COSTOPTIMIZER

Leading Cost Estimation and Material Utilization software designed to reduce material costs and limit expensive engineering changes

COSTOPTIMIZER® is a software solution that combines the capabilities of FASTBLANK, BLANKNEST, PROGNEST & OPTIMIZER. This enables Cost Engineers to develop quotations and estimates for piece part costing by creating precise blank shape developments, performing initial formability risk assessment and establishing target costs for sheet metal components. Substantial material costs and weight reductions can be realized from optimizing nesting layouts and identifying critical nest points for minor changes to product design. COSTOPTIMIZER® provides the required information to evaluate multiple manufacturing scenarios for optimal material usage that generates cost and weight savings.

Cost Engineering is critical activity devoted to the management of project costs, involving such activities as estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, investment appraisal and risk analysis. The cost of a part is determined from geometric shape, material type, manufacturing process (progressive, transfer, tandem) and investment. By implementing a standard methodology for creating, tracking, analyzing and communicating the contents of a quote, an organization can impose a disciplined approach to the quotation process. The key objective of cost engineering is to arrive at accurate cost estimates and schedules and to avoid cost overruns and schedule slips.

COSTOPTIMIZER® uses a scientific physics-based approach to develop accurate blank shapes (CHI Solver) based on forming process, material properties and accounts for stretch and deformation of 3D product geometry. Cost engineers benefit from developing self-confidence (internal know-how), quick and accurate material projection, improving quote accuracy, suggesting product changes that impact material utilization, evaluating part manufacturing concerns, and promoting confidence and trust with your customers.

Several nesting layouts can be developed and evaluated to maximize material utilization based on coil width and pitch constraints. Nests are generated for 1-up, 2-up, 2 blanks and mirrored arrangements from coils for high volume production in line dies and progressive dies or low volume production from slit sheets.

Reports are automatically generated and used to determine Target Costs and provides a sound basis for vendor negotiations. COSTOPTIMIZER® provides major time savings for all quotes and allows costing engineers to turn around tooling quotes the same day with confidence in the results.