Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for estimating the mass of a numerically formed sheet metal panel. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, a component data file that includes data that defines a geometry of a sheet metal component; generating, by the processor, element data based on the component data file, wherein the element data defines a plurality of elements of the component; determining, by the processor, a mass of each element of the plurality of elements based on the element data; determining, by the processor, a component mass based on a summation of the masses of the plurality of elements; and generating, by the processor, component mass data for display or design based on the determined component mass.

Abstract: A system performs a method of manufacturing a vehicle. The system includes a camera, a transport device, and a processor. The camera obtains an image of a part that is to be assembled to the vehicle. The transport device orients the part with respect to a surface and drops the part onto the surface. The processor creates a first model representing the part and a second model representing the surface from the image, places the first model at a selected drop orientation and a selected drop height with respect to the second model, simulates a drop of the first model onto the second model, and determines a change in a dimension of the first model resulting from the simulated drop. The part is dropped onto the surface at the selected drop orientation and the selected drop height when the change in the dimension of the first model meets a criterion.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a die that forms a sheet metal blank into a workpiece for a stamped vehicle component. The system includes a processor receiving design data associated with the workpiece. The processor produces a computer simulation based on the data and determines a stretching index of the workpiece. The processor compares the stretching index to an index threshold. The processor generates a stretching failure signal when the stretching index is above the index threshold. The processor generates a stretching acceptance signal, and a display device indicates that the workpiece has a fracture when the stretching index is below the index threshold. The display device indicates that the workpiece does not have the fracture, when the display device receives the stretching acceptance signal, such that a die manufacturing device transforms a tool material into the die.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a die that forms a sheet metal blank into a workpiece for a stamped vehicle component. The system includes a processor receiving design data associated with the workpiece. The processor produces a computer simulation based on the data and determines a stretching index of the workpiece. The processor compares the stretching index to an index threshold. The processor generates a stretching failure signal when the stretching index is above the index threshold. The processor generates a stretching acceptance signal, and a display device indicates that the workpiece has a fracture when the stretching index is below the index threshold. The display device indicates that the workpiece does not have the fracture, when the display device receives the stretching acceptance signal, such that a die manufacturing device transforms a tool material into the die.