Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for designing a bead tool and a bead for sheet metal forming. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing, in a datastore, a library of bead tool data associated with a plurality of bead tools; receiving, by a processor, a plurality of parameters associated with at least one of a punch and a die of a desired bead tool; computing, by the processor, bead tool data for at least one of the punch and the die of the desired bead tool based on the plurality of parameters; providing, by the processor, a subset of bead tool data from the library of bead tool data; receiving, by the processor, a selection of bead tool data from the subset of bead tool data and the computed bead tool data; and generating, by the processor, bead geometry data based on the selection and the bead tool data associated with the selection.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a plurality of injector needles is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the plurality of injector needles to a cleaning solution, removing the plurality of injector needles from the cleaning solution, and exposing simultaneously the hollow interior shaft of each injector needle to a gaseous stream. The gaseous stream removes any moisture and fine particles that remain in the plurality of injector needles after the injector needles are cleaned. In one embodiment the injector needle's hollow interior shaft is of a lesser diameter at the tip than at the head of the injector needle. The gaseous stream is directed into the injector needle through the tip and exits the needle through the head, thereby simultaneously backflushing the injector needles.