AutoForm News
 

February 19, 2007:
 
AutoForm Software Expansion at Werkzeugbau Laichingen GmbH

The company Werkzeugbau Laichingen GmbH was one of the first medium-sized companies in Germany, that started using AutoForm software ten years ago. Since then, numerous stamping processes have been optimized using AutoForm software and its field of applications has been expanded further in the company.

Mr. Armin Schmid, CAD/CAM Manager responsible for die face design and NC programming stated: “Since December 1996 we have been using AutoForm-Incremental and in summer 2006 we started to use AutoForm-Trim. The first results were successful beyond all expectations. By using AutoForm-Trim, we were able to determine the optimum trim line of a locking plate and to design the progressive die including all corresponding cutting and forming stations. This aggressive approach enabled us to reduce the number of optimization loops and to achieve tremendous cost and time savings.”

Strip layout (gray) and simulation result (red) of a locking plate

One of the reasons for choosing AutoForm software was the achieved process reliability. The accurate simulation results enable appropriate measures regarding the critical areas or failures, already during the design phase. Such measures reduce the risks for typical part modifications. By using AutoForm-Trim, tooling engineers can rely on minimal coil width and pitch determination for the progressive die stampings, thus reducing material costs. Previously required laser-trim tryouts can be completely eliminated, significantly reducing lead time. In general, the experts could expand their knowledge regarding the entire process, being able to observe it virtually. This is extremely important, considering an increasing number of new materials, where often even industry experts are faced with limits. AutoForm software pushes these limits and allows successful and easy implementation of new materials.

“Manufacturing high quality dies is not enough anymore in today’s competitive environments. On-time delivery is crucial to build long-term customer relationships. Our ability to meet demanding deadlines combined with our competence in forming technology is very attractive to our customers,” summarized Mr. Jürgen Mangold, CEO of Werkzeugbau Laichingen.

Press Release [pdf - 73 KB], Image

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