QForm FAQ

What is QForm?

QForm is the next generation of forging simulation software. It was developed and tuned for direct use by shop-floor engineers. It can be also effectively used for students involved in training and research. QForm provides Object-Oriented Windows Environment for Q uick Metal Form ing Simulation. QForm is a Windows based application that utilises the advantages of 32-bit operating system and fast processors.

What are the main features of QForm?

QForm provides accurate true-to-life and fast simulation.
It was developed for all Windows based system.
Provides completely automated simulation without user's attention.
It has the most easy-to-use interface of any of the simulation software available.

What qualification is necessary to work with QForm?

The program requires only the understanding of forming technology while operation of the program is self-explanatory.

What is the background of QForm?

QForm is based on sophisticated finite element algorithms developed during the years by the experts of Quantor Ltd. Its code is optimised for the most effective and automated simulation. Intensive practical use and International Benchmark tests have verified it. Finite element technique is hidden from the user's view. The user communicates with the model of forging technology working as a "black-box".

Technological chains. QForm works not only with separate forming impressions (strokes) but also with a sequence of technological operations considered as a "technological chain". Technological chain includes different forming operations separated by intermediate operations like heating, cooling, thermal treatment etc. and it is considered as a single entity subjected for simulation. The user can specify and modify the data for the chain of technological operations and run automated simulation of the whole chain. Modification of the chain requires only minor amount of parameters. The use of technological chains as the basic objects reduces the development time for multi-stage technologies.

Advanced graphical interface. The source data are presented in visual form while intermediate results of simulation are shown on a screen as soon as they become available concurrently with the progress of simulation .

Extended output of results. Besides of the distributions of the physical fields (strain, strain-rate, temperature etc.) it is possible to trace any kind of parameter in a material particle and draw the graphs of strain, strain-rate, temperature etc. versus time during the whole history of deformation (the whole chain) including heating, cooling and deformation. This option provides the source data for the user-defined models of metallurgical evolution.

Wizards. Source data preparation is performed with the help of special Wizards that eliminates possible user's mistakes and is self-explanatory.

QForm is designed for world-wide use. It is available in several languages (the first release in English, Russian, German, Italian and Czech). Internal data structure provides very effective remote support of the users via Internet. In the case of emergency the problem case can be easily downloaded from the user's computer to the developer of the software and analysed. The results of analysis and corrected files are send to the user in 24 hours by Internet.

Environment for forging simulation. QForm is a universal environment for forging technology simulation, development and optimisation. The transition from 2D to 3D-simulation is performed within the same software shell and requires only modification of geometrical source data. Thus QForm provides a natural way to start with very effective and inexpensive 2D simulation and then extend simulation to more complex 3D cases working in the same environment.

Material flow is clearly presented by distortion of initially straight lines which are "frozen" into the workpiece (flow lines). One set of flow lines corresponds to the grain flow in the real product and shows texture formation. Flow induced defects (laps, flow-through defects and suck-in defects) can be detected by specific shapes within flow lines. Possible internal fracture is predicted by damage factor distribution

Formation of forging defects are reliably predicted in simulation. Repeating the simulation an engineer can estimate the effectiveness of modified design and find out the optimal solution. Modified configuration of the dies can be exported to CAD/CAM systems for manufacturing.

Dies stress and deformation are computed under actual distribution of contact traction. The simulation predicts possible premature die failure due to fragile fracture or low cycle fatigue that can be avoided by die shape modification or shrink fitting. For net shape forging the program automatically generates a profiled die cavity shape that compensates surface deflection under actual contact load during forging.

User defined equipment. QForm has advanced capabilities for user defined equipment types. In addition to standard mechanical, screw and hydraulic presses and a hammer it is possible to specify any kind of kinematics for the equipment by its characteristic velocity or load versus time (or versus displacement) curves. Each tool of the equipment can be individually velocity and load controlled.

QForm Database provides preparation and storage of the information on deformed and tool materials, lubricants and equipment. The data are well structured and stored in a tree similar to file system. The user can add new groups of data (similar to catalogues) to organise the data on the most convenient way. The software is supplied with different material notations specified in AISI, SAE, DIN, GOST, B.S., UNI, ANFOR etc on user request.

All the parameters of QForm Database are automatically registered in operating system during installation and are subjected to OLE automation. This technique provides data exchange with other Windows applications like, for example, spreadsheets for specific data treatment (statistics, plotting of graphs etc.).

The great advantage of OLE automation technique is possibility to define the data by user specified formulae. For example, the user can write simple program in Visual Basic to define flow stress curves and this data will be automatically added to database. The software is supplied with sample programs in Visual Basic for the most frequently used applications.

Advanced integration with CAD. Geometric data exchange is performed by means of built-in drawing system QDraft. 2D compatible formats include DXF and IGES. 3D compatible formats include STEP or the native format of your 3D CAD system.

QForm forging simulation software

Frequently asked questions

Click any of the items below for more information:

Forge Technology, Inc.

P.O. Box 1095 Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-337-7555
Fax: 815-337-7666

Do I need QForm 2D or QForm 3D?

QForm 2D is used for axi-symmetric parts where the die can be represented by a 2D drawing rotated around a central axis of symmetry. QForm 2D can run on a very basic windows based PC. The source geometry is imported as dxf or iges files that can be generated by any 2D cad system.

QForm 3D is used for full 3D parts. Essentially a forging of any shape can be accurately simulated with QForm3D. QForm 3D requires a powerful and fast Windows based PC to run efficiently. The source geometry must be imported from a 3D CAD system such as SolidWorks, Unigraphics, Pro-E, Solid Edge, or any 3D cad system that can export step format. Quantor is now developing a surface CAD interface as well. QForm 3D includes 2D simulation capability as well.

What are the minimum system requirements?

QForm 2D needs a Windows based processor of at least 1 GHz with 1 GB of ram.
You will need a CAD system that can export 2D iges or dxf files.
You should have Internet access to utilize our on-line support.

QForm 3D needs a Windows based processor of at least 2.5 Ghz with 2 GB or ram.
Dual and Quad processors are supported and recommended. You will need a 3D CAD system that can export STEP format.
You should have Internet access to utilize our on-line support.

With both 2D and 3D systems, the faster the processor, the better.

What if I have a problem, how is QForm supported?

QForm has been designed to be used worldwide. It is available in many languages. QForm has been designed with this global market in mind so it was designed to be supported over the Internet. The file structure is very simple with QForm. All of the source data for a simulation are contained within a single file that is small enough to email efficiently as an attachment. When Quantor Ltd. or Forge Technology, Inc. receives this file, we will run the simulation exactly as it ran on your computer and we will find and fix the problem and return the file to you within 24 hours.

Forge Technology also offers onsite training and troubleshooting and offers phone support.

What source data are required for simulation with QForm?

QForm requires only technological data and parameters that can be classified in the following groups:
The dies and the billet geometry (imported from CAD).
Material data (entered by one click from our database)
Equipment specifications (entered by one click from our database)
Lubricant specification (entered by one click from our database)
Basic process parameters (initial billet temperature, time of pause between strokes etc.)

No other data or specific numerical parameters are required!