TPT September 2007

D esign, P roduction & M anagement S oftware

The software provides an automatic cross-sectional part analysis, and includes automatic filleting of sharp edges, automatic creation of the addendum and inner fills, and generation of the tools separation surface. The bending line can be generated automatically, and all required bending tools and steps can also be designed and positioned automatically, removing the time-consuming manual definition of bending tools and processes in a CAD system. The user is guided step-by-step from the import of CAD geometry to the generation of alternative tooling concepts and their tryout using process simulation. Complex semi-finished products, such as conical tubes and profiles, are supported as well as tailored-welded tubes with varying wall thickness and/or material properties. measuring system. The software performs complete calculation of the piping geometry and supplies the data required for the pipe production in the form of lists and files. In combination with ERP/MRP-systems, PDM-systems and standard accountancy systems, all data and isometrics necessary for carrying out the project and its control are produced, working packs are created, production times and costs are determined, additional material is calculated and work schedules set up. All results for project and data management, quality control and NC machine triggering are available as automated, machine- readable files. All modules and components of the Pipefab product family are compatible, and make up the base for an integrated, all-in-one solution. Tracto-Technik also develops and fabricates tube bending and working machines up to Ø 170mm OD. Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 2725 9540 33 AutoForm Engineering Deutschland GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 231 9742 322 Email : stefan.werner@autoform.de Website : www.autoform.com

Advanced version of analysis and simulation software

AutoForm, Germany, develops and markets specialised die face design and simulation software for the automotive and sheet metal forming industries. The company has released version 4.1 of AutoForm Hydroforming, a tailor-made software solution for rapid analysis and simulation of tube bending and hydroforming processes. The software is used by parts designers, process engineers and tool/die makers to

evaluate hydroforming tool designs and process layouts. In version 4.1, productivity and quality have been increased particularly in the handling of multiple parts. This new option allows several parts to be imported, copied, arranged and tipped relatively to each other. After arranging the parts, they can be connected to build a chain, and as a result it is possible to analyse several part arrangements and different part combinations in a short time, without using CAD software.

fi AutoForm Hydroforming software enables users to evaluate hydroforming tool designs

Practice-orientated software tools for pipe production management

Tracto-Technik, Germany, offers practice- oriented software tools for the management of pipe production, providing complete system solutions for the piping industry. The modular-designed Pipefab software package combines the generation of isometric drawings, work preparation and production control for pipe pre-production.

It organises material and time management, and supplies all the required production dossiers for the pipe workshop. Pipefab evaluates isometric drawings originating from different input channels. The data is made available by direct input into an integrated isometry tool, by transfer from a 3D CAD system or from a pipe

fi Pipefab software provides the whole lifecycle of pipe systems from engineering and design over procurement, production, assembling and operating, up to service and maintenance

Email : tubomat@tracto-technik.de Website : www.tracto-technik.de

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S eptember /O ctober 2007