1

www.t-form.eu
T-Form
for Designers
Training module 4
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
Course structure
Objectives & Target Audience
Various thermoforming processes
Cost, economic and engineering considerations
Design guidelines for thermoformed parts
Why simulate a thermoformed product?
How T-SimWorks
Development of T-Sim+ and T-Form software
Benefits of T-Form
Case studies
Decision and design checklist
Other T-ForM training modules
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
Objectives of this session
To provide designers who do not currently use
thermoforming with a detailed understanding of
the design parameters and unique design
opportunities available in thermoforming
Provide designers with an insight into current
simulation software (T-Sim)
Explain and demonstrate how the T-Form
project will improve mould design and product
simulation
2
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
Target Audience for training
module
The training module is primarily aimed at those
responsible for:
The design of plastic components
The decision to select the thermoforming
process for new products
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
Basic Design Criteria
Designers must pay careful attention to all Four
Basic Design Criteria:
1) the Depth of Draw (Draw Ratio)
2) the Stretch Ratio
3) Generous Corner Radii
4) Draft Angles (Taper)
If the minimum criteria are not met it will not be
possible to mould the part.
In basic terms -- dont ask the Plastic to do too
much!!
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
T-Sim+ and T-ForM software development
Through T-ForM project the T-Sim software is being
developed (T-Sim+) to take account of:
Improved Heat transfer properties
Friction between sheet and tool for three different
tool materials and 4 polymer types.
T-Sim+ software is currently being evaluated by project
partners to test out the new data models.
3
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
T-ForM Software platform
T-ForM operates in conjunction with T-Sim
thermoforming simulation software and TopSolid
CAD/CAM package.
It will allow the user to take existing component cad data
and prepare cad data for a mould tool by defining mould
geometry, capping of component holes, carryout draft
angle and radii analysis. In addition shrinkage
compensation, extensions and product orientation in the
sheet analysis can be made.
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
T-ForM Software platform
Once the component and tooling are defined
thermoforming simulation can be made to predict final
component thickness using improved T-Sim+ prediction
software modules.
Based on the out put of the simulation software changes
can be made to the component or tooling cad and
simulation re-run all within the same software platform.
Finally a production cost analysis tool is available to
predict component cost.
www.t-form.eu
Objectives
Thermoforming
Costs/engineering
Design guidelines
Simulation/ T-Sim
T-Sim+ & T-ForM
Benefits
Case studies
Decision/Design
checklist
Other training
For further information on T-ForM
Training modules or the T-ForM project
visit the project web site www.t-form.eu
for further details.