AutoForm News

 
September 27, 2004:
Collaboration between Missler Software and AutoForm Engineering

Missler Software (France) and AutoForm Engineering (Switzerland) are pleased to announce the integration of AutoForm software technology (for unfolding sheet metal parts) in the next release of TopSolid’Progress, the TopSolid module for progressive die design and manufacturing.

The goal of this fusion of technologies is to allow the die designer to rapidly define the required blank and design the strip in a completely associative process. As a result, part changes are reflected immediately in the strip and tool as well as the manufacturing tool paths.

Calculation of developed blank outline taking into account material deformation

This philosophy is shared by TopSolid’s range of products and is already successfully applied in TopSolid’Mold and TopSolid’Cam (world leaders in the Mold and Cam fields). Missler Software and AutoForm have worked closely together to integrate this philosophy throughout the progressive die design and manufacturing process.

The applied technology will allow one-step, rapid blanking on all parts, resulting in fewer iterations required between the part and the tool design. This technology is unique to AutoForm, owing to the reliability and speed at which it calculates, and has been especially adapted for TopSolid. This fusion means that the very best simulation technology (from AutoForm) in addition to superior CAD/CAM tool and die software (from TopSolid) is now available on the market, allowing subcontractors and manufacturers to considerably reduce their design and manufacturing lead times.

The new solution will be offered as an add-on to the TopSolid’Progress solution already available and will be officially launched in France during the Micronora Trade Show (from September 28 to October 01, 2004 in Besançon, France). The international launch will take place during EuroBLECH (from October 26 to October 30, 2004 in Hannover, Germany).

“We are very proud to launch such an impressive and efficient technology, which links the simulation, design and manufacturing stages in a completely associative way,” Christian Arber, general manager of Missler Software explains. “This will greatly help our tool and die customers to even further reduce their lead times, which is a key factor for customers and industry alike. It has been an exciting development. We are very happy with our collaboration with AutoForm engineers and of course with the result also.”

According to Dr. Waldemar Kubli, CEO of AutoForm, the impact of simulation software usage is very significant today. “During the last five years the simulation of forming processes has been proven by large OEMs and their suppliers as one of the most effective tools for reducing production lead time and improving planning quality. We are pleased to announce the availability of our technology through the well-established CAD/CAM Software of Missler, opening the benefits of forming simulation to Missler’s customers.”

Press Release [pdf - 91 KB], Image

Contact:
Dr. Markus Thomma
Director of Marketing
AutoForm Engineering GmbH
Technoparkstrasse 1
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland