A somewhat heated conversation often overheard between architects, developers and engineers.

Whilst we are not in the business of developing high-rise apartment buildings, or public infrastructure designed to facilitate the movement of hundreds of people, the concepts of solid design principles and ‘buildability’ are comparable to modern sheetmetal manufacturing.

At FORM2000, we are continually proving that concept design and prototype production is not a repetitive process of uneducated trial and error.

We utilise sophisticated modelling software within our Melbourne sheet metal factory that provides practical, simulation of the sheet metal production environment to deliver best outcomes – ensuring no production ‘hiccups’, materials wastage, requirement for rework, or the hidden cost of development of suboptimal solutions i.e. ‘missed opportunities’.

Our Product and Process Engineering capability considers design variables – cost, materials selection, durability, and aesthetic considerations, to name a few – along with best process method and machine selection.

Supporting CAD design and 3D forming process simulation software enable practical tests to be undertaken prior to production roll-out, providing benefits including:

• Feasibility assessment of various design options and prototype testing prior to production
• Identification and resolution of manufacturing issues ahead of full production
• Increased cost certainty i.e. total final material cost and identification of cost savings improvements

Our production and process modelling takes the guesswork out of sheet metal manufacturing production, providing confidence in the final built form in moving from test environment to full-scale production.

The outcome? Forming simulation enables development of fit-for-purpose sheet metal product solutions and optimisation of every sheet metal component.

At FORM2000, we can’t stress enough the need to focus on design development at concept stage, and the importance of close collaboration with our clients through the concept development phase. Our philosophy is that the more time spent up-front, the less required when sheet metal component manufacture enters full scale production.

Early engagement of our design expertise may facilitate the discovery of new sheet metal manufacturing solutions and innovations to ensure optimal design outcomes.

Talk to us today about how we can add value to your design process.