Page 29 - MetalForming November 2010

a punch. Control the length by snipping off the end after installation—it should protrude 0.040 to 0.070 in. beyond the face of the punch.
Shed-It Co.: 978/465-6100;
www.shed-it.com
Software Facilitates
Systematic Tryout Rather
than Trial and Error
The fine tuning of a forming tool during tryout is a cost- and time-inten- sive step on the path to a functioning tool. Correction work and modifications are inevitable, and every correction loop that can be eliminated offers an imme- diate advantage in terms of time and money. To do so requires a systematic approach not confined to the boundaries of individual operational departments.
spot in the wall of a stamping that has a maximum stretch tolerance of 20 per- cent, engineering can examine these two areas more closely in simulation.
AutoForm-Sigma, from AutoForm Engi- neering, leads the user in logical steps through the analysis, showing the engi- neer which correction measures have no effect and which offer a real chance of resolving a particular problem. They
also can check to see if the application of a correction measure, designed to resolve one problem, might actually cre- ate a new problem. By means of sliders, AutoForm-Sigma can progressively adjust the strength of each of the individual cor- rection measures and simultaneously follow the effects on the entire part. AutoForm Engineering: 888/428 8636; www.autoform.com
Engineering and tryout are separate operational departments in the tool shop. When the release for milling of a tool is issued, engineering generally turns its focus to new projects as the tryout team goes to work. For an effective tryout, both oper- ational departments must bundle activities together—with the engineering depart- ment applying simulation-based tryout support occurring parallel to tool manu- facturing. Should a problem arise in tryout, the cause can be identified on the computer.
Should a problem arise in tryout, engineering refers to previously calculated simulation results (in AutoForm-Sigma). The software helps to determine suitable correction measures to allow development of an action plan. Should the tryout team identify, for example, two problem areas, such as a tear in the base of an embossment and a 23-percent thinned
Triform Sheet Hydroforming

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METALFORMING / NOVEMBER 2010 27
Demonstrating Precision Parallelism Control and Sheet Hydroforming at FABTECH
Active Leveling Control

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