TRUMPF spin-off Optimate is consistently developing its solution for AI-supported feasibility analysis and part optimization: the cloud-based software, which can be used both as an App and a CAD plug-in, now has an integrated cost calculation. Job shoppers and OEMs who produce and design sheet metal-based products can now calculate the costs of their parts with just one click.

With the Optimate App, product designers and sheet metal fabricators can identify defective parts in advance and adjust them if necessary, even before they go into production. In addition to analysing individual parts, assemblies of up to 25 individual parts can also be checked for feasibility and optimisation potential.

So far, the App has given a percentage indication of the potential savings of the optimised design compared to the existing variant. This was already a good indicator for determining the changed production costs. Regarding the individual manufacturing costs, the indicator offered potential for optimising the product.

"With the introduction of the integrated cost calculation, this is now even easier and more accurate", denotes Jonas Steiling, CEO at Optimate. "Our users get the specific price for their sheet metal parts at the tap of a button."

Identify cost drivers in seconds

The calculated sum is based on the contributing cost factors of material, scrap and the manufacturing process, i.e. the complete sheet metal processing from laser cutting to bending and welding. "When looking at the overall costs, it must of course be borne in mind that it is not only the material used is decisive, but also the design and the necessary steps’, says Jonas Steiling. "Users can rely on our concentrated sheet metal knowledge here: all cost parameters are based on the specific know-how of our parent company TRUMPF, which has grown over decades."

In addition to the material costs, it also includes costs for scrap, set-up, and production times as well as machine hourly rates. Based on the classification, companies in sheet metal processing can then break down the costs for the detailed product processing steps. Once the cost drivers have been identified, opportunities for optimisation can be derived therefrom.

Customer profile for accurate cost measurements

Users can also create their own profile in the Optimate App. The information stored with respect to machinery and tools is then also used for optimisation and individual cost calculation. With high-accuracy data entries for machines, production processes and materials, the results for design and costs will be even more accurate.

Cost transparency across 

departments

Such cost forecasts benefit not only the designers themselves, who are able to identify potential cost drivers already in the development process, but also other areas such as purchasing, controlling and cost calculation for sales.

This makes it easy for buyers and job shoppers to calculate the costs of sheet metal parts online. In the blink of an eye, the sales department can prepare suitable quotations for even the smallest series or individual parts in a timely manner and without much effort.

“The benefits range from accelerated development processes and long-term planning to reliability in production and solid price and quotation calculations – and all that in a matter of seconds”, concludes Optimate CEO Jonas Steiling, referring to the "Konstruktionsleiter forum" on 19 October in Wuerzburg. Optimate will be presenting its new feature to a wider professional audience for the first time. "We are excited about the response and are already looking forward to many interesting discussions on the topic of digitalisation in sheet metal processing."

For Information: 

Optimate GmbH

Lautenschlagerstr. 16

70173 Stuttgart

Germany

Tel. +49.157.50102773

E-mail: info@optimate.de

www.optimate.de