2018 was an exciting year at EWI. We worked developed game-changing technologies and solutions for industry, and helped many clients realize their goals. In addition, we achieved several successes of our own – from award-winning R&D to collaborative efforts in research standards, government programs, and spinouts – that will benefit manufacturing in the coming year and beyond. These accomplishments are highlighted in EWI’s 2018 Year in Review.
As we enter our 35th year, EWI is increasingly stepping up its role as a leader in future-forward programs, centers, and enterprises to establish standards, deliver benefits, and ensure the enduring strength of manufacturing well into the future. We look forward to working with current and new clients across all sectors to identify, develop and implement processes, strategies, and technologies in our continuing efforts to manufacture innovation.
Let us help you with your next manufacturing challenge. Contact EWI at 614.688.5152 or [email protected].
Thirteen years ago, I landed my first job out of school at a
company that developed software for sheet metal forming simulations. I did not know anything about sheet metal
forming or finite element analysis (FEA) simulation. To get up to speed, I
would read through publications from NUMISHEET conferences. It was a great way to get familiar with
critical sheet forming topics such as springback and formability limits. As well as learn the best way to test
material properties and apply them in simulation. The most interesting part of the NUMISHEET
proceedings were the benchmark studies.
The EWI Forming Team
The benchmark section is a sheet metal forming simulation
competition. Researchers and engineers
are given the geometry and process parameters for a sheet metal forming
process. The goal is to achieve the most
accurate prediction result using numerical simulation. Measured results from physical trials are
released after the prediction results have been submitted. This is a great way to compare the software
code as well as the skill and expertise of the user.
NUMISHEET only occurs every other year. At EWI, we continue to push the limits of simulation accuracy every day. We achieve this through close working relationships within industry and equipped with the latest in simulation software, metal forming presses, materials testing equipment and measuring tools.
Simulation software: AutoForm, PAM-STAMP,
DYNAFORM, DEFORM, Abaqus, and LS-DYNA
Presses: 300-Ton AIDA servo press and 160-Ton
hydraulic press with warm forming test cell
Quality measuring Tools: ATOS blue light scanner
and ARGUS strain analysis
It is the biggest pleasure of my career to be in the middle
of the action. My first year at EWI has
taught me a lot about the best FEA software to use for specific applications
and exactly how much material testing is necessary to achieve a sufficient
amount of correlation. The EWI Forming Center has grown over the last
couple of years to offer the highest quality solutions and in a more efficient
configuration than ever before. If you
have a metal forming issue we would love to work with you to solve it.
Tom Feister is an Applications Engineer in the EWI Forming Center. He can be reached at [email protected] or 614.688.5124.
To learn more about EWI’s forming capabilities, click here.
The additive manufacturing (AM) process laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is applied frequently to build complex, shaped parts. The process uses a laser beam to melt metallic powders which are then deposited layer by layer. As the range of metals and alloys for L-PBF continues to expand, the characteristics of these new materials need to be evaluated for strength and viability. One such material is nickel-based superalloy Inconel® 718, an excellent choice for L-PBF due to its superior performance at high temperatures.
EWI Project Engineer Hyeyun Song has written a new paper, Microstructural Evolution in IN718 Produced by L-PBF Additive Manufacturing, which describes EWI’s recent examination of the effect of varying support structure height on the local microstructural evolution in IN718 builds fabricated using L-PBF. This paper discusses the findings of this study.
As the demand for electric and hybrid electric vehicles continues to increase, automotive OEMs and suppliers face an array of engineering challenges. Every major system in a car – from battery to wire harness through powertrain – is affected by the transition. Methods of welding, joining, testing, and inspection all must be re-evaluated as newer, lighter, and stronger materials come into the manufacturing mix.
Effective implementation of vehicle electrification requires a grasp of the challenges involved, as well as familiarity with the range of technologies available to develop novel solutions. Finding unbiased technical support and service is essential to success.
EWI’s new guide, Addressing Critical Challenges in Vehicle Electrification, identifies the issues facing the automotive industry and offers several new approaches for innovative solutions. In addition, it introduces resources for help regardless of your place in the automotive supply chain.
To download Addressing Critical Challenges in Vehicle Electrification, please click here now.
If you’d like to learn more about EWI’s work in vehicle electrification or discuss your challenge with an EWI engineer, contact [email protected] or 614.688.5152.
