Optimate announces two major enhancements to its cloud-based software solution for analyzing and optimizing sheet metal components. Assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can now be analyzed. Optimate is thus meeting an increased demand on the part of users. A new CAD plug-in for SolidWorks also makes design optimization more user-friendly.
Main functions of the services
Optimate's digital service includes two main functions: feasibility analysis and part optimization. Both receive a user-friendly upgrade with the new features. Companies in contract manufacturing are likely to be particularly pleased with the ability to check assemblies for feasibility.
"In our app, sheet metal workers can identify defective components in advance and adjust them if necessary before they even reach the bending machine. We have extended this analysis to assemblies," explains CEO Jonas Steiling.
Relevance and challenge of assemblies
In addition to the analysis of individual components, assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can now also be checked for feasibility and optimization potential. To do this, the assembly uploaded to the app is broken down into its individual parts and put under the digital microscope. The data basis of the AI-based solution helps ensure that the new assembly analysis function will also be available in a fully automated form in the long term.
"For individual sheet metal parts, our service already works fully automated. For the holistic analysis and optimization of assemblies, it is currently still a hybrid process: After the initial analysis with our tool, we currently look at the assemblies again with the human eye and also offer personal consulting here. In the future, we want to completely automate the whole process," explains Sales Director Sebastian Beger.
Up to now, it was usually still necessary to consult with the design department in the case of assemblies. Thanks to the new function, this is now regulated differently: If, for example, the minimum leg length of a single sheet metal part is not met, this has the same effect on the underlying assembly - and this is precisely what the app detects. The analyzed individual parts can then be adjusted with one click and the corrected CAD data conveniently downloaded.
"In our app, the user gets tips on whether and how the individual parts of an assembly can be manufactured in a process-safe manner and, if necessary, more cost-effectively," explains Jonas Steiling.
Optimate has decades of sheet metal design knowledge for sheet metal processing available digitally. In the future, this know-how will also be stored for complete assemblies. The new feature for disassembling assemblies can already be used. In the future, the analysis in the platform app will be automated and AI-based for the redesign of assemblies.
Customized machine data thanks to CAD plug-in
Optimate also offers a beta version of its new SolidWorks CAD plug-in for test customers. They can test and optimize their parts for feasibility directly in the system without having to export the CAD data and upload it to the web app. Since the user knows the use case best, he or she can now view the design proposals directly in the CAD system and check them for suitability for the intended use. The final decision to adapt or optimize a component is up to the designer.
It is planned to continuously develop the CAD plug-in further and to integrate it into CAD programs from other suppliers. Also newly available is the full customizing of all analysis-relevant settings for the part analysis. Machine data can be customized and viewed on the user profile in the app. For example, the maximum bending length, maximum bending press force, existing tool pairings or individual minimum leg lengths are stored and used for the feasibility check.
