How die cost calculated in Forming suite.

Question

Hi everyone !

I have a question about how to calculate die cost in Forming suite. Forming suite allow to set up parameters to calculate die cost using Regional Die Estimate Settings tool. There are Rates, Die Build, Die Size, Cam sections. As far as I am aware, Rates Section contains information about Labor rate. Die size section give data about dimension of die, Die Build section contain information about materials of die’s part, and a material has its own Material rates. So that material cost of die is determined. Howerver I could not find a section about Depreciation cost of machinery and equipment. For example if I want to use CNC machine to manufacture die, and I need to include the cost of utilizing CNC machine ( in case that I need to rent CNC ) not only material cost and labor cost. Where can I define this data ?

Besides, do you have any document or equation show how forming Suite calculate cost. Please send me so I can have better understand.

Derek Peeling · Accepted Answer

Hello and sorry for the late reply.

The depreciation rates aren't separated out from the other rates. They would be considered as part of them. So for example, the machining rates should be set up such that they account for the complete cost of a time unit of machining. So this would include things like lubricant, electricity, machine depreciation, cutter cost depreciation, etc. For stamping itself, the press rate would be set up in a similar fashion. These values would all be included in the cost/hr of the operation.

The various methods of tool costing (blank area, blank perimeter, feature length, detailed feature length) all use different formulae and the names of each method indicate the primary source of sensitivity. As such, the feature length methods will show a stronger relationship to complexity than blank area/perimeter which are more sensitive to part/blank size. The exact calculations involve too many steps to publish and are also considered trade secrets, but if you are having trouble tuning the inputs to achieve an expected result, we would be happy to assist. Feel free to reach out to our engineers at support.fti@hexagon.com