Design-Support System for Nett-Forming (NETTFORM)

The project was to develop a design-support system for Nett-Forming of engineering components by addressing current deficiencies. These relate to the optimisation of material flow, the elastic behaviour of the forming machine and the elastic behaviour of the die-cavity.
NETTFORM has produced a computer-based design-support-system for 2-D components by use of a Knowledge Base System and a general 3-D PC information system with information about references for modelling material technique, general forging information and specific information about forging of compressor blade in titanium and Inconel.
The Knowledge Base System has enabled drawing on Physical Modelling Techniques to optimise the design of preforms with reference to flow and by drawing on a technique for the characterisation of machine behaviour which has been developed within the project. The former required the development of an "infinite stiffness" modelling machine and a decision-matrix for the experimental evaluation of the optimal processing route. The latter required the development of a 6-axis force transducer and a forming machine stiffness transducer which will enable the characterisation of the behaviour of forming machines. All these requirements have been developed and tested in the project.
By optimising through each of the component considerations "off-line" - without disruption of the schedule of production machinery - the system will enable the design of the forming route "right first time".