AutoForm-QuickLink – Fast and Easy Data Exchange Between AutoForm^plus and CAD Systems

AutoForm-QuickLink, AutoForm’s latest software, links AutoForm’s expertise in sheet metal forming process simulation with the powerful design functionalities of the CATIA and NX environments. This software is particularly beneficial during the tool design stage, when a die layout is defined and validated for the complete sheet metal forming process.

There are two major user applications for AutoForm-QuickLink:

• Data export from AutoForm^plus into the CAD environment after die-face concept validation carried out in AutoForm^plus. Based on the imported process data, CAD users can design the process further. Users who work in the CATIA environment can take advantage of AutoForm-ProcessDesigner^forCATIA to rapidly generate CAD quality surfaces in the CATIA environment. Users who work in the NX environment can successfully carry out this procedure using NX native functionalities.
• Data export from CAD systems into the AutoForm^plus environment after CAD creation of die faces for final validation simulations carried out in AutoForm^plus, including optimization loops.

In both user applications, consistent and fast bi-directional data transfer with AutoForm-QuickLink leads to significant speedup as well as the effective prevention of errors which may occur during manual import and export operations. AutoForm-QuickLink ensures efficient data exchange and improves data consistency, transparency and usability.

Dr. Markus Thomma, Corporate Marketing Director of AutoForm Engineering, stated: “With AutoForm-QuickLink, CAD users can significantly speed up the CAD design process. This software allows for the selective import and export of geometry and process data between AutoForm^plus and CAD systems. Users can easily modify geometry, part position, tipping and cam directions while remaining within the CAD environment. AutoForm-QuickLink also allows for the consistent naming and nomenclature as well as the transfer of the complete operation structure. With all these new features, this innovative software ensures seamless data flow between AutoForm^plus and CAD systems and thus greatly facilitates the daily work of process design departments throughout the world.”