AutoForm Develops Hot Forming Simulation Process
 ZURICH,
Switzerland, Nov 17, 2009 - AutoForm Engineering GmbH, the leading supplier
of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has successfully
developed an innovative solution for hot forming simulation. AutoFormplus R1
supports direct and indirect hot forming as well as other processes which
involve temperature or strain-rate dependent material.
Hot Forming of a B-pillar: The part is stamped in soft stage at an elevated
temperature and quenched after forming to attain a high level of strength
Hot forming processes have recently become important for the automotive
industry to meet specific requirements regarding a higher level of crash
safety and a reduction of overall weight. Many automotive manufacturers use
these processes to produce body structure components such as A and
B-pillars, tunnels, front and rear bumper beams, door sills, door beams,
side-rail parts, roof rails and roof frames. These components have the
highest requirements regarding strength. The use of high strength steels in
conventional stamping processes is difficult due to their reduced
formability and strong tendency to springback. Hot forming technology can be
used in order to overcome these limitations. Components are stamped in the
soft stage at elevated temperatures and quenched after forming to achieve a
martensitic structure resulting in a very high strength of 1500 MPa.
Hot forming is a temperature and time dependent process and therefore its
simulation is obviously more complex compared to conventional stamping
processes. AutoFormplus R1 has been enhanced to include thermo-mechanical
processes, making it possible to simulate hot forming.
Dr. Waldemar Kubli, CEO of AutoForm Engineering, stated: “We are glad
that our solution for hot forming brings a new set of benefits to our users.
By applying our innovative technology, they can effectively simulate the hot
forming process. Thus, components with high strength, high geometrical
complexity and minimized springback effects can be produced in shorter time
at lower cost. Despite the complexity of hot forming processes, AutoForm has
succeeded in developing a hot forming solution which offers AutoForm users
the level of user-friendliness they are accustomed to.”
Hot forming: Hot forming is a temperature and time dependent process
which consists of several steps: heat treatment in furnace, transfer from
furnace to press and deep draw dies, and finally hot plastic deformation and
quenching in closed cool dies. The components produced by hot forming are
characterized by high strengths, complex shapes and reduced springback
effects. Optimal material performance is reached through a structural
transformation from austenite into martensite resulting in a martensitic
microstructure. Boron steel 22MnB5 is the most often used material in hot
forming and is offered by several steel plants.
About AutoForm Engineering GmbH
AutoForm offers software solutions for
the die-making and sheet metal forming industries along the entire process
chain. With over 200 employees, AutoForm is recognized as the leading
provider of software for product manufacturability, tool and material cost
calculation, die face design and virtual process optimization. All of the
Top 20 automotive OEMs and most of their suppliers have selected AutoForm as
their software of choice. Besides its headquarters in Switzerland, AutoForm
has offices in Germany, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, USA, Mexico,
India, China, Japan and Korea. AutoForm is also present through its agents
in more than 15 other countries. For detailed information please visit:
www.autoform.com
For more information, visit
www.autoform.com.
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See Also
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CAD - Sheet Metal Design - by TenLinks.com
Additional News
Jan 20 - AutoForm Applies Springback Compensation in Metal Stamping
Nov 17 - AutoForm Develops Hot Forming Simulation Process
Sep 29 - AutoForm Develops Pilot Models for Progressive Die Stamping
Sep 8 - AutoForm Develops Cost Optimized Process Plan Module
Jul 7 - AutoForm Develops Kinematic Hardening Model
Mar 31 - AutoFormplus Products Unveiled for Sheet Metal Forming
Mar 17 - AutoForm Wins Swiss Venture Club Award for Entrepreneurs
Oct 23 - AutoForm EasyBlank Add-On Includes Feasibility, FLD Diagram
Oct 17 - AutoForm v4.2 Unveiled for Sheet Metal Forming
Aug 25 - AutoForm Opens Office in Hong Kong
Jul 30 - AutoForm EasyBlank Add-On Module Imports CAD Files
Source: Material used in press releases is often supplied by external
sources and used as is. |
