Development of a Virtual Machine for the Sheet Metal bending process simulation for educational purposes

摘要

In this work the development of a virtual machine for the simulation of the sheet metal bending process is presented. The developed software is based on SolidEdge® as commercial CAD base, and allows the student to design the whole sheet metal part in a 3D environment. The application guides the student during all process, including the selection of the press brake and the tools (dies and punches) by means of a graphical interface. Finally, the bending sequence is introduced and the application simulates the bending process. This way the student can see the problems during the manufacturing process, in particular collisions, that arise from the design of the part, from the tools selected or, in most cases, from the bending sequence. Finally, the student should fix these problems in order to manufacture the part.