AutoForm^plus R6 – A New Set of Powerful Functionalities to Expand the Digital Process Chain

AutoForm^plus R6 allows users to expand the digital process chain through a new set of powerful functionalities. Several new options included in this release, such as for drawbead modeling, blank definition, enhanced springback compensation, systematic process improvement as well as the fully integrated hemming solution, further demonstrate and emphasize AutoForm’s continuous efforts to streamline and accelerate the entire engineering process of sheet metal forming.

One of the major innovations in AutoForm^plus R6 is the so called drawbead reduction strategy used in combination with the adaptive line bead. The main idea behind this innovation is to support users with an easy-to-use and realistic model when determining and optimizing the drawbeads. The reduction strategy defines the order, the measures and the ranges in which a drawbead shape is modified, such as bead height, bead radius or groove radius. In this model, all of the defined measures are combined and made available to the user through one single parameter. Instead of dealing with all kinds of measures and geometries, the user can focus on this single parameter only, which allows for efficient process engineering even when complex parts are analyzed. With this model, drawbead handling in engineering is aligned with the real tryout and very easy to use. This model is now also available for multiple simulations by AutoForm-Sigma^plus.

Another important novelty in this version are the additional options for the blank definition. AutoForm^plus R6 offers complex blank types and combinations of patchwork, tailor-welded and tailor-rolled blanks, which results in optimized material usage and cost performance. Chevron blank shapes for embedding provide additional options for material cost optimization. In addition, AutoForm^plus R6 provides the best nesting layout while taking into account the variation in costs of different coil widths. The user can calculate the optimal layout of the blank on the coil based on the minimization of material costs as well as the minimization of material usage.

In addition, users of hemming processes will benefit greatly from a fully integrated hemming solution provided by AutoForm^plus R6. This integration offers all the advantages of an efficient workflow and a newly enhanced graphical user interface. AutoForm^plus R6 supports state-of-the-art hemming technologies, such as roll and table hemming as well as combinations of these. With this version, the user can validate the design of the clamping fixture, check if the spring supported roller follows the predefined trajectory, evaluate potential hemming defects as well as predict full assembly springback. This information forms the basis for compensation of inner and outer parts as well as any adjustments of the hemming equipment. With AutoForm^plus R6, depending on the selected hemming process, a hood can be simulated in just two to six hours. This remarkable speed is another tangible benefit for AutoForm^plus R6 users.

Dr. Markus Thomma, Corporate Marketing Director of AutoForm Engineering, stated: “In line with the motto of this latest release, ‘expanding the digital process chain’, our users are invited to join us at more than twenty roll-out events all over the world during which they will expand their knowledge and learn how to benefit most from AutoForm^plus R6. This new software release enables our users to take further advantage of AutoForm’s continuous efforts to streamline and accelerate the entire engineering process of sheet metal forming.”