Co-engineering and numerical simulation: Officine Riva’s optimized production process

Officine Riva, a company specialized in the production of washers, locknuts, sealing plugs, and custom-designed metal components, adopts a co-engineering approach by working with the customer from the early stages of development for technically complex parts. This method optimizes geometries and production processes, minimizing critical issues and ensuring technical feasibility from the initial design phases.

Co-engineering: joint development for customized projects

The co-design process enables Officine Riva to maintain ongoing technical dialogue with the customer, supporting production solutions that fully meet functional and dimensional requirements. In-house experience and a flexible approach make it possible to tackle even the most challenging design demands, reducing development time and margin for error.

Advanced numerical simulation with DEFORM

In addition to standard CAD-CAM tools, the company uses DEFORM, a numerical simulation platform based on the finite element method (FEM), specifically designed for modeling plastic deformation processes. This tool enables accurate predictive simulations, analyzing material flow, residual stresses, thermal distribution, and tool behavior during production stages. DEFORM can validate the design before physical production, optimizing every detail and significantly reducing the need for iterative prototyping.

Practical applications and results

Thanks to the simulation, Officine Riva can manufacture components with complex geometries and light drawing, such as recessed plugs, where uniform thickness and dimensional precision are crucial. Another application involves lenticular parts, which require precise control of curvature and symmetry. Even in the production of bushings—often subject to tight tolerances and high stress—simulation support helps maintain consistent quality standards and prevent structural defects.

Competitive advantages

The integration of technical design and numerical simulation yields measurable benefits in terms of efficiency, reliability, and cost control. The production process becomes more predictable, setup times are significantly reduced, and product quality is ensured from the design phase.

Officine Riva’s approach, based on the synergy between technical expertise, digital simulation, and active customer collaboration, serves as a model in the metal forming industry. A shared engineering path that turns every project into a concrete and optimized solution.

For more details on the company’s production range, visit Officine Riva’s online stand and official website.