Machine timing integrated into an expert CAD/CAE system for cold forging technology

Current practice in timing and setting-up multi-station forging machines involves considerable time and effort from skilled manpower. Integrating this activity into a computerized environme71t for design and engineering of cold forged products ensures benefits such as des killing of the task and reduction of lead time to manufacture. The paper describes a computer-aided procedure for timing and setting up of cold forging multi-station machines, which is a module of an expert CAD/CAE system integrating all activities in planning the cold forging process. The 'module is based on a 3-D solid representation of the objects moving in the working area and a bne77lJltic mode! of a· 711171lbcr of diffcrCllt multi-station presses. The user is assisted in idClltifying suitable timing conditions for the different stages of the tim ing and setting up task. Capabilities of the module include automatic collision check, collision avoidance suggestions and integrated CAD-procedure for the design of non-standard grippers.