The quenches adopted for this application ensure maximum hardness and outstanding flatness , combined with unique and powerful models and overall automation ,” explained Tenova LOI Thermprocess GmbH .
“ This is now our fourth order from Wuhan Iron & Steel for plate heat treatment and underlines the successful , long-term cooperation of our two companies for this business , which started in 1994 . In addition to the previously installed equipment for treating medium and thick plates , the new quench extends WISCO ’ s capabilities for thin plate heat treatment ,” it added .
Tenova LOI Thermprocess GmbH supplies industrial furnace systems for the heat treatment of metals . It is a trademark of
Tenova , a Techint Group company . n
Continuous quench for thin steel plates .
www . loi . tenova . com
www . tenova . com

New deburring machine

At this October ’ s Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart , Germany , Fladder Danmark A / S will be introducing its new CC deburring machine ( Hall 5 , stand 5412 ).
“ The name CC refers to the cylindrical shape of the machine ; the concentric movement of the abrasive tools and the circular transport unit ,” Fladder told ISMR . “ The machine has a footprint of just 1.5m 2 , low noise levels and is easy to move ( no foundations or floor fixings ). It is also easy to start , with low power consumption . Machine operation is very easy with a touchscreen control panel . Loading and unloading is from the same position , saving time and increasing efficiency .”
The Fladder CC is built with a lower and upper cylindrical section . Between these sections , a circular vacuum table rotates , allowing workpieces to be fed manually or automatically . The displaced turning table will transport workpieces into the working area where they are deburred from multiple angles , with concentric movement of the tools . n www . fladder . com
96 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021