Developers Launch New Friction Simulation Software

TriboForm Engineering BV has developed a software tool that can more accurately simulate friction, lubrication and wear in metal-forming processes.

Several carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Skoda and Volvo, have begun using the software to improve the production process for large body components such as doors, fenders and hoods, according to TriboForm. The startup was spun off from the University of Twente in the Netherlands, in 2013.  

Tribology is a branch of mechanical engineering that studies the contact between materials under different conditions. In metal-forming processes, this applies to the relative motion and interaction between the applied sheet material, lubrication and tooling.

Historically, carmakers and suppliers have used a constant coefficient of friction across all metal forming simulations. TriboForm’s software applies real-world friction and lubrication data, which the company says enables faster and more accurate metal-forming simulations that yield better performing parts.

The technology was developed by TriboForm co-founders Jan Harmen Wiebenga and Johan Hol during their doctoral research at the University of Twente.