The importance of Strain Analysis

Within the sheet metal industry, there are various needs for strain analysis measurement. There is a need for precise data of the material’s properties, especially forming limit curves (FLC) which is necessary in component design in order to have a realistic numerical modeling of the forming process. Also, experimental strain data is used in tooling where the applications of forming limit diagrams (FLD) are an important part of the die tryout and die buy-off process. Problem solving during the production process requires information about the material flow in the multi-step forming process. In order to have access to the strain values, the material in use needs to be gridded before the manufacturing or the testing process.

(PRWEB) July 13, 2006 -- Within the sheet metal industry, there are various needs for strain analysis measurement. There is a need for precise data of the material’s properties, especially forming limit curves (FLC) which is necessary in component design in order to have a realistic numerical modeling of the forming process. Also, experimental strain data is used in tooling where the applications of forming limit diagrams (FLD) are an important part of the die tryout and die buy-off process. Problem solving during the production process requires information about the material flow in the multi-step forming process. In order to have access to the strain values, the material in use needs to be gridded before the manufacturing or the testing process.

Qualitest offers the complete system that will allow you to perform the gridding, strain analysis and evaluation of formability: AutoGrid®.

The AutoGrid® system is an automated opto-electronic measuring system designed for both strain analysis in deformed parts and in-process recording and evaluation of formability material tests in a testing environment (FLC determination, tensile or bulge tests). All features, also the type of pattern (line grids) and the grid application method, are identical in both applications, and therefore, the results for the same material are absolutely comparable and well suited to check the formed part against its forming limit curve (FLC). AutoGrid® is a mature solution that provides high and proven accuracy, traceable to standards. The system can be directly integrated into the customers sheet metal testing environment giving access to in-process analyses and advanced evaluation of formability tests.

Other important specifications of this system include:

• Complete strain and sheet metal thinning data are available 2-5 minutes after recording
• 4 high resolution digital cameras (1392*1040 pixels) for large measuring volume per single measuring picture set.
• Engineering strain [%] accuracy is better than +/- 1.0% (standard deviation lower than 0.2%)
• Different measurements and single picture sets can be matched together by common points.
• The repeated determination of forming limit curves (FLCs) is directly supported and significantly accelerated
• In-process application allows ultimate strain determination just before failure of the material
• A fast and automatic analysis of image sequences yields the incremental strain field development in time with a time resolution of up to 1/10 s.
• The software operates under MS-Windows 2000/XP facilitating the export of numerical and graphical results for other Windows applications as e.g. the MS-Office environment
• All the results can be exported

AutoGrid® is available in two basic models: Compact and Vario. For further information about the details information of each system and their accessories, please contact Qualitest.

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