Mar 9, 2023
As technology advances, leading manufacturers are taking advantage of forging simulation software to stay ahead. With its help, efficient design optimization and detection of potential defects can be done for products that may pose life-threatening risks if improperly constructed - something no customer should have to experience firsthand.
However, with so many options on the market today, picking one can be difficult. This article aims to make your decision easier by providing a quick comparison of some of the top forging simulation software solutions currently on the market.
The Value of Forging Simulation Software
The benefits of forging simulation software aren’t restricted to the production floor. Streamlining design processes and developing leaner production strategies enables the entire company to focus on efficiency without compromising quality. These advantages are evident in several different functional areas.
Quality Control and Managing Production Risk
By leveraging advanced forging simulation software, design teams can simulate the manufacturing process and predict possible defects or abrasive wear on tools. This allows manufacturers to make data-driven decisions that balance risk of failure with profitability potential, allowing them to maximize success while minimizing costs.
Improved Communication Between Departments and Teams
Forging simulation software enables teams to collaborate more seamlessly, which is essential when innovating the newest designs. This unified data-sharing method allows distinct departments to coordinate efforts and collaborate to bring a prototype from concept to creation. As such, this powerful program can aid companies in expediting their product launch timelines and ensuring each component meets strict quality standards.
Reduced Time-to-Market
With simulation, the design-to-market timeline is dramatically shortened due to a virtual environment that eliminates the need for costly physical prototypes. Teams can rapidly identify risks and use their creativity more freely without spending time adjusting equipment setpoints and other variables – resulting in improved product innovation cycles with fewer tangible resources consumed.
Choosing the Right Forging Simulation Software
To ensure optimal results for forging operations, finding the right software fit is key. Rather than relying on a one size fits all solution, manufacturers should carefully evaluate their priorities and consider each program’s features before making an informed decision about which software best meets their specific needs. Below is a quick comparison of industry-leading forging simulation software available for use.
QFORM Metal Forming Simulation Software
PROS: QFORM is typically used by beginners looking for a low cost solution. With over three decades of practical experience, it is an option for customers in need of a low cost solution to demonstrate the will of the company to move into the digital world.
CONS: Despite its benefits, QFORM has a large list of drawbacks, including lack of accuracy, very limited technical support team, small range of applications, and a lack of scalability. QFORM doesn't support induction heating and the company is still rebuilding after a full revamp of their solver and GUI a few years back.
Simufact Forming Simulation Software
PROS: Simufact Forming is a good solution for single users. Its aged but simple interface is easy to understand, and most of forming processes are addressed in the package through different modules purchases.
CONS: Simufact Forming has been a go-to for individuals, yet large teams may find its inflexible structure and lack of distributed resources challenging. Moreover, the modular components necessitate extra costs if special modules such as ring rolling or sheet metal forming are required. In addition, since Simufact has been bought by the Hexagon group, its technical support team dedicated to the forming simulation package has considerably dropped and can be a major issue for its customers.
DEFORM Process Simulation Software
PROS: DEFORM is a trusted provider of advanced forging solutions with global manufacturing partnerships spanning the US, UK, and Asia. Through in-depth research, they have distinguished themselves as experts in open die and hammer forming technologies - offering powerful modules to support these processes through its additional modules available for purchase.
CONS: DEFORM has established itself as a powerful software. However its rigid licensing policy and limited adjustable parameters can be challenging for long-term users. Those wishing to customize their experience to fit their unique manufacturing needs will need to pay extra fees to do so. In addition, many customers report frustrations around the response time from the technical support team and/or the lack of response all together. The rigidity of the Deform team to provide information related to their software for users to better understand some results has been a major issue in recent years.
FORGE® Simulation Software
FORGE® is a world-class provider of forging simulation software that has set the industry standard for its accuracy, scalability, innovation, affordability, customization, and user experience. Its intuitive layout provides engineers with a platform to quickly build complex simulations, accurately representing real-world situations.
Its powerful engine boosts productivity and reduces development time, allowing manufacturers to develop products faster than ever before — without compromising on quality. Additionally, its company TRANSVALOR is the only provider in the market that integrates forging and casting as well as post-production structural simulation on the same platform. This unique feature allows users to address the entire chain of manufacturing processes without ever leaving the platform. With over 35 years of superior technology and expertise, FORGE® outperforms its competitors in both performance and reliability.
Conclusion: Adopting Forging Simulation Software
In today's ever-changing market, staying competitive means investing in new technologies. Integrated forging simulation software is an ideal solution for companies of all sizes. Although adopting a whole new technology is a significant business decision, integrating forging simulation software is an endeavor that rapidly pays for itself by reducing waste and streamlining production.
Manufacturers of all sizes can benefit from increased efficiency, improved communication, and, most importantly, the ability to remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
