Process Parameters
Define the filling, packing, cooling and machine parameters as required for the molding process. Default units shown are MKS (m kg N s).
Stage Parameters
Use the Stages tab to define parameters for the Filling, Packing, and Cooling phases of the analysis.
Filling
Option | Description |
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Filling Time | Enter the exact time required for the filling process. |
Flow Rate | Enter the volumetric flow rate at the inlet. The flow rate is area * velocity.. |
Inlet Speed | Enter the inlet speed. |
Max filling pressure | Enter the maximum pressure. If this pressure is reached at the inlet, the flow rate is reduced to ensure that the maximum pressure threshold is not exceeded. |
Start holding at | Enter the percentage of the volume filled to define the transfer position from the first-stage injection (speed) to the second-stage injection (pressure control). |
Holding pressure |
|
Stop filling when | Select one or both options to indicate the transfer point to
the packing stage.
|
Packing
Option | Description |
---|---|
Packing Time | Enter the length of time that packing pressure is applied at the intlet. The packing simulation continues until the pressure reaches zero throughout the cavity. |
Packing Pressure | Choose an option to define the packing pressure:
|
Cooling
Select whether to end the cooling phase based on an Ejection Temperature or End Time. If both options are selected, cooling will stop when either value is reached.Option | Description |
---|---|
Ejection Temperature | Select to stop the cooling phase when the temperature throughout all part cavities is below the defined temperature. Enter a temperature or use the default value. |
End Time | Select to stop the cooling phase after the specified period of time. Enter the time or use the default value. |
Machine Parameters
Use the Machine tab to define the stroke volume, injection pressure, flow rate, and clamp force required for the molding machinery.
Option | Description |
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Max stroke volume | Enter the maximum volume of the extruder when the screw is fully retracted. This does not include the nozzle attached to the barrel, but only the volume represented for the range of travel for the screw. |
Max injection pressure | Enter the maximum material pressure that the machine can
produce with the current screw. This pressure can be calculated
from the maximum hydraulic pressure multiplied by the screw’s
intensification ratio, for example: (Hydraulic:
2,000psi) * (IR = 3:1) =
6,000psi. Note: The injection pressure is
normally based on the force of the reciprocating screw.
|
Max injection flow rate | Enter the maximum volumetric flow rate specific to the molding machinery in use (A·v). |
Max clamp force | Enter the maximum force required to keep the mold closed
during the injection process (N). This is the maximum clamp
force for the machine in Newtons. A value of 5,000,000 N is
equivalent to 560 Tons (Imperial). Note: The two halves of the
mold will try to expand due to the pressure exerted on them.
Insufficient clamping force can result in a flash
defect.
|
Stop analysis if machine settings are exceeded | Select to stop the simulation if any of the machine parameters exceeds its specified maximum value. |