WILEN B. WOLLERAU, Switzerland, Jan 20, 2017 – AutoForm Engineering GmbH, the leading supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has unveiled its latest software version AutoForm^plus R7. This release brings tangible benefits and enables users to reach the next level of process simulation.

Cooling channels – tool design, tool temperature and sheet temperature.

AutoForm^plus R7 enables users to reach the next level of process simulation through a new set of powerful enhancements and functionalities. As a result, users benefit from higher flexibility and efficiency in process set-up and final validation for all forming processes in general and in particular for progressive dies and hot forming.

AutoForm^plus R7 brings advances in process modeling for hot forming as this release allows users to take cooling channels into account. Cooling channels can now be easily modeled with 3D curves and their corresponding diameters. Different cooling channel layouts lead to different temperature distributions on the tool surfaces. Hot spots on the tool surface can be easily detected and controlled depending on the selected layout of the cooling channels.

Blank plan and bend plan: AutoFormplus R7 new functionalities enable users to
efficiently plan and simulate (e.g. springback) progressive dies.

One of the major highlights of AutoForm^plus R7 is the improved planning and simulation of progressive dies. In particular, AutoForm^plus R7 supports the following use cases: import of CADdesigned tool geometry for the final process validation, part import for the planning stage and part import for full process engineering, which includes die face generation and simulation. These use cases are supported by new functionalities which enable users to efficiently plan and simulate progressive dies.

In addition, AutoForm^plus R7 enables users to benefit from AutoForm-Sigma^plus capabilities as all Sigma pre and post processing functionalities are now integrated within AutoForm-ProcessExplorer^plus. AutoForm^plus R7 software users can now take advantage of Sigma applications – Systematic Process Improvement and Process Robustness. As a result, users can ensure a highly efficient engineering process and robust part production while meeting desired quality requirements.

Stamped part

Dr. Markus Thomma, corporate marketing director of AutoForm Engineering, stated: “We have once again unveiled a new software release which is testimony of our latest development endeavors. We invite you to join us at our roll-out events which are currently being held all over the world. At these events, we will give you insights into new enhancements and functionalities which were developed to better assist you when using our software.”

About AutoForm Engineering GmbH

AutoForm offers software solutions for the die-making and sheet metal forming industries along the entire process chain. With 300 employees dedicated to this field, 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, Brazil, 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.