Software that thinks it's a molding machine

SimTech 2003 is an interactive Windows-based program that simulates the entire injection molding process from the raw material in the hopper to the finished part. Process changes that would take hours or days to evaluate on the shop floor can be analyzed quickly.

To act as a virtual-reality molding machine, SimTech 2003 has the standard operating controls found on a real press. They interact to simulate affects on material and molded parts. Changes in the material, machine controls, or mold are mathematically analyzed, and the software determines effects on part properties.SimTech 2003 performs more than 5 million complex calculations on each cycle to interactively analyze the effects of all variables in the molding process on the molded part. The software also allows molders to run the simulations by entering data from their own molds, machines, and resins.

The user keys in the clamp force and screw and barrel dimensions for any type of molding machine. The cavity dimensions and gate locations are set. The resin to be molded is specified, then 24 molding machine control controls are set and the user clicks the cycle command.

The program calculates cavity pressures, melt temperatures, screw run time, and cavity fill time. Fill pressure loss and packing pressure loss, cycle time, and percent fill at velocity-pressure transfer are calculated, as are cushion size, shot volume, part weight and dimensions, and average part temperature at ejection. Also, any possible cavity discharge, flash, or short shots are computed.

Users can graph pressures and temperatures inside the mold throughout the cycle. They can change any variable in the mold, machine, material, or machine control and run the cycle once again to compare the results. Or, they can run up to four cycles concurrently, varying one control for each cycle and compare the results.SimTech 2003 is said to allow molders to develop production floor molding expertise. A training work book that comes with the program allows molders to adjust machine controls and solve molding problems. The software is priced at $5000.

Paulson Training Programs Inc. Chester, CT
(860) 526-3099
www.paulson-training.com