Die Design

Volvo Adopting Safer Advanced Material: Metal Stamping, Cast Parts Predictability

To create a numerical simulation model, that covers all the complex conditions involved in crash situation, Volvo 3P uses the Altair software RADIOSS. In the need to study several aspects such as elasto-plastic behavior, hardening, strain rate dependency, triaxial behavior and failure, Volvo 3P relies on the modeling capabilities of RADIOSS. Several tests for material property identification were accomplished to obtain data about the material's behavior up to the rupture in case of torsion, tension and compression (hardening, strain rate effect, stress state influence). The achieved data were used to validate the numeric model in RADIOSS and enabled the Volvo 3P engineers to set up the right material laws for simulation.

"We are pleased to see Volvo 3P Cab Engineering engineers expanding the usability of RADIOSS in their development tasks," said Mauro Guglielminotti, managing director, Altair, France. "Having the ability to better predict crash results is a highly competitive advantage and will lead to better and safer products, a reduced number of prototypes and savings of time and money. Including special validated material laws is the right answer to the calculation needs at Volvo 3P Cab Engineering."

About RADIOSS

RADIOSS is a next-generation finite element solver for linear and non-linear simulations. It can be used to simulate structures, fluids, fluid-structure interaction, sheet metal stamping, and mechanical systems. This robust, multidisciplinary solution allows manufacturers to maximize durability, noise and vibration performance, crashworthiness, safety, and manufacturability of designs to bring innovative products to market faster.

About AB Volvo

The Volvo Group is a customer-oriented organization that is distinguished by transport solutions that strengthen the customer's long-term competitiveness. The Volvo Group has its roots in Sweden, France, Japan and the US and has about 100,000 employees. Production is carried out in 19 countries, while sales take place in about 180 markets. Volvo's business areas are Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, Nissan Diesel, Buses, Construction Equipment, Volvo Penta, Volvo Aero and Financial Services. There are a number of business units that support the business area's operations. The largest are Volvo 3P, Volvo Powertrain, Volvo Parts, Volvo Logistics, Volvo Technology and Volvo IT. The Group's structure creates conditions for working closely together with customers. The Volvo Group's strategy is based on customer's requirements and focused on profitable growth, product renewal and internal efficiency. (Original Article in PR Newswire)

"The prediction of the behavior of single components can be very complex, as recently shown by the prediction of crash behavior for ductile cast-iron brackets," said Jerome Lagrut, senior analyst, Volvo 3P Cab Engineering. "Since the brackets are the critical link between chassis and the driver's cab, they are key components for the crash behavior and the occupant safety. Certain crashworthiness requirements, such as regulations and severe internal requirements must be covered. After the identification of the material behavior via tests, we have been able to implement these laws in a simulation model for further investigations. The crash simulations on complete vehicles in RADIOSS showed very good correlations with physical tests and we are very pleased with the outcome of our development efforts," he continued.

New Job Posting: Tool and Die Designer

Job opening for an experienced tool and die designer with at least five years experiences and familiarity with the stamping process. »

Logopress Announces Solidworks Competition Celebrating 20th Anniversary

Logopress Corporation Celebrates 20th Anniversary at FABTECH, 2009 with SolidWorks Reseller Challenge Event and Lottery

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - October 20, 2009 - Logopress Corp., Besancon, France, developer of Logopress3 Die Design software will celebrate their 20th anniversary, since they were founded in October, 1989. Along with their North American Distributor and Technical Center, Accurate Die Design, Inc., New Berlin, Wisconsin, they will conclude this celebration on November 15-18, 2009, at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.

To celebrate and thank the many SolidWorks resellers worldwide for their contributions to the success of Logopress3, a year long contest and challenge will culminate at the FABTECH/AWS Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illionis on Monday, November 16th, 2009. SolidWorks resellers who have helped sell Logopress3 this past year will be included in a drawing and lottery to win several prizes. The more they sold the more opportunities they had to win. Eight Grand Prize drawings will be awarded on Monday, November 16th.

Along with the drawing at the FABTECH/AWS Show, Logopress3 will showcase their new 2010 version which includes the implementation of over 40 improvements and/or new features based on user requests. Improvements in the Round Draw module include additional features as well as the ability to handle very complex round parts. Improvements and optimization of the multi-user environment have also been made. "Our users tell us that Logopress3 has decreased their overall design time 20% to 50% which of course makes them much more competitive", says Ray Proeber, President of Accurate Die Design, Inc. "These new improvements and enhancements in Logopress3 2010 will help them be even more competitive than they already have become to this point."

Since Logopress’ start, their only business has been the development of die design software for the Tool & Die and Metal Stamping Industry. Up until 2002, they provided a full 2D CAD software package for die design and held the lead position in France in this area for many years. Today many users are updating to Logopress’ 3D technology. In 2000 their research and development in 3D technology moved them to select SolidWorks, the leading 3D Cad software, as their partner and expanded their market worldwide. Currently Logopress3 is used in 30 countries around the world. Logopress’ entire line of 3D products have achieved SolidWorks Gold Partner status, and they continue to make enhancements keeping in mind SolidWorks high requirement of integration. The design work can be started either from a SolidWorks native part or more commonly from an imported part. The entire process will be sped up because of the dedicated Logopress3 functions and automation.

Logopress3, Logopress3F and 123GO are all SolidWorks Gold Certified products and run inside of SolidWorks. The Logopress3 BLANK module offers finite element analysis together with flattening capabilities, helping the designer to quickly and easily determine the theoretical blank of a 3D formed part. (The full Logopress3 tool design software package includes all of the modules made by Logopress.)

Logopress3 enables faster and better builds with increased productivity for die designers in the automotive, aerospace, medical, agricultural, electrical and appliance industries.

About Accurate Die Design

Since 2004, Accurate Die Design, Inc. has been the North American Technical Center and Distributor for Logopress3 3D Die Design Software which runs inside of SolidWorks. They also provide die design services and are a reseller for Forming Simulation/Analysis and Flat Blank prediction software from Forming Technologies, Inc. For more information visit the company’s website.

Michigan Stamping Plant, Die Construction Division Preparing for Chevy Volt

Michigan stamping plant, tool and die location among four local facilities to receive infusion of cash to prepare for two new GM vehicle launches.

General Motors is in process of investing upwards of $225M making up more than 500 jobs in the Flint, Michigan area. The flurry of activity was stimulated by the future release of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt.

Flint Metal Center: Investing about $2M to update press lines that will provide stampings for the Chevy Volt. Represents anywhere from 25-35 jobs.
Flint Tool & Die: This facility designed dies for the Chevrolet Cruze and is responsible for die-build and tryout for the Volt program. The entire lineup of dies for the Volt were engineered at Flint Tool & Die. About 50 percent of the dies for the Volt were designed here.

Siemens new machine tool software responses to T&D questions

Several weeks ago I posted a preview look into Siemens new Machine Tool SINUMERIK 828D CNC software. Many of you contacted me with questions that I put together and presented to one Siemens techincal directors. Here is a recap of our Q&A:

What really makes the control different than other G-code controllers?
The biggest difference on this control is the GUI. It is an intuitive system that
can be programmed and cutting with no G code knowledge. Of course the traditional
G codes can be used and incorporated in the Graphic program.

Can you explain how the animated CAD/CAM works and what makes it special and useful?
This is not a CAD/CAM system. The animated elements are for operator/programmer
help during operation. They prompt the operator in set up and the programmer during
the writing and testing of the program

What are the biggest flaws with old controllers and how does your product fix them?
The biggest "flaw" with older controls is the lack of a Graphic User Interface and full featured
help. The Help (animated elements) are available in all areas of the control.

Where can I buy these controllers?
The new SINUMERIK 828D will be displayed on machine tools from 11 builders at the upcoming EMO show in Milan.

What is the learning curve for this controller and what are some learning resources provided?
The learning curve is of course dependent on the personnel, but our new training concept helps to
reduce the time needed to become productive. The training is a module based system that can be
tailored to the specific person. The typical training would be 2 days classroom and 1 day hands on
as opposed to a traditional 5 day class room setting. After the 3 day training the programmer/operator
is able to produce their own parts programs. As the learning of G codes is not needed.