Dies
VISI offers a unique combination of applications, fully integrated wireframe, surface, and solid modeling, extensive 2D, 3D, and 5-axis machining strategies with special high-speed routines. Industry-specific applications for designing stamping and deep-draw dies with step-
by-step unfolding for the method provide the toolmaker with unparalleled productivity. Setting up a strip is achieved in a very short time through a straightforward step-by-step method.
Progressive Dies
VISI Progress is an intuitive tool used for developing flat blanks, 3D strip layouts, and designing progressive dies and press tools.
VISI Progress offers the following benefits:
- Part investigation + bend analysis
- Automatic calculation of the blank
- Bend and shear calculations
- Definition of the follow-on steps
- Simulation of the deep-drawing process
Unfolding
The powerful unfolding tool VISI Progress can unfold both surface and solid models using a
robust geometry-based unfolding algorithm. The developed blank is based on a neutral fiber
model calculated by choosing one of the standard offset ratios or by using an automatic
formula for the neutral axis. Step-by-step unfolding allows the designer to plan each forming
stage by dynamically adjusting bend angles. It is possible to include parametric features such
as ribs and protruding parts that can be activated or deactivated during the forming stage if
necessary. Flexible processing allows for the removal or addition of extra steps, giving the
user complete freedom for unfolding experiments.
Springback
When a sheet metal component is removed from the die, and the forming forces are released, the material's elasticity will cause the part's geometry to resiliently spring back. The springback prediction tool utilizes the initial nominal part, material data, and blank calculation to generate a second mesh of the product geometry, including adjustments for springback. The designer can then use the relative compensation tool to apply a deformation on the original surface to generate compensated surfaces, producing an accurately formed sheet metal component. This will provide significant benefits by reducing the time of the 'design to production' process and minimizing the costs of the usual trial-and-error approach of this lengthy process.
When validating the part for formability, a new graphical analysis mode will categorize the results into six possible zones that occur during the forming process:
- Strong tendency for wrinkles: Slight stretching in one direction and compression in the other with thickening of the material. Wrinkles are highly likely to occur.
- Tendency for wrinkles: Stretching in one direction and compression in the other with slight thickening of the material. Wrinkles may occur.
- Low stretch: Minimal stretching or compression in both the major and minor directions.
- Safe: Area below the forming limit curve where failure is unlikely.
- Margin: Area between the safe and failure zones where the forming process is marginally safe.
- Failure: Area above the forming limit curve where splitting is likely (local thinning).
Strip design
With the developed blank part, it is possible to quickly formulate a 3D strip layout. Automatic blank alignment, rotation, and optimization assist in planning a more efficient strip. The design and layout of the punch become more effective with the use of the automatic 2D strip plan, including fold lines. Various automatic and semi-automatic tools aid in creating shear punches that, once created, can be dynamically moved to different stages in the strip using drag and drop. Placing 3D folding stages in the strip is a seamless process, and the strip can easily be updated to accommodate a reduction or increase in the number of stages. At any time, it is possible to access all strip parameters, including strip width and pitch, for essential adjustments when needed. The 3D strip can be simulated at any time to check the validity and performance of the design.
2.5D Miling
VISI Machining 2D offers a practical, intuitive, and simple solution for CNC programming, including indexing for 4 and 5 axes. Knowledge-based feature recognition will automatically select features directly on fixed geometry and generate reliable milling and drilling toolpaths.
3D Milling
The machining of highly complex 3D parts is addressed by VISI Machining 3D. Smart tool paths are created for the most intricate 3D components. With specific techniques for high-speed milling and built-in smoothing algorithms, highly efficient NC code is generated. Thanks to these intelligent tool paths, cycle times on the machine are reduced, productivity is enhanced, and consistently high-quality components are produced.
