Abstract: In order to plan the performance of heat treatment of metal workpieces before the beginning of the heat treatment in the particular industrial furnace and perform it autonomously thereafter, the invention proposes a method and computer program and an apparatus having a computer (1) for the automatic preparation of technological formulas for the heat treatment, firstly loading parameters of a selected material of the metal workpiece and a formula structure template of a selected treatment method from a material databank (10) and providing data from a user interface and compiling a formula structure, then establishing the parameters of the metal workpiece, the compiled formula structure, and the data from the user interface as values of formula segments, from which the technological formula for heat treatment is finally generated, this technological formula being able to be readjusted, stored in a program databank (12), and retrieved for the heat treatment of metal workpieces in industrial furnaces (5)(FIG. 1).

Abstract: A revert alloy is used in the manufacture of a target alloy having a different composition. The weight percent of the elemental constituents of this first alloy and a second or target alloy are obtained, and the ratio of the percentage by weight of each elemental constituent in the first alloy to the second alloy is determined. The lowest ratio is used to determine the amount of the first alloy that is melted and the necessary elemental constituents that are added to the melt to produce the desired composition of the target alloy. The melt is solidified to produce the target alloy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the creation of addendums (4) of tools for sheet metal formed parts (2). In the case of this method, fill surfaces (7) for the smoothing of irregular zones of a component edge (3) are generated. Initial directions (31) of sectional profiles (10) are determined in such a manner, that sectional profiles (10) at a distance from one another are arranged along a component (3, 8) with utilization of these initial directions (31) and that an addendum (4) is creatable by the connection of these sectional profiles (10).

Abstract: In a method for controlling an installation for producing steel having specific material properties, the material properties depend on the structure and can be influenced by operating parameters of the installation. The operating parameters are determined by a computing program for structure optimization, whereby the set values of the chemical composition of the steel are simultaneously determined by the computing program for structure optimization.

Abstract: A thin portable electronic device with a display is described. The components of the electronic device can be arranged in stacked layers within an external housing where each of the stacked layers is located at a different height relative to the thickness of the device. One of the stacked layers can be internal metal frame. The internal metal frame can be configured to act as a heat spreader for heat generating components located in layers adjacent to the internal frame. Further, the internal metal frame can be configured to add to the overall structural stiffness of the device. In addition, the internal metal frame can be configured to provide attachment points for device components, such as the display, so that the device components can be coupled to the external housing via the internal metal frame.

Abstract: A bending device that bends a workpiece is provided with a bending mechanism that bends the workpiece, a fixing table on which a chuck mechanism that grips the workpiece is mounted, an articulated robot to which the bending mechanism is attached, and a control unit that controls operations of the bending mechanism, the chuck mechanism, and the articulated robot. The control unit includes a first control unit that twists the bending mechanism around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece, and a second control unit that controls the articulated robot to twist the bending mechanism holding the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a twisting angle range and then causes the first control unit to perform the twisting.

Abstract: A chuck mechanism that grips a workpiece is configured to be able to twist and rotate the gripped workpiece around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A control unit is provided with a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit drives an articulated robot to which a bending mechanism for bending the workpiece is attached, and twists the workpiece clamped by the bending mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a preset twisting angle range. When the angle of twisting by the first control unit exceeds the twisting angle range, the second control unit controls the chuck mechanism to twist the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: A sheet metal component that is bent from a sheet metal blank includes at least one three-sided corner. Two edges of the three-sided corner are formed by a first bending member of the sheet metal blank bent about a first inner bending radius Ri,1 and a second bending member of the sheet metal blank bent about a second inner bending radius Ri,2, and the third edge of the three-sided corner is formed by a first blank edge of the first bending member and a second blank edge of the second bending member. The sheet metal blank has an internal corner that forms the first blank edge, the second blank edge, and a wedge-like recess that opens in the internal corner.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface forming method for a metal plate. Nonlinear finite element analysis of elasto-plastic large deformation is performed on the metal plate. The metal plate to be worked is formed so as to have a three-dimensional target curved surface on the basis of the analysis results using a plurality of forming punches connected to a hydraulic apparatus. The curved surface formation method is very useful when the metal plate is worked for small quantity batch production.

Abstract: Adaptive caching techniques are described. In an implementation, a head end defines a plurality of cache periods having associated criteria. Request data for content is obtained and utilized to associate the content with the defined cache periods based on a comparison of the request data with the associated criteria. Then, the content is cached at the head end for the associated cache period.

Abstract: A method for creating addendums (4) of tools for sheet metal formed parts (2) wherein fill surfaces (7) for the smoothing of irregular zones of a component edge (3) are generated. Initial directions (31) of sectional profiles (10) are determined such that sectional profiles (10) at a distance from one another are arranged along a component (3, 8). An addendum (4) is created connecting the sectional profiles (10).

Abstract: Provided is an article design support system featuring enhanced degree of freedom in terms of designing articles (for example, an article of furniture). A part space P surrounding a part incorporated in a cell space S is correlated with the cell space S, which is formed by a frame constituting a unit. The position (dimensions) of the part space P in the cell space S is defined by part space data specifying a relative position and relative dimensions using the cell space S as a reference. The position (dimensions) of a part in the part space P is defined by part (element) data specifying a relative position and relative dimensions using the part space P as a reference.

Abstract: A sheet metal factory processing system includes a production manager which generates a processing schedule for multiple units each including at least one material sheet, to manage the processing schedule on a per-unit basis. The processing schedule is generated based on sheet processing data obtained by allocating parts to be blanked from the material sheets according to a manufacturing designation. The sheet metal factory processing system also includes a sheet metal factory processing installation which is connected to the production manager through a communication network. The sheet metal factory processing installation receives the generated processing schedule from the production manager and executes the received processing schedule.

Abstract: A method is provided for guaranteeing generation of 2D sketches based upon a 3D sheet metal part shape created by any type of sheet metal feature operation. The method includes performing a sheet metal feature operation to create the 3D sheet metal shape. The 3D sheet metal shape will have multiple flanges. Then an editable 2D sketch is created for each flange by obtaining geometric parameters of the 3D sheet metal shape, and linking the parameters with the appropriate generated sketch. The constraint parameters can include line segment lengths and angles between selected adjoining two line segments of the 3D sheet metal shape.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to generate a lofted sheet metal model. User input is accepted that obtains two input profiles. A triangulated lofted shape is generated that transitions between the two profiles. The triangulated lofted shape is adjusted to reflect a manufacturing process. A manufacturable lofted sheet metal shape is then generated based on the adjusted triangulated lofted shape.

Abstract: A method for processing a plate workpiece supported on a workpiece support. The method includes moving a tool die and a tool punch along a stroke axis and toward a processing position above a support plane of the workpiece support. The processing position corresponds to a region of the plate workpiece having a formed shape, which extends upwardly from the support plane of the workpiece support.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and computer program products for altering video images including superimposing objects onto the images, particularly addressed to identifying fastener insertion locations onto displayed images of a work pieces. The invention is capable of importing an image of a work piece contained in a computer file, displaying the image, and altering the displayed image and/or superimposing objects onto the image to show the location(s), sequence(s) and/or type(s) of fasteners to be inserted onto the displayed work piece according to operator input and instructions. After each insertion is completed, the display is again altered to show the completion. During use, the system is capable of tracking the fastener installations and updating the video display to show the current status of insertions on the work piece.

Abstract: A system and method for producing locally austempered ductile iron includes a computer program for closely controlling the heating and cooling of an iron part or workpiece. The process allows for the austempering of a relatively low cost iron workpiece to produce significantly higher quality end products. The locally austempered regions may be formed to a substantial controlled depth.

Abstract: A new type of method and system for designing duct work is disclosed. This system may be implemented using a computer. The system may be designed such that specific information regarding the room, the appliance, and/or other information is input into the computer. Using this input information, along with information that is stored in a database, the system will output a design for the duct work that may include both a cut sheet (for cutting out the duct work) as well as a three-dimensional representation of the duct work that is displayed on a computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and process which is a computer aided application using artificial intelligence modeling. This artificial intelligence model is able to predict the propensity for sheet metal parts to wrinkle when manufactured using a hydro forming process. The model uses geometric and material parameters to predict defects and facilitates defect predictions certainty into the ordinarily arduous redesign process directed at eliminating defects.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to derive the optimum operating condition parameters for plating operation accurately and efficiently. At first, a preliminary test operation is carried out under the energized condition (S12), then in light of such result, a sequential operations such as a first test operation (step S14) in which no energization is carried out for plurality of operating pattern candidates and a second test operation (step S16) under the energized condition are carried out, and then the optimum operating conditions are registered (step S18).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the creation of addendums (4) of tools for sheet metal formed parts (2). In the case of this method, fill surfaces (7) for the smoothing of irregular zones of a component edge (3) are generated. Initial directions (31) of sectional profiles (10) are determined in such a manner, that sectional profiles (10) at a distance from one another are arranged along a component (3, 8) with utilization of these initial directions (31) and that an addendum (4) is creatable by the connection of these sectional profiles (10).

Abstract: A systematic method of generating a neuro-fuzzy structure a system comprises: recording data relating sample system outputs to sample system inputs, granulating the data to identify rules relating the inputs to the outputs, measuring information loss during the granulation process to enable identification of an optimum number of rules, and constructing the network so that it has a plurality of processing elements corresponding to the rules.

Abstract: An information processing system for producing a building material has a design drawing generator, a list generator and a member production controller. The design drawing generator generates design drawing information of an objective building. The list generator generates list information of the members used for the objective building. The member production controller controls the production of the members used for the objective building, based on the list information.

Abstract: A dual-phase virtual metrology method is disclosed for considering both promptness and accuracy by generating dual-phase virtual metrology (VM) values, wherein a Phase-I conjecture step emphasizes promptness by immediately calculating the Phase-I virtual metrology value (VMI) of a workpiece once the entire process data of the workpiece are completely collected; and a Phase-II conjecture step intensifies accuracy, which does not re-calculate the Phase-II virtual metrology values (VMII) of all the workpieces in the cassette until an actual metrology value (required for tuning or re-training purposes) of a selected workpiece in the same cassette is collected. Besides, the accompanying reliance index (RI) and global similarity index (GSI) of each VMI and VMII are also generated.

Abstract: A computerized method for aiding a user in selecting a proper power source for a welding, heating, or cutting application is provided. The user is prompted to provide data about the process type, power source type, and materials used in the application, and is provided with data regarding typical applications and skill levels required for various applications. By applying the process information provided and providing data prompted by the computer system, the user is guided to select an appropriate power source for the user's application and general requirements.

Abstract: A bending machine has an upper table and a lower table. An input part is provided for inputting product information. A bending order determiner is provided for determining a bending order of the workpiece. A mold determiner is provided for determining the mold necessary for bending the workpiece. A layout determiner is provided for determining layout of the mold. A positioning information calculator is provided for calculating a position of the workpiece with respect to the mold determined by the layout determiner as work position information. A navigation member is provided for navigating a position of the workpiece to the operator by movement in the horizontal direction on the basis of the work position information calculated by the positioning information calculator.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling an electrolytic process and plant, utilizing history data collected in the process as well as mathematical and heuristic models created on the basis of empirical knowledge, and by means of said models, there are defined indexes based on real-time process measurement parameters. The method makes use of real-time cell voltage measurements. On the basis of the obtained real-time indexes, there is achieved a correctly focused process control action at the correct point of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting components (5), whereby at least one rivet (1) penetrates at least one component (5), and a closing head (6) is molded on the rivet (1) or any given molded part (1) by means of a molding machine. According to the invention, prior to the deformation of the closing head (6) on the rivet (1) or the given molded part (1), a rivet projection (U) is determined for the respective determination of the molding parameters, such as the molding course, molding time, and molding force.

Abstract: An axial force measurement apparatus (40) comprises a head member (42) adapted for receiving force imparted by an external force-applying source, and a transducer (44) such as a load cell for measuring the amount of force applied to the head member (42). Electronic circuitry (61) for receiving, processing, storing and/or sending electrical information generated by the transducer is provided either externally to the measurement apparatus (40), or is integrated with the apparatus (40). The apparatus (40) can be used to calibrate the valve crimping station (75) and/or the test firing station (125) of a metered dose delivery canister production line. The apparatus (40) is designed to emulate an actual canister (12).

Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.

Abstract: In a direct-metal deposition (DMD) process used to deposit successive layers in accordance with instructions from a CAD/CAM program, the laser beam, or an additional beam, is deployed as a localized heat treatment tool instead of a deposition tool. The use of laser energy during the process can minimize, if not eliminate, the periodic heat treatments now required for stress alleviation, thereby compressing the DMD fabrication cycle. In the preferred embodiment, every deposition run may be followed by a dry (i.e., without powder) run of one or more intensities to manipulate the stress magnitude and location. Since it is well known that residual stress is a function of cooling rate, a plurality of laser beams may alternatively be used to control the cooling rate of the deposited layer. Examples of stress reduction using H13 tool steel are provided.

Abstract: An outsourcing service center (7) discloses information obtained through outsourcing services for a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to promote sales. A first ordering customer (5) requests a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to make an estimate for manufacturing a product. The first sheet metal processing factory (3) requests an outsourcing center (7) to perform the work of making the estimate. The outsourcing center (7) logs in to a computer (9) of the first sheet metal processing factory via a computer (15) of the outsourcing center, and, by remote control, works together with the first sheet metal processing factory to perform outsourcing services such as making an estimate and creating NC process data. The processes of these remotely performed services are stored in memory constituting know-how and are then disclosed on a Web page. In this way, examples of previous work successes are introduced and thereby used for promoting CAD/CAM software used in the work processes.

Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a pre-determined shape by using a bending press provided with detachable tools. The apparatus includes a computer memory that stores bending order information for manufacturing the product or the part. The bending order information is obtained after successfully completing bending operations and is associated with the product or the part.

Abstract: A method and a device for easily setting a processing condition from a dent rate of a product by giving an arbitrary dent producing condition and a shotblast processing condition in a shotblasting process. The method calculates a processing time, a projection amount and a projection material speed for enabling a target dent rate to be set, from the number of dents in a predetermined dent unit area and time. The method comprises the steps of: calculating a dent unit area from a projection material hardness, a projection material particle size, a projection material speed and the hardness of a processed product; calculating the number of dents required to attain a predetermined target dent rate; and calculating a processing time from the number of dents, a projection amount, a projection material density and the projection material particle size.

Abstract: Analysis is performed on sheet metal products to determine characteristics (or feature vectors) of the sheet metal products. Multiple feature vectors can be obtained for each sheet metal product. Exemplary analyses include a first order moment and a second order moment. The characteristics can be compared with characteristics of other sheet metal part shapes to determine how similar the shapes are.

Abstract: A method for generating a three-dimensional sheet-metal model utilizing a feature for generating a general solid model without a sheet-metal attribution is provided. The method includes the steps of estimating a thickness of a sheet-metal from a cross section designated by a user, representing a bent portion of the sheet-metal by rotating a cross section designated by the user around a set axis in accordance with a bending direction designated by the user and by sweeping the rotated cross section by a length designated by the user, representing an abutting portion by sweeping a cross section designated by the user by a length designated by the user, and realizing sheet division by a sweep slit that is formed by sweeping a tiny cross section including a division line designated by the user on a plane designated by the user.

Abstract: Fiducial calibration systems and methods for precisely and accurately manufacturing a part from a workpiece, inspecting or measuring a part, and/or assembling a plurality of manufactured parts including providing a workpiece, wherein the workpiece and the associated processes are subject to environmental and structural variations, and disposing a plurality of datums on a surface of or within the workpiece. The systems and methods also including calibrating the separation distance between each of the plurality of datums to workpiece distance units and disposing the workpiece in a machine, wherein the machine is subject to environmental and structural variations.

Abstract: A method for controlling a bar processing mill having an exit and a cooling bed to produce bars of a predetermined cold length. The method includes, for a first bar in a processing order, calculating a long hot cut length based, at least in part upon a predetermined cold length. In addition, the method includes adjusting the long hot cut length based on a total length of bar exiting the exit, if the long hot cut length is greater than a minimum cooling bed length, and if a number of layers of bars to be processed on the cooling bed is less than a predetermined number.

Abstract: Method for influencing relevant quality parameters of a rolling strip, particularly the profile or flatness of the rolling strip, in a roll stand with rolls, by adjusting the crownings of the rolls, i.e., the surface geometry of the rolls in the longitudinal direction of the rolls, wherein the crowning of the rolls is adjusted by an adjustable cooling of the rolls or of their surfaces in longitudinal direction of the rolls. The cooling of the rolls is adjusted by a controller (1) as a function of the actual value (pactual) of the crowning and a predetermined setpoint value (psetpoint) of the crowning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming a welding-type system is disclosed. They include storing at least one welding program in a pda and connecting the pda to the welding-type system. Then, the at least one welding program is downloaded to (or a program is uploaded from) the welding-type system. The controller includes a memory and a memory input is connected to the memory and connectable to a pda. The program may be delivered to the pda by email. The connection may be wired, such as RS232), or wireless, such as IR or RF. The program is edited in one embodiment. Also, the connection may be wireless and to a remote memory (such as on a desktop or laptop).

Abstract: A method for producing suspension parts via preforming the workpiece by roll forming. The sectional area and length of the workpiece are calculated. In the former step, more than one orthogonal cross-section is acquired from the suspension part of aluminum alloy, and the sectional area is converted into the area of a circle. An imaginary area is calculated by adding to the converted area an adequate amount of flash. In the latter step, a circular truncated cone is defined from two adjacent imaginary circles and the length of the imaginary center line between the two adjacent imaginary circles. A solid of revolution is defined by connecting these circular truncated cones, and the volume of the suspension part of aluminum alloy is substituted by the volume of the solid of revolution. The value obtained by dividing the sectional area of the workpiece by the volume is regarded as the-length of the workpiece.

Abstract: A sheet metal working graphic data generation method includes displaying respective planes constituting a solid input based on two-dimensional three side views on a screen. The method also includes obtaining and displaying a temporary development diagram obtained by butting a butting plane with a reference plane when the reference plane and the butting plane are selectively specified from the respective planes. The method further includes generating a solid figure by bending the temporary development diagram according to the bending condition; and displaying a perspective view based on the solid figure interlockingly in a region different from the temporary development diagram on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention aims to enable a user who utilizes machine tool equipment to easily acquire necessary information from a supplier in real time and to enable the supplier to acquire necessary information from the user. This invention is a manufacturing information control method using a manufacturing plant's computer, which is installed at a site of a manufacturing plant equipped with machine tool equipment, and a supplier's computer, which is installed at a site of a supplier that supplies the machine tool equipment, wherein these computers are connected to each other via a network to enable communication therebetween. The manufacturing information control method comprises the steps of: acquiring specified identification information stored on a recording medium mounted on the machine tool equipment; acquiring specified service information by accessing the supplier's computer on the basis of the specified identification information; and presenting the specified service information to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is part of a system and method for creating products of varying characteristics on an automated production line. The system includes one or more production line devices, for example robots and machines. Specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for automating a laser cutting device. The method comprises receiving a data file to the laser cutting device, converting the data file to an instruction file, and operating the laser cutting device with the instruction file. The instruction file may be a computer numeric control computer program, for example. The data file includes characteristics to be created on a workpiece by the laser cutting device. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise programming the laser cutting device with a parametric computer program, such that the parametric computer program receives the data file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating expanded and non-expanded regions on a sheet of sheet metal. The apparatus includes a programmable controller, a sheet metal feeder for incrementally advancing the sheet metal, and a cutter/expander for generating rows of expanded metal apertures. The controller selectively controls both the amount of incremental advance provided to the sheet metal by the feeder and the timing and location of the cutting and expanding provided by the cutter/expander; the combination of which creates such regions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating expanded and non-expanded regions on a sheet of sheet metal. The apparatus includes a programmable controller, a sheet metal feeder for incrementally advancing the sheet metal, and a cutter/expander for generating rows of expanded metal apertures. The controller selectively controls both the amount of incremental advance provided to the sheet metal by the feeder and the timing and location of the cutting and expanding provided by the cutter/expander; the combination of which creates such regions.

Abstract: The process for the on-line characterisation of a surface in motion, preferably a galvannealed sheet, essentially comprises an industrial microscope associated with a stroboscopic laser illumination device, a positioning assembly, an assembly for acquiring and processing images. The obtained view fields vary between 125 &mgr;m and 2000 &mgr;m in width, the spatial resolution is at least 0.5 &mgr;m, and the focussing of the system is precise to a micrometer. The images are taken on a product moving at a speed of between 1 m/s and 20 m/s and are frozen by the use of a stroboscopic illumination device with a duration of illumination of at least 10 ns. The obtained images are processed in several steps. A background average level is first of all regularly evaluated in order to be eliminated from each current image. The processed image is then divided into several zones. The sharpness of each zone is evaluated and stored in memory.

Abstract: A system and method provides a distributed welding architecture in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a welder operatively coupled to a server and a network interface to enable a network architecture, the network architecture serving a network that communicates with at least one remote system. The remote system includes at least one remote interface to communicate with the network architecture, wherein the remote system accesses at least one HTTP socket to establish web communications with the welder and loads at least one application from the welder. The remote system accesses at least one Welding Application socket via the at least one application to exchange information between the welder and the remote system, wherein the at least one application includes at least one of a weld configuration component, a weld monitoring component, and a weld control component to interact with the distributed welding system.