ZW3D today announced the global availability of ZW3D FastBlank Lite. FastBlank Lite is a module of ZW3D which delivers powerful new functionalities for developing complex 3D sheet metal part geometries into manufacturable 2D flat pattern developments with high accuracy and efficiency.
Partnering with Forming Technologies Incorporated (FTI), ZW3D developed ZW3D FastBlank Lite to help users in various sheet metal industries, such as Tool & Die, Consumer Product, Machinery, Automotive, Aerospace, etc., to quickly and accurately develop optimal blank shapes or unfold flanges from complex geometries and to calculate material utilization and blank costs.
This integration is a giant leap forward for ZW3D’s sheet metal capabilities. ZW3D FastBlank Lite, based on FTI’s industry-leading metal forming simulation technology, utilizes advanced FEA methods to determine accurate, fully-developed blank shapes for any type of sheet metal parts, from simple brackets to complex metal stampings. Plus, the seamless unification of FastBlank and ZW3D eliminates the risk of data loss through file translation, while keeping users working in the unified collaborative ZW3D environment.
Quick glance at key features:
- Blank Shape Development feature to generate extremely accurate 2D flat patterns for complex geometries within minutes
- Flange Unfold feature to facilitate the development of a strip layout for a progressive die
- Report feature to produce HTML reports with valuable engineering data for quoting and estimating
- Automatic Meshing to hide FEA complexity and support hole filling
- Customizable material library including hundreds of international materials
“The addition of ZW3D FastBlank Lite will dramatically improve formability and product quality, and significantly reduce material costs and the number of stamping trials required in the tooling prove-out stage,” said Felix Gao, Director of ZW3D Overseas Business. “We expect it to be a strategic part of penetration into various industries, especially the Tool & Die industry.”