Forming Technologies Releases FormingSuite v10.0 and FTI CATIA V5-Based Software

Springback Analysis, New MultiStage Simulation Solver, and Continuous Improvement Tools for Stamping Simulation and Costing

Burlington, ON, CANADA — June 12, 2012 — Forming Technologies Inc. (FTI) the industry’s leading developer of solutions for design, simulation, planning and costing of sheet metal components, today announced the worldwide release of FormingSuite v10.0 and FTI CATIA V5-Based software. Aimed at all sheet metal forming and costing engineers, designers, and estimators in the Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Product and Electrical/Electronic industries, the main objective of FormingSuite v10.0 and FTI CATIA V5-Based software is to introduce new leading edge technology to stamping simulation and to provide continuous improvement to all users in a unified collaborative environment.

FormingSuite v10.0 and FTI CATIA V5-Based software embraces customer’s demands of delivering productivity enhancements whilst improving the speed and performance of all simulation solvers (CHI, dFIT, LS-DYNA, Springback, and Nesting). “These developments continue our mission to supply the stamping industry with the world’s easiest to learn and easiest to use wizard-based stamping software. These new software releases signify a major step in FTI analysis capabilities. Our focus of ‘accuracy on demand’ and ‘cost knowledge for all’ gives our customers a huge competitive advantage”, said Dan Marinac, Director Business Development at FTI. “Those benefits, coupled with continuous improvements in our core strengths in cost reduction, blank development, stamping simulation accuracy and springback prediction, deliver great value to FTI’s customers”. This latest release includes several new features, such as:

• Advancements in Springback Simulation
  • New forming constraints to simulate clamping for positioning in jig and fixture tooling
  • New Springback alignment feature to position the results relative to the original part
  • Improved NAS and STL file export for CAD springback compensation
• New Measuring Tools for FormingSuite to eliminate the need for users going to CAD dimensional information
• Optional direct 3D CAD data translators for reading NX^®, CATIA^® V5, SolidWorks^®, JT^®, Pro/ENGINEER^®, etc.

In addition, FTI announces a major enhancement to FASTFORM MultiStage with the addition of the dFIT solver to complement the existing iFIT solver. FASTFORM MultiStage now incorporates the best of both worlds as iFIT is best suited for the required blank estimate as well as for the trim line development.  The process engineer may then decide whether it is more appropriate to use a net shape blank or if, in order to save the cost of the blank die, a standard cutoff blank is more appropriate. In this case, the user may import any blank geometry and use the dFIT solver to evaluate the process starting from the known blank size and location, and progress through the stamping stages. The simulation identifies the extent of first form deviation from design as well as any formability concerns resulting from the change of the blank from net shape. The dFIT solver is further capable of optimizing the location of in-process trims to ensure that the final part is to print.

“We developed FormingSuite v10.0 and FTI CATIA V5-Based software by working closely with our customers who were looking for something easier to use and quicker compared to what is currently available today on the market” adds Marinac. “From the high accuracy of FASTBLANK to the stunning virtual simulations of FASTIncremental, FormingSuite offers the ease of use, speed and accuracy, and the flexibility of one environment for product design, costing, and engineering departments. The CAD-like look and feel ensures intuitive data navigation and that the user is always informed on the status of the analysis at any given time.”

About Forming Technologies

Forming Technologies Incorporated is the world’s leading developer of computer aided engineering software for design and simulation of sheet metal components. Since 1989, FTI has provided OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace and appliance industries with innovative software and training solutions designed to reduce development time and material costs. FTI has trained over 12,000 engineers in Formability and Die Design and is considered the Best in Class around the world for their industry training programs. For information visit the company’s website at www.forming.com.

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