NX Progressive Die Design optimizes the die design process, delivering levels of productivity that dramatically outperform traditional CAD software. Providing a structured workflow based on expert best practices, automation of die-specific design tasks, and libraries of standard components, NX Progressive Die Design delivers a step-by-step process that promotes the most efficient work flow, while integrating complex elements of design technology into automated sequences.

What our customers are saying about NX Progressive Die Design:

"NX Progressive Die Wizard has helped us decrease the number of operations needed to design a typical die by 60% to 70%, which has led to a design time reduction of up to 50%." (20% to 25% gain in overall productivity, 50% to 75% gain in quality)

Takahiro Maruyama, Chief Engineer, Manufacturing Division Shonan Design Co., Ltd., Japan

"Our purpose in looking at new advanced technology was to speed up die design without sacrificing quality. NX and NX Progressive Die gave us that plus the ability to be innovative with our die designs and readily address today’s more complex die requirements.” (reduced die design time by 1/3, faster / more informative and accurate quotes, improved material usage.)

Marty Wiegel, President, Wiegel Tool Works United States

"By partnering with UGS, we are eliminating process bottlenecks that result in a sharpened competitive edge which is contributing to business growth.” (reduced tool cost by 30%, reduced lead time by 40%, reduced design errors by 50%)

Jos Schaetti, President, Schaetti, Switzerland

The NX Advantages:

One of the most complete and proven solutions: NX Progressive Die Design replaces labor-intensive steps with process-specific functions that require only minimal input to execute. The result is a remarkably faster turnaround compared to traditional software systems.

In addition, with NX Progressive Die Design, it is possible to capture and leverage your own design expertise to further advance productivity.

Advanced tools for sheet metal part design: NX Progressive Die Design is unique in that it supports both freeform and straight break sheet metal part geometry.

NX Progressive Die Design is coupled with NX sheet metal and general modeling commands for efficient design and edit of most parts for all industries.

Blank and intermediate state design: FEM-based unforming technology enables the unforming of complex freeform geometry to a flattened blank and intermediate bend states.

Feature recognition can be applied to straight break parts to automatically rebuild the part and then unfold it.

Scrap design: Leverage the powerful NX sketcher to place curves and specify associative scraps. NX Progressive Die can automatically identify holes, pilot scrap, and piercing punches.

Strip layout: Powerful yet easy-to-use strip layout tool provides material orientation control, drag and drop station definition, and idle station insertion.

Easily define and edit the placement of scrap within the strip while maintaining associativity with downstream piercing punches.

Library for die bases and standard components (knowledge capture and reuse): NX Progressive Die Design's die base, standard parts, and insert group library provides access to a wide variety of die bases and standard components.

Customization and modification of die bases and standard parts is possible for temporary or permanent use. You can also include your own mold base or standard part designs through simple use of spreadsheets providing you with all the flexibility and automation you need.

Insert Groups: Insert groups (punches / dies / embosses / pilots / etc) are efficiently designed with automated positioning and sizing of die inserts within the die assembly based on the selection of strip geometry.

The fine-blanking option allows for definition of piercing punch and die offset parameter based on industry best practices.

Die design automation: The die design process is automated with the assistance of powerful visualization and assembly management tools making it simple to navigate complex tool assembly.

Cavities and slug holes pockets are automatically generated in the die plates, while the downstream reliefs and clearance management are automated also.

Design validation and assembly design context: NX Die Design provides powerful validation tools that die designers need With NX, die designers can:

• Validate strip design with strip simulation
• Automatically calculate punch force and force center based on strip layout design
• Manage and control clearances for slug holes and inserts
• Check for component interferences with assembly interferences checking

Part compare, swapping, and design change: When a new model is introduced, it is not necessary to create a new die. With compare and swap functionality, you can easily change the existing model with a new version, regardless of its CAD format - allowing you to change die designs at will.

Change-over management assists you in creating new die designs for families of parts. For example, after you design a die set for right-handed part, you can use change-over management to automate the creation of a left-handed die set.

Changes made to the nominal part model are propagated to the blank, strip, and inserts. Any downstream changes are reflected in the die design.

BOM and documentation: Automatically generate component and assembly drawings based on the die design. Create and manage the BOM, specify and control column content including stock size and export to excel.

Changes made to the nominal part model are propagated to the blank, strip, and inserts. Any downstream changes are reflected in the die design.

Manufacturing integration: NX Progressive Die Design leverages the built-in intelligence of standard components for advanced feature-based machining. The required precision of different components is understood and utilized by the CAM system.

Productive high speed machining processes are ready to use as part of the template set for NX CAM. These approaches allow fewer electrodes and less bench time, in addition to reaping the benefits of high speed milling equipment.

The integrated NX environment ensures that CAM programming, like other downstream functions, is associative to the product, strip and die models. Change orders can be handled with a minimum of fuss as dies and NC programs are updated to the new geometry.

Product data and process management: Work within the Teamcenter environment to manage standard designs. Find, share, and synchronize product and process information between design and manufacturing.

Work concurrently while preserving data integrity, and enable visualization of design and work instructions on the shop floor.