Compression Molding is completely transparent - A detailed view into the mold
On DKT 2022, SIGMA Engineering presents the new version of SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding. Main focus is the introduction of simulative Compression Molding. It allows to zoom into the production process in every location, anytime and in any cycle. Examples include the thermal influence of the open mold, during preparation and while preforms are positioned – or to analyze plastification and curing of the elastomer in detail.
Aachen, 18.05.2022 – On DKT in Nuremberg (June 27-30th 2022) SIGMA Engineering GmbH presents the evolution of SIGMASOFT® at booth 9-215. The new version 5.3.1 now allows to also analyze the traditional Compression Molding of elastomers.
Until now, simulative mold and process design were limited mainly to modern injection molding technology. SIGMASOFT® has already been utilized successfully by leading elastomers processors, and their desire to also simulate the older processes was voiced many times. The industrial significance of Compression and Transfer Molding remains high, as safety and precision parts are also manufactured using these processes. The use of high-quality materials makes a better process understanding and optimization in advance through simulation even more desirable. The simulation also allows for a secure evaluation of curing degree and process-cycle data. Issues such as the quantity, shape, weight, and position of the preforms can also be optimized easily. This allows to improve the quality of the molded parts while reducing the material usage - without cumbersome and costly series of trials. In SIGMASOFT®, all thermal influences on the component and in the mold, from the smallest screw to the energy loss of the mold over several cycles, can be represented in the simulation of compression molding. In SIGMASOFT® simulation of Compression Molding, all thermal influences within the mold (down to the smallest screw) and on the molded shape can be viewed in detail, cycle after cycle. This makes thermal optimizations or improvements on cycle time easy.
„It sounds easy, but implementation was quite complex“, explains SIGMA CTO Timo Gebauer: „The challenge is, that the cavity, or the room where we otherwise inject into, constantly changes during the closing of the mold. At the same time, the inserted preforms are already heating up, and are plasticizing and deforming. This development would not have passed the finish line without continuous advice and validation through our customers. “
Different to Thermoplastics, only a few standardized elastomer compounds are available in the industry. Therefore SIGMASOFT® features the creation of its own material laws, based on internal or external measurements and supports users during implementation.
„We look forward to the personal exchange with the global elastomer industry experts. Beside views into advancements in Compression Molding further updates like 2-component molding with LSR are showcased“, Gebauer adds.