Smart Database
 

EXAMPLE - Fastco Parts

NAGFORM

Overview
NAGFORM is a knowledge based software program for automatic and manual design of forming sequence for formed parts. It allows the user to capture manufacturing knowledge and use it to design progressions for similar parts quickly in minutes.

The sequence designs created in NAGFORM can be tested effortlessly in NAGSIM.2D FEA simulation software.

NAGFORM can be used to:

  • Obtain alternative sequence designs in a few minutes
  • Create reusable sequence-design templates
  • Automate sequence design of similar parts.
  • Create 'Generic' tooling around a sequnce in a minute
  • Create DXF output of sequence designs in a few minutes
  • Select optimal blank diameter
  • Reduce number of forming operations
  • Obtain estimated loads, pressures and deformation
  • Estimate load distribution on a multi-station machine
  • Select machines for a sequence from a machine database
  • Automatically dimension a part
  • Prevent designs that overload the tooling or overstrain the part
  • Create NAGSIM.2D analysis file for simulation
  • Teach forming design to new personnel

Automatic Design of Forming Progression in Seconds - NAGFORM utilizes a combination of design logic, knowledge-based rules and simplified analyses to determine a forming progression automatically.

Progression Design Concepts - Because the program looks for all possible designs and applies its logic without fial, NAGFORM can come up with design concepts that even experienced designers may overlook.

Alternative Forming Progressions in Minutes - In general there is more than one forming sequence by which a part can be formed. The number of viable designs depends upon the constraints such as part geometry, material being formed, allowed number of operations, rod/wire size etc. NAGFORM has its own design logic that determines various possible ways a part can be formed.

Design by Command - 'Design by Command' allows the user to create his/her own design progression interactively in a few minutes. The interactive session, consisting of questions by the program to determine the design intent and the responses by the user, is saved in a session file. This session file can be used as a template to create progression design for similar parts or family of parts in minutes.

Built a Historic 'Part & Template Design' Database - In NAGFORM, any part and its prrogression design can be stored as a 'Design Template'. Thus over time, a company can built a database of parts and their successful designs.

Manual Design - In addition to automatic design, NAGFORM has a seperate module for creating a forming pression manually. Using computer aided techniques, the user can quickly and easily contruct a forming sequence according to his/her own concept. The designer can also easily modify a computer-generated design.

Design of Tool Components and Assemblies - The designer can manually create tooling components and assemblies using templates and modeling capabilities of NAGFORM. Any component or assembly can be stores as a template for later use.

Automatic Creation of 'Generic' Tooling - For most of the sequence designs obtained through NAGFORM logic, 'Generic' tooling can be created automatically.

Automatic Creation of Analysis File for Simulation in NAGSIM.2D - The forming sequence and the 'Generic' tooling is used to create an analysis file automatically with touch of a button, for simulation in NAGSIM.2D FEA program. This saves hours if not days of human effort to perform FEA simulation.

Limitations:

  • NAGFORM is not a FEA simulation program. It can not predict metal-flow defects.
  • Designs only cylindrical or nearly cylindrical parts with features such as polygon, flats and splines.