Tryout

Tryout is the step in the engineering and manufacturing process of a tool when the tool is first loaded into the press in an initial attempt to produce a part. Next, the forming tool undergoes extensive fine tuning during tryout, which is a cost and time intensive step on the path to the successful production of quality tool. As correctional work and modifications are inevitable, every correction loop that can be avoided offers an immediate advantage in terms of time and money. Any improvements made in the effectiveness of the part during tryout, automatically increases a company’s competitiveness.

When applying today’s principle of trial and error in practice, these correction loops are generally not possible. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine the tryout of tools without using simulation. Success is assured through a systematic approach which is not confined to the boundaries of individual operational departments. Successful tool production is therefore based on reliable simulation results which are accurately evaluated and lead to a considerable reduction in the number of correction loops.

Engineering, including stamping simulation, and Tryout are separate operational departments in the tool shop. These departments differ in terms of their infrastructure and organization but also in terms of the point in time of their application during the development of a tool. When the release for milling of a tool is issued, the Engineering team is generally already addressing new projects while the Tryout team is just getting to work. In fact, both departments actually examine the same questions: Where are the critical areas in the part? Which measures can resolve these effectively? What happens to other areas as a result?

The Tryout team must carry out several correction loops on the tool until the tool can be used to produce a part of the required quality.

To achieve effective tryout, both operational departments have to coordinate their activities together. Generally, the Tryout team must carry out several correction loops on the tool until the tool can be used to produce a part of the required quality. It is at this point where Engineering applies simulation-based tryout support. All of the theoretically possible correction measures which can be carried out in real tryout are coupled in a simulation model and these calculations take place parallel to tool manufacturing. Before altering the tool, the results are available thus allowing for the simulation-based tryout support. Should a problem arise in tryout, the cause can be identified on the computer and it becomes quickly apparent which measures have a positive influence on the forming result. Through an efficient and systematic tool tryout, the tool shop can successfully deal with complex part geometry, high-strength steel materials, tight deadline requirements and high quality demands.

Further information on tryout at AutoForm:

Systematic Tryout