[November 11, 2014]

ZW3D FastBlank Lite Released to Expand Sheet Metal Functionalities

ZW3D, one of the world's leading suppliers of advanced CAD/CAM solutions for the manufacturing industry, today announced the global availability of ZW3D FastBlank Lite. FastBlank Lite is a module of ZW3D which delivers powerful new functionalities for developing complex 3D sheet metal part geometries into manufacturable 2D flat pattern developments with high accuracy and efficiency.

Partnering with Forming Technologies Incorporated (FTI), ZW3D developed ZW3D FastBlank Lite to help users in various sheet metal industries, such as Tool & Die, Consumer Product, Machinery, Automotive, Aerospace, etc., to quickly and accurately develop optimal blank shapes or unfold flanges from complex geometries and to calculate material utilization and blank costs.

This integration is a giant leap forward for ZW3D's sheet metal capabilities. ZW3D FastBlank Lie, based on FTI's industry-leading metal forming simulation technology, utilizes advanced FEA methods to determine accurate, fully-developed blank shapes for any type of sheet metal parts, from simple brackets to complex metal stampings. Plus, the seamless unification of FastBlank and ZW3D eliminates the risk of data loss through file translation, while keeping users working in the unified collaborative ZW3D environment.

Quick glance at key features:

• Blank Shape Development feature to generate extremely accurate 2D flat patterns for complex geometries within minutes
• Flange Unfold feature to facilitate the development of a strip layout for a progressive die
• Report feature to produce HTML reports with valuable engineering data for quoting and estimating
• Automatic Meshing to hide FEA complexity and support hole filling
• Customizable material library including hundreds of international materials

"The addition of ZW3D FastBlank Lite will dramatically improve formability and product quality, and significantly reduce material costs and the number of stamping trials required in the tooling prove-out stage," said Felix Gao, Director of ZW3D Overseas Business. "We expect it to be a strategic part of penetration into various industries, especially the Tool & Die industry."

For more information about ZW3D FastBlank Lite, please email us at [email protected].

About ZW3D CAD/CAM

ZW3D, an integrated CAD/CAM solution designed for the complete product development process, features the fastest kernel for Solid-surface Hybrid Modeling, non-solid mold parting and smart CNC Machining tactics from 2 axis to 5 axis. It brings customers endless benefits such as reduced costs, optimized design workflow and improved efficiency.

About Forming Technologies

Forming Technologies Incorporated (FTI) is the world's leading developer of computer aided engineering software for design and simulation of sheet metal components. Since 1989, FTI has provided OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace, and appliance industries with innovative software and training solutions designed to reduce development time and costs. For more information, please visit the company's website (www.forming.com).

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