Assembly Simulation Takes Center Stage at IMTS 2026 Conference

The IMTS 2026 Conference is putting Assembly Simulation in the spotlight, with a dedicated session aimed at OEMs and Tier suppliers in the automotive and aerospace industries. The presentation, scheduled for IMTS16 Room W192-A, will examine how Assembly CAE Simulation is moving from emerging technology to essential engineering practice — and where the real savings lie.

From Established Standard to Rapid Growth

Forming Simulation has been a mandatory engineering standard across OEMs and Tier suppliers for decades. Assembly Simulation, by contrast, is only now entering a rapid growth phase of adoption — but it's arriving under far better conditions. Implementation benefits from mature digital infrastructures, higher computational power, and increased management awareness of what virtual validation can deliver.

The value proposition is straightforward: Assembly Simulation is a critical enabler for cost reduction, dimensional quality improvement, and launch risk mitigation. For manufacturers under pressure to shorten launch cycles and cut waste, that's a compelling combination.

Where the Savings Come From

The presentation will quantify typical cost-saving mechanisms, including tool rework reduction, dimensional variation mitigation, launch stability improvement, and reduced physical try-outs. It will also examine current implementation models at OEMs and Tier suppliers, along with strategies to accelerate ROI realization.

One of the more significant claims on the agenda: combining Forming Simulation, Assembly Simulation, and Virtual Quality Inspection creates a closed-loop digital validation workflow — one that can significantly reduce late-stage engineering changes and manufacturing risk. Attendees can also expect practical guidance on structuring an implementation roadmap, aligning engineering and quality teams, and capturing measurable financial impact within the first production programs.

The Challenges Are Real

Rapid adoption doesn't mean easy adoption. Successful deployment still requires overcoming key challenges: data consistency, cross-functional alignment, skill development, and process integration. These are organizational problems as much as technical ones, and the session addresses them directly.

The Presenter

Arthur Camanho, Sales Director at AutoForm Engineering USA, will lead the session. A mechanical engineer with 25 years of experience in numerical simulation of manufacturing processes, Camanho is currently working with the global AutoForm team to help enable full process chain digitalization at OEMs and to strengthen the link between engineering and the shop floor. He also brings extensive knowledge of the South American and European markets, where he previously established and grew ESI Group's presence and customer base.

For engineers weighing whether Assembly Simulation belongs in their validation workflow, this session offers both the business case and the implementation playbook.