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Project Summary
The project aims to transfer to the UK metalforming industry a key technology, computer simulation, which is already established in sectors such as a casting, injection moulding and automotive / aerospace design. It aims to do this by developing real Case examples of the technology and demonstrate benefits to metalforming companies. It also aims to develop user friendly interfaces and guides for metalforming companies, building on existing finite element analysis to integrate supply chains and produce a seamless capability. A Centre for Excellence will also be established at the Confederation of British Metalforming facilities at West Bromwich to provide demonstration and training support for simulation users.

Need
The metalforming industry’s key customer base are globally competitive industries such as automotive design and assembly, aerospace design and assembly, construction, electrical and medical engineering. To respond to the competitive pressures imposed by these sectors the UK metalforming industry has to achieve significant ongoing reduction in design, development and manufacturing costs; to assist the ‘speed-to-market’ for new products; and to produce more complex and higher added value product in order to hold and, hopefully, increase its market share in sectors where the impact of global sourcing has become a signficiant challenge.

Solution
To enable the sector to combat cost competitive pressures and improve efficiency in the design and manufacturing process, and integrate suppliers and end-users within the supply chain, it is the aim of this project to transfer simulation technologies by developing user friendly interfaces and guides for metalforming SMEs, demonstrating appropriate simulation through relevant Case Study applications, and build on existing finite element analysis to integrate supply chains and produce a seamless design and delivery capability. A Demonstration Centre will be set up at the Confederation of British Metalforming facilities in West Bromwich to de-risk the uptake of such technologies and provide technical support for potential metalforming simulation users. It aims to:

• Establish a central resource for simulation in the metalforming sectors including a Demonstration Centre
• Initiating Simulation End User Groups
• Provision of a web-enabled simulation resource including distance learning material/best practice techniques
• Broaden awareness of simulation at senior management level within metalforming companies
• Promote the case through cost-benefits analysis of simulation in the metalforming supply chain
• Assist metalforming companies to develop new supply chain relationships

Benefits

• Shorten time to market by enabling the evaluation of alternative designs / manufacturing processes and prototypes and minimising delays and costs associated with tooling trials.
• Develop innovative product designs and production techniques in ‘fast-track’ supply chains.
• Embrace innovative materials and design techniques
• Engage in concurrent engineering with suppliers and customers and consolidate supply chain relationships.
• Increase added value and extend customer base in high technology markets.