AutoForm Forming R12 – Enhanced Feasibility Assessment and Validation of Stamping Processes

AutoForm Forming R12 offers advancements and new options for the stamping process feasibility phase. An updated mesh refinement strategy allows for a more realistic prediction of the severity, size and number of wrinkles during and at the end of the forming process. The software also enables users to consider not only the maximum press forces but also their distribution. They can now better ascertain whether the press is capable of appropriately closing the tools and thereby ensure that part production runs smoothly. In addition, AutoForm Forming R12 offers various solver improvements, such as the option for parallel execution on 16 cores for faster simulation and an increased maximum number of elements particularly supportive for larger parts and parts with very fine structures. The software also offers various TriboForm enhancements, including expanded libraries especially important for the tryout phase. AutoForm Forming R12 enables users to quickly and easily evaluate process feasibility.

AutoForm Forming R12 brings new capabilities which are important for the process validation phase. Springback compensation is now facilitated by an improved smoothing control option, which allows users to adjust smoothing factors to achieve the desired surface quality. The enhancements in AutoForm-DieDesignerPlus are also important for process validation as they significantly facilitate the creation and compensation of high-quality surfaces within the AutoForm environment. The latest release also brings new options for compensation of elastic tool deflection, i.e. over-crowning, that lead to an even greater reduction in the number of tryout loops, rejects and press downtime in production.

Dr. Markus Thomma, CMO of the AutoForm Group, stated: “With AutoForm Forming R12, we offer our users a range of new features and enhancements which are important for the sheet metal forming process chain. By using AutoForm Forming R12, process designers can achieve better part and process designs, improved design quality and more reliable long-term design performance.”