Zurich, Switzerland, October 17, 2008:  AutoForm Engineering GmbH, the leading supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has announced the worldwide release of AutoForm version 4.2. This version integrates process layout and tool cost calculation into the AutoForm product suite.

AutoForm version 4.2 is the first major release, which will be delivered with a Windows native solver. This release harmonizes process layout with geometry modelling and provides the following additional major enhancements:

• Accurate OneStep-based flange development: Besides geometrically-based flange development, the new version also offers physically-based flange development. This new option is enabled by using the OneStep solver technology and significantly improves the accuracy of trim lines. In addition, it allows the development of flanges with holes inside and the development of multiple flanges.

• More efficient springback compensation: Version 4.2 has an optimized algorithm, which is developed in order to increase surface quality and speed up springback compensation. It also contains new options to define the areas for compensation and manually control these areas.

• Import of various native CAD files: Within the AutoForm version 4.2, users can now also import the native files generated by CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Unigraphics NX, Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS and SolidWorks. There is no longer any need for data conversion and related risk of data quality loss. In addition, a specially developed export file format can be directly imported by Tebis.

• Hydroforming process – new stage concept definition: Increasing complex part geometries often requires the preform forming step after the bending and before the hydroforming process. Version 4.2 provides stage concept definition for the hydroforming process starting from bending and preforming to hydroforming. In addition, this version includes the definition of preforming tools. The new concept significantly improves the part quality, increases manufacturing efficiency and reduces the tool wear.

AutoForm version 4.2 with all of its enhancements will be delivered to the market in the beginning of November 2008.

About AutoForm Engineering GmbH
AutoForm offers software solutions for the die-making and sheet metal forming industries along the entire process chain. With over 200 employees, AutoForm is recognized as the leading provider of software for product manufacturability, tool and material cost calculation, die face design and virtual process optimization. All of the Top 20 automotive OEMs and most of their suppliers have selected AutoForm as their software of choice. Besides its headquarters in Zurich, AutoForm has offices in Germany, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, USA, Mexico, India, China, Japan and Korea. AutoForm is also present through its agents in more than 15 other countries. For detailed information please visit: www.autoform.com

Contact:
Dr. Markus Thomma
Corporate Marketing Director
AutoForm Engineering GmbH
Technoparkstrasse 1
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Phone: +41 43 444 61 61
Fax: +41 43 444 61 62
Email: markus.thomma@autoform.ch