AvaSpire PAEK, KetaSpire PEEK Added to Digimat-MX for Simulation

A new version of the Digimat-MX simulation software from e-Xstream engineering in Belgium (part of MSC Software) features two ultra high-performance polymers from Solvay Specialty Polymers. The new material additions, AvaSpire AV-651 GF30 polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and KetaSpire KT-880 GF30 polyetheretherketone (PEEK) from Solvay, are part of the first PEEK and PAEK materials to appear in the composite materials database, which provides computer modeling of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic parts.

"Solvay is a long-term customer and technology partner of e-Xstream and today we are pleased to propose the addition of Solvay high-performance materials to Digimat," said Roger Assaker, CEO of e-Xstream engineering and chief material strategist for MSC Software.

Until now, Solvay utilized the Digimat "MX computer simulation system internally and performed computer modeling for fiber-reinforced applications as a service to its customers. Now, current and potential customers have the capability to perform computer simulations based on Solvay materials on their own.

Digimat-MX, the Material eXchange system, is a composite materials database that offers access to experimental data at different strain rates, temperatures, and other key property measurements. Plastic engineers use Digimat, the non-linear multi-scale material and structure modeling platform, to model thermoplastics and thermosets reinforced with short, long, or continuous glass and/or carbon fibers and any type of micro or nano fillers (glass beads, talc, etc.).

To fully exploit the key properties of these high-temperature materials in product design, Solvay has developed dedicated CAE procedures based on Digimat that have undergone thorough internal validation at its European laboratory, based in Brussels.

Other Solvay high-performance polymers, including Ixef polyarylamide (PARA) compounds, are expected to be added to the e-Xstream Digimat-MX system in the future.

For more information, visit Solvay Specialty Polymers, e-Xstream engineering and MSC Software.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.