AutoForm News

October 20, 2009

Double Analysis Output with AutoForm

AutoForm Engineering Deutschland GmbH has collaborated with ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH (TKDN) on an extensive simultaneous engineering project. This project demonstrates how an efficient software solution and experienced specialists can realize extensive simulation output with no increase in manpower. The main task is to analyze the feasibility of body structural parts for a car project and to prepare its production sequence. By using AutoForm-DataManager and AutoForm-ReportManager, analyses can be documented in detail.

AutoForm-DataManager is an integral part of AutoForm software. It simplifies the organization and handling of simulation data. The integrated data bank offers numerous search possibilities based on project information.

AutoForm-ReportManager is also an integral part of AutoForm software. It simplifies the presentation of standardized and thus comparable documentation of simulation results.

Because of the scope of the project and the short amount of time for the analyses, TKDN turned to the expertise of AutoForm’s technical support. 67 parts are examined for their feasibility which amounts to 1474 simulations and 355 reports, double the analysis output at TKDN. The significant time savings allows for the examination of all challenging parts and the integration of several optimization loops.

Experienced TKDN process planners have been involved in this project since the start and have been working on production sequences. AutoForm-OneStep enables them to analyze parts and their feasibility as well as filter out non-producible parts prior to draw die design. AutoForm-DieDesigner is used for draw die design and its optimization, resulting in substantial time savings in comparison to CAD designs.

AutoForm specialists analyze the feasibility of parts in detail by using AutoForm-Incremental. AutoForm-Trim determines the trim line of the developed flange and AutoForm-Nest minimizes material usage. The implementation of these specialized products results in an integrated software solution.

The evaluation of feasible process parameters leads to a rapidly increasing amount of simulation data, making it necessary to address data management. AutoForm-DataManager, which is an integral part of AutoForm software, enables AutoForm specialists to master the data flow. Thanks to its integrated data bank, it offers efficient data organization supported by hierarchical structures. Simulation parameters can be presented in detail and the status of the part can be noted. AutoForm-ReportManager, also an integral part of AutoForm software, is then applied to standardize the simulation results and render them comparable. Dynamic links allow for rapid update of reports and minimal sources of errors. The output in pdf-format enables an efficient and clear transfer of simulation results to all those involved with the project.

Christof Hoffmann, Manager for Product and Process Development of Body Stamped Parts at TKDN: “The investment in the project support provided by AutoForm and the application of their software has proven fruitful. The results thus far are convincing and I completely support the purchase of further licenses.“ TKDN is now able to carry out simultaneous engineering projects for car bodies entirely on their own.