Purpose of this paper: During the recent 10-15 years, Computer Aided Process Planning and Die Design evolved as one of the most
important engineering tools in sheet metal forming, particularly in the automotive industry. This emerging role is strongly emphasized by
the rapid development of Finite Element Modelling, as well. The purpose of this paper is to give a general overview about the recent
achievements in this very important field of sheet metal forming and to introduce some special results in this development activity.
Design/methodology/approach: Concerning the CAE activities in sheet metal forming, there are two main approaches: one of them may
be regarded as knowledge based process planning, whilst the other as simulation based process planning. The author attempts to integrate
these two separate developments in knowledge and simulation based approach by linking commercial CAD and FEM systems.
Findings: Applying the above approach a more powerful and efficient process planning and die design solution can be achieved radically
reducing the time and cost of product development cycle and improving product quality.
Research limitations: Due to the different modelling approaches in CAD and FEM systems, the biggest challenge is to enhance the
robustness of data exchange capabilities between various systems to provide an even more streamlined information flow.
Practical implications: The proposed integrated solutions have great practical importance to improve the global competitiveness of sheet
metal forming in the very important segment of industry.
Originality/value: The concept described in this paper may have specific value both for process planning and die design engineers
