Sheet Metal Pressings - The Integration of Finite Element Analysis Within the Design Process

The ability to simulate the stamping process at an early stage in the product design cycle brings benefits to the designer of sheet metal components. Numerical simulation using the finite element technique allows problems to be identified and isolated before expensive tools are cut. Manufacturing process simulation is not yet used on a routine basis by the designer at the CAD station, but this paper attempts to show that simulation techniques have reached a level at which they can be used with confidence by the design engineer.