Optimate GmbH — a subsidiary of Trumpf that is based in Stuttgart and develops an ‘advanced digital solution for part analysis and optimisation software relating to sheet metal processing’ — has expanded its latest feature for cost calculation. The new export function is a further development the ‘cost calculation’ capability introduced in July 2023, and will enable contract manufacturers and design departments to ‘calculate parts even faster and more precisely’.

Jonas Steiling (pictured above), Optimate’s CEO, said: “Our export function offers precise geometry analysis of sheet metal parts, thereby enabling customisation to individual customer processes. Parts can now be calculated even faster and, above all, more individually, thanks to the automated data export.

“Previously, sheet metal processors had to laboriously extract all data from part drawings manually, but the export function now enables the part data to be output at the touch of a button; and in addition to the sheet thickness, scrap, and outer contour length, the geometry-analysis parameters can contain any other geometric information about a sheet metal part. Furthermore, to ensure an optimal cost calculation, the customer maintains individual parameters such as material costs, machine hourly rates, or feed rates in their analysis profile in advance.”

The Optimate cost calculation determines the price per part for different batch sizes, considering various factors such as material and cutting costs, as well as preparation and processing costs for cutting, bending, and welding. The new development also gives users the option of linking their individual calculation formulae with the part data exported by Optimate. “This gives rise to new fields of application ranging from detailed cost calculation to digitalised variant management and production forecasting.

“Designers should also be pleased with the updates in the cloud solution, as the additional information provides further indications on possible cost drivers within a part and delivers starting points for design optimisation directly during product development. The extended export function, also ensures more efficient communication, both across departments and with manufacturing partners.”