Topology optimization of stamping die components using evolutionary structural optimization method

Today, die design standards are used to design the structure of die components. These standards are usually based on high safety factors. So, the die components are often heavier and larger than required. In this article, a software package is developed which can design an appropriate topology of body structure of stamping die components with a reduced weight. This is done by implementing the evolutionary structural optimization algorithm. The proposed structure can also be modified by the designer to accommodate for a simpler casting method. This software package is developed in Microsoft Visual C# programming environment with a link to Abaqus software to analyze the finite element simulation of the process. The operation of the software is demonstrated by an example where the die for a sheet metal part is studied. The die components are initially designed, analyzed and compared with the standard die (the die which is in general use today). The final results show a reduction of 37% of volume and 8% of maximum displacement, respectively.