Information Exchange within the area of tool design and sheet-metal-forming simulations

Today, shortened lead-times in the automotive industry have raised requirements on rapid information exchange. The increased use and access to the Internet have created possibilities to transfer information to people independent of location. This development, together with the increased speed in the portable computer technology, has opened possibilities for bringing results from sheet-metal-forming simulations directly to the customer. Previously, the results were presented with pictures; now it is possible to use animations. The only requirement is to have access to a post-processor or a viewer that is
powerful enough to handle the results. The advantage with animated results is the improved possibilities to follow the sheet-metal-forming process.
In this project, the methodology for reporting results from sheet-metal-forming simulations at Volvo Cars Body Components is studied. A potential for improvement would be possible if the reporting procedure is changed from paper copies to a database structure. In the database the results should be stored as files with animated results that the user is able to rotate and zoom. This methodology will contribute to faster and more accurate decisions because it will be based on current information and the user could easily analyse the results without access to special programs.