Page 28 - ITAtube Journal 1 2019

Technical Papers
SMS group GmbH
Activities by SMS group in FE simulation of massive forming processes
Digital insights into massive forming processes
FEM Simulation
As soon as the dies of a forging press close, nobody knows what exactly is going on inside the dies. However, there is a way to find out: FEM simulations performed by SMS group. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to simulate and visualize how material physically behaves during forming processes or tem- perature changes. The objective is to optimize the products and the production processes. SMS group boasts an international team of experts from differ- ent disciplines who work with the technical depart- ments of SMS group during the design process of new plants and processes, and directly with customers when it comes to planning and laying out production processes.
Digital test field instead of expensive trials
“We focus on FEM simulations of products and treat-
ment processes. Simulations are a digital test field that saves time and reduces costs. Both our cus- tomers and our engineers gain valuable knowledge through the simulations,” explains Dr. Eng. Koos van Putten, Head of RDLF (Research & Development - Production Processes for Tubes, Long and Forged Products).
Optimal preparation for new product designs
An example that illustrates the value of FE simu- lations is the design of new spray heads used in forging presses for cooling and lubricating the dies. By additive manufacturing, SMS group is able to produce plastic or metal spray heads by 3D print- ing. What makes this process so special is the fact that the spray heads can be given completely new designs and individual shapes, with the nozzles opti-
ITAtube Journal No1/February 2019
28