AutoFormplus R7: even more advantages with AutoForm simulations

Boxmeer February 2018 – AutoForm is commonly known as the best software for sheet metal forming simulations. AutoForm simulations offer users numerous advantages; using clever simulations, products and processes can be developed and set-up with maximum efficiency and cost-savings. A new update has recently become available: AutoFormplus R7. This update takes simulations to the next higher level.

Advantages of AutoForm simulations
AutoForm simulations result in improved planning reliability, a reduction in the number of tests and reduced tryout times. This, in turn, results in the highest quality tooling construction en maximum production reliability. Moreover, press stagnation and rejects percentage are reduced considerably. In short AutoForm simulations:

– Save time and money;
– Ensure optimized quality;
– Maximize efficiency and productivity

In addition, AutoForm is also used to execute makeability and feasibility studies, revealing details regarding the makeability of a product in a safe environment and early on in the process. This step is usually made to enable product and process optimization at the earliest possible stage.

New update: AutoFormplus R7
The new AutoForm update AutoFormplus R7 became available in 2017. Strong improvements and new functionalities take simulations to a higher platform. The update allows for more flexible and efficient working, in particular with regards to follow-on, cutting and bending tools.

One of the main advantages of AutoFormplus R7 is the improved planning and simulation of follow-on, cutting and bending tools. In particular, AutoFormplus R7 supports the following use‐cases:

– Import of tooling geometries, developed in CAD, for the eventual process validation;
– Partial import for the planning stage;
– Partial import for complete process engineering, including generating and simulating of forming surfaces.

These use‐cases are supported through new functionalities with which users can efficiently plan and simulate follow-on, cutting and bending tools.

Extensive material know-how
Since a few months, SSEB engineers also use the latest AutoForm update. This allows them to execute even better simulations for various projects in various branches.

Throughout the years SSEB has gathered a great amount of material know-how and integrated this its own SSEB AutoForm database. It includes steel, stainless steel, titanium and aluminum in general, but also specific materials such as Inconel and Hastelloy X.

All of these materials have their own, unique characteristics. SSEB has secured the knowledge of and experience with these characteristics in AutoForm. The latest update enables our engineers to get even more out of the software.

AutoForm simulations for Polytec Car Styling
In the past years, various special SSEB projects in which AutoForm was applied, involved simulations for front and rear skid plates (integrated protective plates for bumpers) for different models of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group. All of these were assigned by our customer Polytec Car Styling.

Polytec Car Styling is one of Europe’s leading producers of accessories, small series and systems for the automotive branch. SSEB simulates multiple products for Polytec Car Styling and is involved in development of these, mostly stainless steel, skid plates.

Makeability, product and process development
AutoForm simulations play a large role in the work for Polytec Car Styling. Using AutoForm we first investigate the makeability of the product. Once this has been established, AutoForm simulations also play a considerable role in the next stage: product and process development. During the entire trajectory there is always close contact with the customer and with Jaguar Land Rover.

With the help of AutoForm we determine the most efficient process to manufacture the product. This means with as few steps and as little material as possible, thus saving time and money.

‘Visible part’
The greatest challenge in these bumper parts is the visibility of the product after it is mounted on the vehicle. This must be taken into account when developing the production process. The material (stainless steel) cannot turn ‘ugly’ and must fit in with the car design.

Interested in sheet metal forming simulations using AutoForm?

Make an appointment, free of charge, with SSEB to find out more about SSEB’s vast know-how in the field of AutoForm simulations, AutoFormplus R7, sheet metal forming simulations and materials.

Interested in a cooperation?

Please contact us via phone 0031 485 361 025 or mail us at info@sseb.eu.