Finite-element-analysis (FEA) simulation of the rollforming process enables designers to validate and optimize rollform designs at early stages before the rolls are manufactured, ensuring that final products meet particular needs. Profil rollform design software from Ubeco GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany, now provides an interface to such an FEA system, Abaqus/Explicit. This allows calculation of stress and longitudinal deformation within the whole profile.
Resulting from the FEA calculation is a CAD drawing of the profile, which can be dimensioned and checked to see if the deformation is within allowances. If not, the design must be modified. Because this occurs prior to roll manufacture, costly trial and error is eliminated.
With built-in CAD interfaces and its new FEA interface, Profil allows rapid planning, design, calculation and drawing of a rollform profile, bending steps and roll tooling.
Profil, in addition to FEA capability, now offers Undo/Redo functions, expanded roll data, improved clearance angle, an Open-Fold function and interface in Microsoft Word and Excel.
For more information on Profil rollforming design software from Ubeco, write no. 213 on your reader service card.