Simulation Software Includes Non-Productive Times

By DE Editors

Process Simulation Software SIGMASOFT, from SIGMA, can include non-productive times in injection molding simulation, enabling improvement in the accuracy of the results, the company says.

Taking into consideration the times in which the mold opens and closes, the times in which it is heated up or cleaned, as well as handling times when the inserts are placed, makes it possible to accurately analyze the process cycle. According to SIGMA, by doing so, even factors that influence the part quality, such as the curing degree, can be predicted.

For example, mold temperature decreases during the time period when the mold stays open. If this time is not considered in the simulation, the prediction of the whole cycle time, as well as the prediction of the cooling time or curing degree, will be erroneous.

In SIGMASOFT, such non-productive times can be defined and varied separately in the simulation. Therefore, besides calculating the whole cycle, it is also possible to perform troubleshooting of problems at each of the production stages, the company says. Through the utilization of simulation, it is possible to decide if changes in the process definition are enough to solve production problems, or if the mold has to be reworked to achieve the desired quality and productivity goals.

For more information, visit SIGMA.

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