(PRWEB) November 2, 2005 -- Engineering Technology Associates, Inc. (ETA), a global supplier of software and services for sheet metal forming simulation today announces the availability of one of it’s software modules, Blank Size Engineering, integrated within UGS Corp.’s NX™ digital product development software. ‘BSE in NX’ is the first product released under the current partnership between ETA and UGS, which established ETA as a Foundation Partner in the UGS Partner Program. Foundation Partners are able to participate in specifically defined joint sales and marketing activities with UGS.

Blank Size Engineering is a complete set of tools for cost estimators to generate blank outlines, generate nests and evaluate forming feasibility. BSE functions are available within the NX user interface and operate directly on the NX model without data translation. Simulation results indicate potential for cracking, thinning and wrinkling and reports are generated that summarize nest parameters and costs. This accurate and timely information enables tool & die makers to tune their estimates and compete more effectively.

“‘BSE in NX’ provides NX users easy access to blanking, nesting and simulation technology which is particularly important to tool & die makers in the automotive supply chain.” says Arthur Tang, Vice President, ETA Inc.

“We are pleased to partner with ETA to provide this extended finite element based technology that enables our sheet metal stamping customers to further reduce costs and lead-times and to better transform their process of innovation.” says Gary Werschler, deputy director of Knowledge Driven Applications, UGS Corp. “The availability of advanced formability simulation tools within NX complements our strategy to provide a complete solution for digital manufacturing and prototype throughout the product development cycle.”

ETA is a global supplier of software and services, specializing in CAE applications, including sheet metal forming and vehicle simulations. ETA’s, DYNAFORM and VPG products are used primarily by the automotive industry including DaimlerChrysler, GM, Ford, Toyota, Porsche & Hyundai and throughout the tool & die industry. DYNAFORM is the most accurate forming simulation software available today. It enables die makers to simulate sheet metal stamping operations and predict forming problems such as cracking, wrinkling, thinning and springback before tooling is produced, which dramatically reduces the risks and costs associated with die tryout.