When developing high-precision stamping and forming tools, it is a challenge to explore the limits of what is feasible while simultaneously increasing production efficiency. Bringing metallic materials into their desired shape by drawing, bending or stamping are complex processes that are subject to many influencing factors that require precise planning and tool design. Simulation software plays an important role here, as it can reduce costly preliminary tests in order to confirm feasibility at an early stage.
At the Stanztec trade fair, the Stampack forming simulation aroused the interest of Pforzheim-based Kramski GmbH. The global provider of technologically sophisticated stamping and injection molding technology decided to take part in a free trial phase in spring 2023. The result was that Stampack was very well suited to the company’s requirements. Two employees from the design department worked intensively with the software and used it to simulate typical bending, drawing and stamping processes. In particular, the possibility of volume and shell simulation proved to be decisive for the future use of forming simulation in the company. “Stampack allows precise simulation of forming processes and a very reliable prediction of workpiece behavior,” explains Martin Gall, Head of Project Planning and Design at Kramski. “An additional factor was the simple and intuitive usability of the software.”
© Kramski
The employee training went quickly and smoothly. The continuous support was rated particularly positively: experts were available at all times to answer specific questions and develop individual solutions. The test phase showed a significant reduction in the number of correction loops required during tool development, which in turn permanently reduces development times and costs. The final decision to purchase Stampack was made after the successful test phase was completed in summer 2023, mainly due to the intuitive use of the system in combination with the expected efficiency gains in terms of time and costs. Since the software was officially introduced in July 2023, it has become an integral part of the design department’s day-to-day work. At Kramski, Stampack is primarily used for the simulation of bending, drawing and stamping processes. These simulation cases are central to the design and optimization of stamping tools. Thanks to the forming simulation, designers can carry out a feasibility check as early as the quotation phase and thus avoid costly preliminary tests. The ability to make changes and optimizations directly in the simulation environment minimizes the need for recursion loops. The software is also used to calculate springback during bending, which allows precise prediction of material behavior and significantly reduces the effort required for subsequent adjustments. Stampack also plays an important role internationally, as the centralized control of the software application via the headquarters in Pforzheim enables efficient coordination of the various locations. The forming simulation makes a decisive contribution to shortening the ‘time-to-market’ in particular. This is another reason why the decision to use Stampack is proving to be a valuable investment for Kramski. The software enables faster and more cost-effective development and optimization of punching tools, which has a positive effect on the overall cost-effectiveness of the projects. “Thanks to the precise simulations, potential ‘problems’ can already be identified in the planning phase and avoided through targeted adjustments. This reduces both costs and time,” emphasizes Martin Gall. “Even against the backdrop of a shortage of skilled workers, ever-increasing demands on ‘time-to-market’ and international cost pressure, simulation software has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. The use of Stampack has proven to be a complete success in our design department – even in an international environment.” Web: www.stampack.com
