Simulation arrangement for determining desired values for the transport of workpieces of a multistage press

A multi-stage press simulation arrangement for determining desired values for the transport of a workpiece and related gripper movement and tool automation by using less than all the elements of a multi-stage press comprising:

• transport means separate from said multi-stage press for physically replicating the movement of at least one transport means of said multi-stage press, the transport means including movable transfer rails carrying gripping devices and moving along guide means and at least one driving means for driving said transfer rails through braking means and movement changing means;
• a means for tool automation, a means for gripper control and a means for control of a workpiece transport connected to said transport means;
• and
• a program control means for controlling the movement of said transport means through said driving means and generating a program to be used on said multi-stage press for the sequence of movement of said transport means with respect to said tool automation means, gripper control means and said transport control means.