AutoForm ProgDie – Software Solution for Progressive Die Makers

Progressive die stamping is a versatile and cost-efficient process to produce a wide range of stampings for various industries. Although progressive die stamping is based on the principles of sheet metal stamping, its process design, simulation and validation differs significantly from that of transfer and line die stamping. Consequently, this stamping process has its specific engineering and simulation requirements. The AutoForm ProgDie workflow is tailored to meet the needs of progressive die planners and process engineers. The software enables rapid strip layout design, tool design and strip design validation.

AutoForm ProgDie allows users to easily calculate the blank layout and then quickly evaluate and compare different nesting options. With the software, they can efficiently identify the optimal strip layout, taking into consideration maximal material utilization. The software also allows them to create a 3D strip plan with an intuitive drag-and-drop 3D design interface which simplifies the design process significantly.

As automotive manufacturers and suppliers strive to reduce lead-time and tooling costs, they are focused on reducing tooling development time, which is one the most time-consuming phases of the entire product development process. AutoForm ProgDie enables users to rapidly create a tool design beginning with only the CAD part geometry, to evaluate alternative tool designs and to then select the best one to be used for the manufacturing process.

Strip design validation is essential for any progressive die maker as it prevents costly trial and error adjustments as well as costly prototype design and creation. AutoForm ProgDie allows progressive die engineers to achieve a rapid and accurate simulation of progressive dies, including all forming and trimming operations. The simulation of progressive dies is based on the well-established incremental approach used in several other AutoForm products. With AutoForm ProgDie, users can gain deep insights into the progressive die stamping process and can quickly identify problem areas such as wrinkles, splits, excessive thinning or springback, that might occur during the process. The software enables users to design the best possible alternative solutions to correct the identified problems.

In addition, AutoForm ProgDie allows users to address potential progressive die stamping robustness issues. By simulating potential robustness problems taking inherent process variations into account, they can ensure the requested process capability targets of their customers. With AutoForm ProgDie, progressive die makers can validate a process quickly and accurately before the real manufacturing process begins.

Dr. Markus Thomma, CMO of the AutoForm Group, stated: “The market launch of AutoForm ProgDie is an important milestone for AutoForm. Tailored to the specific needs of those users working on progressive dies, the software allows them to gain deep insights into the progressive die stamping process. The software enables them to easily and accurately design, simulate and validate the process, minimize part rejects and maximize production efficiency.”