Injection molding simulation

Injection molding simulation describes the digital simulation of the entire injection molding process on the basis of:

• CAD geometries
• Material data
• process parameters

Key aspects of plastics processing are analyzed virtually before a tool is built or a component is produced.

Typical questions of injection molding analysis:

• How does the component fill in the mold?
• Where do weld lines or air pockets occur?
• How does cooling affect the process?
• Where can delays occur?
• How do material properties influence the component?

Especially in tool and mold making, simulation helps to identify critical points at an early stage and to make well-founded decisions regarding gating, cooling and tool design.

For toolmakers and mold makers, changes to the tool are one of the biggest cost factors in the development process.

If problems only become apparent during sampling, adjustments are often very time-consuming.

With Moldflow Simulation, many of these risks can be identified in advance.

Typical advantages:

Fewer change loops in toolmaking – simulation helps to identify design weaknesses at an early stage and reduce tool changes.

Better tool design – toolmakers receive valuable information on:

• Injection points
• Flow paths
• Cooling
• Pressure distribution

Autodesk Moldflow is one of the world’s leading solutions for the simulation of injection molding processes.

The software makes it possible to realistically simulate the entire plastic injection molding process and to analyze critical influencing factors as early as the development phase.

The most important simulation areas include

• Fill analysis (fill simulation)
• Reprint analysis
• Cooling analysis
• Warpage analysis
• Material flow analysis
• Evaluation of injection points

A particular advantage of Moldflow is the extensive material database, which integrates real material properties into the simulation.

Advanced injection molding analysis for complex components. Moldflow Insight offers significantly extended simulation options for more demanding issues in injection molding and toolmaking.

The software is aimed at companies that want to carry out in-depth analyses in the injection molding process.

Moldflow Insight can be used to simulate, among other things:

• Detailed cooling processes in the tool
• Warpage and dimensional accuracy of components
• Complex material models
• Demanding component geometries
• Multi-component processes

Moldflow Insight provides a valuable basis for decision-making, especially for toolmaking companies that develop tools for sophisticated plastic parts.

Injection molding simulation for component development. Moldflow Adviser is the ideal introduction to injection molding simulation for developers, designers and toolmakers.

The software supports the development process by making critical areas of a component visible at an early stage.

Typical areas of application:

• Analysis of filling behavior
• Evaluation of injection points
• Identification of weld lines and air pockets
• Initial assessment of warpage and shrinkage

Moldflow Adviser is a valuable tool, especially for toolmakers and mold makers, for evaluating components even before the tool is designed.

This allows risks in the injection molding process to be reduced at an early stage.

The example of automotive supplier Kromberg & Schubert Austria shows just how great the influence of digital simulation can be.

The company uses Autodesk Moldflow to digitally secure plastic components as early as the development phase.

By using injection molding simulation, the company was able to:

• Improve development processes
• Better tool design
• Reducing risks in the injection molding process
• Evaluate new materials and processes digitally

Today, simulation is an integral part of the product development process.