New Hydro and Tube forming simulation capabilities
AutoForm-Incremental simulation technology includes the ability to design, develop and simulate both sheet hydroforming and tube hydroforming problems, including tube bending and forming (crushing). StampingSimulation.com now offers this functionality as part of their existing simulation service products, SimulateLite (Virtual Tryout) and SimulateComplete (Process Development).
The SME market has experienced the power of AutoForm simulation technology via StampingSimulation.com since April 2007 for traditional sheet metal parts pressed in a mechanical process. Smaller and medium size companies can now also access the same benefits for their tube and hydroforming processes, that simulation technology brings.
Tube Bending Simulations Tube bending problems are designed, developed and simulated based on a final design of a tube product. The entire bending process is designed and simulated and all tooling components (mandrels, beads, etc) are developed as part of the simulation and provided as outputs of a SimulateComplete job. Tube bending is often the first step of a complete HydroForming process.
Tube Forming Simulations A tube forming problem may be an end form where the tube is crushed by external tooling, to form a desired feature. Simulation outputs include the usual formability, thinning and force results, in addition to a full incremental simulation of the forming process. Tube forming is usually the second step of a complete HydroForming process.
Tube Hydro Forming Simulations After tube bending and forming takes place, the hydro forming process is usually the last process, although any process can be simulated individually. After the tube is formed between two female dies, hydro pressure is applied from both ends of the open tube. The resulting metal deformation is simulated and captures the usual outputs showing formability and thinning, predicting splits, thin spots and wrinkles.
Sheet Hydro Forming Simulations Sheet hydro forming is not similar to the above mentioned tube forming simulations, but is a closer match to the traditional mechanical press process. However, it differs in that ONE of the solid tools is replaced by hydro-mechanical pressure, usually the female die cavity. The hydro pressure is commonly contained within a flexible bladder into which a solid punch travels, with the sheet metal blank in between. The punch is surrounded by a solid ring, to act as a binder surface while the sheet is drawn into the hydro filled bladder. This process is simulated and the usual outputs are available.
Start a Job Now Any sheet metal forming simulation job can be started quickly by following this link: OR visit https://stampingsimulation.com/ and follow the START A JOB NOW link. The fundamental requirement to get started is a 3D CAD model in any format of either the TOOLING or the final PRODUCT design.