AutoForm-DieDesigner^®

Software for

3D-Die-Layout and Process Optimization

The AutoForm-DieDesigner software module is specialized for feasibility engineers, process planners and tool makers, to rapidly generate die face designs for the complete sheet metal forming process. Extensive sheet metal forming know-how is integrated in this software solution, which provides many automatic functions and easy-to-use features for 3D-Die-Layout.

Based on AutoForm-DieDesigner's clear and logical structure, feasibility engineers are guided step-by-step from the import of CAD part geometry until the full die face design, a process which the software greatly speeds up. As a result, process planners can generate several different tooling concepts in a single day, rather than manually designing only a few individual faces with a CAD system.

AutoForm-DieDesigner's powerful features, ease-of-use and productivity have made it the software of choice for die engineering and tooling departments worldwide:

	Determination of an optimal 3D-Die-Layout and the resulting tooling concept. Unique, advanced features generate process optimized solutions in best time.
	Optimal support for simultaneous engineering. AutoForm-DieDesigner creates simultaneously solutions for product development, tool making, serial production and body in white.
	Considerable reduction of development time during product development, tool making, serial production and body in white phase
	Noticeable improvement of quality for CAD part data, process layout, tooling concept as well as for serial parts
	Increase of stamping process robustness

The resulting die faces from AutoForm-DieDesigner are automatically used to run tryout simulations. This allows tool makers to understand and to validate the process layout, including deep drawing, all subsequent forming and trimming steps, and even springback.

AutoForm-DieDesigner is based on a fully associatively linked model of the entire process layout – which makes it easy and efficient for the designer to modify intermediate operations and even the final part geometry. When such modifications are made, the tooling geometries of all operations and the tryout simulation are automatically and instantly updated. After process optimization, the resulting die faces can be used directly to mill prototype tools.

AutoForm-DieDesigner's main features for the design of 3D-Die-Layouts include:

	Easy tool design for symmetric parts
	Filleting of sharp edges with variable radii
	Part radii modifications
	Filling of holes
	End fill
	Automatic and manual tipping
	Flexible binder design
	Rapid generation of addendum
	Powerful part modifications by morphing technology
	Automatic development of flanges onto addendum
	Analysis of trim and shear angles
	Efficient design of wiper and form tools
	Immediate tryout simulations with automatic updating of tools
	Export of complete surface data
	Export of substitution and offset skins

This product may practice one or more of the following patents owned by or available to AutoForm Engineering GmbH, Switzerland: European patents 1290515, 1623287, 1665103, 1741012 and US patents 7542889, 7623939. Other European, other US and JP patents pending.