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The work describes an approach for a closer interface between product design and manufacturing. Starting from the part print a finite element model of the final part is constructed. The model is used for a one step unfolding of the part to determine the blank shape. In addition, by tracking the shape of the material “finite” elements before and under unfolding, the approximate forming severity of the stamping can be obtained. The one step unfolding solution also provides the thickness distribution together with the yield stress distribution in the stamped part. This information is of great value to product design for the performance of a more realistic fatigue analysis. Since during product design many design alternatives are to be evaluated, the finite element formulation used at this stage is based on a one step approach, with the emphasis on solution speed as opposed to exactness.