The main factor to a quality plastic injection molded part is a precise mold, one that produces reliable pieces time after time. Plastic flow simulation analysis is key in demonstrating the mold will perform as expected and product a quality part.
What is Plastic Flow Simulation?
Often called mold flow analysis (MFA), plastic flow simulation uses software to show how molten resin will move through a mold. Once a mold design is complete, plastic flow simulation is used to determine the number of gates and their locations, show material choke points and hot spots, predict short fill and sink mark locations, and many other critical parameters needed to optimize a mold design for a repeatable, consistent molding process.
This analysis is vital to predicting what to anticipate during the molding process including:
1. Mold life expectancy
2. Reduce overall expense of the mold
3. Avoid any obstacles to a quality part
When Should Plastic Flow Simulation be Used?
Plastic flow simulation analysis is conducted using software after tool design but prior to tool build starts. Utilizing a selected gate area and material properties, the software simulates how the part will fill during the molding process. Various data points can be evaluated such as pressure, fill time, and melt temperature. Doing so permits optimization of the operation before tool fabrication begins.
Often called mold flow analysis (MFA), plastic flow simulation uses software to show how molten resin will move through a mold. Once a mold design is complete, plastic flow simulation is used to determine the number of gates and their locations, show material choke points and hot spots, predict short fill and sink mark locations, and many other critical parameters needed to optimize a mold design for a repeatable, consistent molding process.
This analysis is vital to predicting what to anticipate during the molding process including:
- Shrinkage compensation for tooling tolerances
- Warpage issues
- Handling conditions
- Material Temperature and shot parameter optimization
- Flow-induced shear stress
- Weld line area
- Mold and Coolant temperature
- And more
1. Mold life expectancy
2. Reduce overall expense of the mold
3. Avoid any obstacles to a quality part
When Should Plastic Flow Simulation be Used?
Plastic flow simulation analysis is conducted using software after tool design but prior to tool build starts. Utilizing a selected gate area and material properties, the software simulates how the part will fill during the molding process. Various data points can be evaluated such as pressure, fill time, and melt temperature. Doing so permits optimization of the operation before tool fabrication begins.
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The Benefits to Plastic Flow Simulation Analysis:
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