Second generation of stamping simulation software offers a novel collaborative environment from die design feasibility to process validation and optimisation.

ESI Group, a leading provider of virtual prototyping and manufacturing solutions, recently announced PAM-STAMP 2G, an integrated sheet metal stamping simulation solution from die design feasibility to process validation and optimisation. PAM-STAMP 2G solution includes PAM-DIEMAKER for fast design and optimisation of binder surface and die-addendum, PAM-QUIKSTAMP for rapid stamping evaluation, and PAM-AUTOSTAMP for forming process validation and quality control. Fully integrated in one common environment, PAM-STAMP 2G's modules are built upon a new, robust interoperable architecture allowing seamless CAD data information sharing without modeling discontinuity.

The new intuitive graphical user interface provides optimum user friendliness and easy customisation.

'As the second generation of our stamping simulation solution, PAM-STAMP 2G is the result of fifty men/years of research and development', says Fouad El Khaldi, PAM-STAMP 2G Product Manager.

'It combines leading-edge stamping simulation technologies such as OPTRIS and Viking.

This new solution will allow continuous process improvement with online decision-making in a scalable collaborative environment for die designer professionals and try-out experts.

Conceptually, this makes PAM-STAMP 2G the first sheet metal stamping solution to leverage the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)'.

PAM-STAMP 2G specifications and validation program has been carried out by the SSDG (Stamping Simulation Development Group), initiated by leading European automotive manufacturers, such as Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Opel, PSA Peugeot Citro‰n, Renault and Volkswagen.

A robust innovative architecture for better module integration - PAM-STAMP 2G new modular architecture provides seamless data management between modules and a customisable API (Application Programming Interface).

Through the advanced Stamp Tool Kit, a project manager can easily configure the simulation environment for the various applications of the team.

Other major enhancements include an intuitive environment that drastically speeds up the learning curve and improved CAD import and meshing, cutting meshing time by 8! PAM-DIEMAKER's rapid and parametric approach generates a realistic simulation model providing quick evaluation of the part formability.

Tipping direction, binder surface and addendum geometry can be easily modified allowing total control of upfront design processes.

PAM-QUIKSTAMP is the optimal compromise between accuracy, time, and computing resources for rapid forming evaluation.

Taking into account elastoplastic behavior, friction, blankholder pressure, drawbead and cutting pattern, PAM-QUIKSTAMP provides fast reliable 3D evaluation and helps eliminate erroneous choices at an early stage.

Using real life industrial conditions, PAM-AUTOSTAMP guides engineers through the final process validation, tolerances and overall quality control.

It includes a state-of-the-art implicit solver technology, enabling fast accurate springback predictions.

PAM-STAMP 2G offers coupling capabilities with PAM-CRASH for crashworthiness and SYSWELD for accurate assessment of distortion, stresses and strains during welding and assembly processes.

Availability PAM-STAMP 2G will be released in Fall 2002 on Windows NT4, 2000, XP platforms, and on UNIX workstations from Compaq, HP, IBM, SGI, and Sun.

About ESI Group - editor of virtual testing solutions, ESI Group is a pioneer and world leading provider of digital simulation for prototyping and manufacturing processes that take into account the physics of materials.

ESI Group has developed an entire suite of coherent, industry oriented applications to realistically simulate a product's behaviour during testing, to fine tune the manufacturing processes in synergy with the desired product performance, and to evaluate the environment's impact on product usage.

ESI Group's product portfolio, which has been industrially validated and combined in multi-trade value chains, represents a unique collaborative, virtual engineering solution, known as the Virtual Try-Out Space (VTOS), enabling a continuous improvement on the virtual prototype.

By drastically reducing costs and development lead times, VTOS solutions offer major competitive advantages by progressively eliminating the need for physical prototypes.

With revenues close to euros 43 million in fiscal year 2001, ESI Group (Nouveau March‚: Euronext Paris - Software - Euroclear 6584 - Bloomberg ESI FP - Reuters ESIG.LN) employs over 300 high-level specialists worldwide.

The company and its global network of agents provide sales and technical support to customers in more than 30 countries.