Cloud computing is gaining popularity everywhere. Always at the forefront of technology and development, AutoForm now offers its EasyBlank software in the Cloud. EasyBlank Cloud Service targets the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of sheet metal stamping.

The EasyBlank software is specially designed for sheet metal part designers, tool and die designers, and material cost estimators. Using AutoForm’s leading simulation technology, the software rapidly determines the developed blank outline from CAD part geometry. EasyBlank includes several types of nesting layouts and enables users to identify the optimal one for their needs. The material data base, which includes all of the important parameters for the most commonly used materials in stamping, is already incorporated in EasyBlank. In addition to these features, EasyBlank also enables users to assess product feasibility. Early feasibility assessment eliminates costly, late changes to part design and thereby enables the early optimization of material costs. The analysis results are summarized in an Excel-based report which contains detailed information on blank outline, optimal nesting layout, material consumption and costs, thinning distribution of the part, feasibility plot and the associated FLD diagram. EasyBlank enables the automatic creation of such reports, which facilitate internal communication between different departments as well as between OEMs and suppliers.

For even more accurate results regarding blank shape determination and material cost estimation, users can take advantage of AutoForm’s software portfolio, in particular AutoForm-StampingAdviser^plus. The software considers forming conditions, i.e. restraining forces and material properties in more detail, which leads to more reliable feasibility results. AutoForm-StampingAdviser^plus also enables better addendum determination and offers more nesting options, which allows for more accurate material cost estimation. Although there are many advantages to AutoForm’s StampingAdviser^plus software, EasyBlank Cloud Service remains a software of choice for small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of sheet metal stamping.

Dr. Markus Thomma, Corporate Marketing Director of AutoForm Engineering, stated: “I am pleased that we can offer our EasyBlank software in the Cloud. It has never been easier to rapidly determine blank shape and optimize material costs. EasyBlank users can now fully benefit from cloud computing – there is nothing to install or to update.”