Metal Stamping Die CAD/CAM Technology Status
In recent years, the development of stamping dies in China has seen remarkable progress. Large stamping molds are now capable of being manufactured with weights exceeding 50 tons, and mid-range car cover molds can also be produced domestically. Advanced multi-position progressive dies with a precision of 1–2 micrometers and a lifespan of approximately 200 million cycles are now commonly available from many domestic manufacturers. Additionally, precision dies with surface roughness as low as Ra 1.5μm, large-sized (Φ-300mm) precision dies, and medium-thickness precision dies have reached a high level of quality in China.
The state of mold CAD/CAM technology in China has evolved significantly over the past two decades. In 1984, the former Huazhong Institute of Technology and Wuhan 733 Factory jointly developed the first self-developed die CAD/CAM system in China. In 1986, Huazhong Institute of Technology and Beijing Mould Factory completed the first blanking die CAD/CAM system in the country, while Shanghai Jiaotong University also launched its own cold die CAD/CAM system that same year. By the 1990s, CAD/CAM technology was widely adopted in the automotive industry. The State Science and Technology Commission’s 863 Program aimed to establish Dongfeng Motor Corporation as a CIMS demonstration plant, with Huazhong University of Science and Technology providing technical support for an integrated system of automotive body and cover mold CAD/CAPP/CAM, approved in early 1996.
During this period, FAW and Chengfei Automotive Mold Center introduced workstations and CAD/CAM software systems, greatly improving efficiency in mold design and manufacturing. In 1997, FAW implemented computer simulation CAE software for sheet forming processes, marking a new stage in advanced manufacturing.
Since the start of the 21st century, CAD/CAM technology has become more widespread. Most stamping die enterprises with production capabilities now use CAD/CAM, and key players have also incorporated CAE into their workflows.
CAD/CAM technology is now widely recognized for reducing design and manufacturing cycles, lowering costs, and enhancing product quality. During the "Eighth Five-Year Plan" and "Ninth Five-Year Plan" periods, many mold companies adopted computer graphics and numerical control processing technologies. A wide range of CAD/CAM systems, including UGS, Pro/Engineer, CADS5, DOCT5, CRADE, space-E, Cimatron, AutoCAD, CATIA, and specialized tools like Euclid-IS from France, have been introduced. Domestic automotive cover mold manufacturers extensively use CAD/CAM, with most achieving 2D CAD for DL diagrams and die structure designs. Many have transitioned to 3D modeling, replacing traditional part drawings with general maps. Parametric design is also gaining traction among a few leading manufacturers.
In terms of press forming CAE software, besides imported solutions, Chinese universities such as Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jilin University, and Hunan University have developed advanced, independently owned software that has been successfully applied in practice, delivering significant benefits.
Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology, when combined with traditional rapid tooling methods, enables the fast production of large-scale automobile panel molds. This approach addresses issues like low-melting-point alloy molds, low precision, and difficulties in prototype production. It allows for rapid tooling based on 3D CAD models, ensuring accurate part production and supporting the quick development and trial production of new automotive parts. RP has already shown success in producing trial molds for large body panels.
In recent years, new rapid prototyping techniques have emerged around automobile body trial production and the fast manufacturing of large cover molds, such as moldless multi-point molding, laser shock, and electromagnetic forming. These methods offer clear advantages in cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
Motor Capacitor, Compressor capacitor, electrolytic capacitor, starting capacitor, Air conditioner or refrigerator capacitor
SUZHOU YOUDE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. , https://www.unitekool.com