A CAD/CAE module for the timing and setting up of multistage hot formers

Current practice in .timing and setting-up multi-station hot forging machines involves considerable time and effort from skilled personnel. This activity can be integrated into a computer assisted system for design and engineering of hot forged components, allowing the deskilling of this task and the reduction of lead time to manufacture. The paper describes a CAD/CAE module for timing and setting-up of hot forging multi-station presses. The module is based-on -t?' ,3 D. .sol{d Jepr.esentatip,n of. the ~bJ~cts moving in Jhe working .~rea and utilizes' a kinematic moaelu.ilm:b' can=sr:lite ~difJerent=muIti-station presses.'>, '. ", ..' -;:--.--:''.-_-- The designer is assisted in identifying the suitable conditions for the timing of the different stages. The module includes capabilities such as automatic collision check and integrated CAD procedure for the design of grippers. This module can be thought as a part of an integrated CAD/CAE environment for the simultaneous design and engineering of the product and process, which would assist the designer in such activities such as design of the forming sequence, design of the tooling system, writing of part programs and timing of multi-stage hot formers.