CAD - Computer Aided Design

Westport axle subscribes to Key Creator as our primary CAD system. While Sifco, in Brazil, uses PRO-E. Sifco also utilizes Catia, Ideas, and Euclid for specific accounts. Between these two primary systems we can accomodate most all CAD generated detail.
Exchange of this CAD detail between suppliers and customers is successfully conducted using the appropriate file extension.
For 2D drawings "DXF" and or "DWG" works well. For 3D models "STEP" and or "IGES" will do the job.
We can also work with "FTP" sites if necessary.

CAE - Computer Aided Engineering

The system we use is called Ansys Workbench Version 11.
From this system our engineers at Sifco perform Finite Element Analysis on all forged and machined components.
Output data helps us to better define forging shape, material selection, and heat treat specifications.

Fatigue Tests

Once again all fatigue tests are conducted by Sifco in Brazil.
These tests are usually run on steer axle assemblies, steer knuckles, steer and tie rod arms to verify their ability to perform the necessary work and loads they were designed to do.
Test criteria can be customer supplied or Westport/Sifco has our own set of test loads and cycles for final verification.

Forging Simulation

The "Forge 2005 3D" software is used to locate and point out possible problems when forging a part before it actually happens.
The software will optomize the final forging shape and size from the pre-formed billet bar all the way to the final shape
This program will point out problem areas that if left alone may make the part difficult to impossible to forge. Revisions can and should then be made to the part to make it forgible.
In conclusion this program is similar to FEA (Finite Element Anaylsis) except it focuses on the forgibility of the part as opposed to the strength of the part.
The blend of 3D solid models, FEA, and this forging software will produce the best possible part prior to actual production.

Tooling Development

The final shape of the forged I-beam, knuckle, steer/tie rod arm etc. comes from the engineering 3D model.
This final shape is then fed into one of our CNC Mazak machines which in turn cuts out the final shape of the part from the tool steel block.