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Click here to read the
April issue.
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| Equipment | Materials | Instruments | Hardware/Software | Services |
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| Elastomer Processing Simulation |
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The Sigmasoft 3D injection molding simulation software focuses on reduction of development and production costs using these new developments in process simulation. Many factors in elastomer injection molding have an influence on product quality and costs. Here it is of little help to solely focus on a single aspect, including part design, material, mold design or molding process, according to the company. To ensure a competitive advantage, the entire system must be considered simultaneously. Only when everything is optimized during the design phase, before the mold is shipped, can the largest cost savings be achieved. By means of process simulation, molding feasibility and initial process parameters can be evaluated. Parting line and venting channels can be developed, as well as the optimal type and position of the injection point. The simulation results provide answers to all of these questions in a clear and meaningful way, allowing injection molders a way to virtually test the mold before it is built. Costs can be reduced significantly during development, and existing processes can continuously be improved, while substantially reducing material waste and improving quality, according to the company. The latest developments in the thermal solver allow for the integration of all mold components and their individual temperature dependent material properties. In this way, an accurate reproduction of the real temperature profile in the mold is possible, even over several consecutive injection molding cycles. The simulation set-up is optimized for the requirements of process engineers. This allows production-minded engineers to use this technology without a simulation background. For example, a process engineer can determine how heating cartridges influence mold temperature and part quality, simulating them with their respective electric power and thermocouple control.
Sigma Plastic Services
www.3dsigma.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Totally Integrated Automation |
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The latest version of the company's Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal is said to give users the ability to commission and configure Sinamics G120 drives using the Sinamics Startdrive. As an engineering framework designed for maximum efficiency and ease of operation, TIA Portal offers seamless integration of the drive system using Version 12 of Sinamics Startdrive. This is said to allow users to quickly and easily configure Sinamics G120 drives from a single graphical user interface. The same applies to drive parameterization, which is easy to handle thanks to the use of graphical screens, according to the company. The task-based sorting of drive functions reduces the start-up time for users as they are guided directly to functions via the specific task. As with the Simatic programmable logic controllers in TIA Portal, the Sinamics drive is also displayed as a station in the project navigator.
Siemens
www.usa.siemens.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Product Data Management |
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This manufacturer of ERP software and MES developer has released its SolidWorks product data management add-in. From within the SolidWorks menu, users can link parts, tools and other assembly file details and configurations to create engineering change orders and cross-populate the inventory, bills of material, project management and preventative maintenance modules in EnterpriseIQ for increased productivity and elimination of data inconsistency.
IQMS
www.iqms.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Computerized Maintenance Management Software |
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The National Tire Research Center has chosen Bigfoot computerized maintenance management software from Smartware Group as its official maintenance management solution for the custom-built Flat-Trac LTRe, an $11.3 million tire testing system that will simulate and replicate nearly every driving maneuver performed by a passenger car, light truck or racing vehicle. Using Bigfoot CMMS is said to have enabled the company to enter all pieces and parts of the LTRe for scheduling maintenance into a very easy-to-use, well-organized system to keep the operation running safely and in a cost-effective manner.
Smartware Group
www.bigfootcmms.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| OCR Reading Software |
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This supplier of machine vision systems offers its OCRMax technology which now includes an automatic tuning capability. This auto-tune feature makes complex OCR applications simple for even the novice user and is available in the In-Sight Explorer 4.8 and VisionPro 8.1 software releases, according to the company. When a user clicks the auto-tune button, the system acquires a sample image and automatically adjusts the tool to its optimal parameters for robust reading performance. The advanced OCRMax algorithm prevents misreads and provides easy font management for optical character recognition and verification applications. OCRMax is an all-in-one tool that can handle character variations, text skew, proportional fonts and variable string lengths, while providing high read rates, reduced setup time and faster deployment, according to the company.
Cognex
www.cognex.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Statistical Process Control |
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This developer of statistical process control software solutions announced an update to the Synergy 3000 for its customers worldwide. These capabilities are said to provide manufacturers with a comprehensive view of their SPC data from their global supply chain. Because the Synergy 3000 version 4.0 is built on cloud computing, customers instantly access quality business intelligence data about all their facilities and suppliers, regardless of location, on the device of their choice. The company is said to be consistently releasing innovative capabilities for its product line so that users at all levels can increase productivity, reduce product defects, boost production rates, effectively manage production assets and contribute to the ongoing profitability of the business.
Zontec
www.zontec-spc.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Energy Management Solutions |
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To help meet the increasing demands for energy management, the company has expanded its offering of energy management solutions. In addition, the firm's combustion energy management and safety solutions utilizing TDLS analyzer technology are available through its extensive global sales and service channels. Industrial automation, measurement, control and business system integration are company specialties.
Yokogawa Corporation of America
www.yokogawa.com
Post date: 4/18/2013 |
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| Planning And Scheduling Software |
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A production scheduling solution from this firm has been implemented at seven different AkzoNobel Powder Coatings locations across Europe. Before implementation of the advanced planning and scheduling software, AkzoNobel was facing the problem of very high inventory levels, suboptimal utilization of plants, inconsistent service levels, a lack of supply chain visibility, and a duplication of planning tasks across the various plants. AkzoNobel had different planning systems in use and had no integration with SAP. AkzoNobel now has a fully transparent supply chain in Western Europe. Full transparency was created through the combination of centralized planning and de-centralized scheduling in seven plants. AkzoNobel has proven results in capacity balancing and improved schedules. There has been a 5 percent reduction in overtime and hiring of temporary workers, a 5 percent decrease in finished goods inventory, a 20 percent decrease in slow moving/obsolete stock, and improved service performance due to reducing out-of-stocks and MTO lead time measured by key performance indicators.
Quintiq
www.quintiq.com
Post date: 1/8/2013 |
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| Modbus Interface |
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The RotaMass 3 series extends its communication capabilities with a Modbus interface. Modbus running over RS-485 will be available with both Modbus RTU and ASCII transmission modes. The fast and simple Modbus communication, running at up 57,000 bps, enables access to all relevant process measurements including mass flow, volume flow, density and temperature. All measurement variables are included as readable address registers. In addition to the other standard field communication protocols such as Foundation fieldbus and Hart, Modbus offers a point-to-point and multi-drop network. The RotaMass also keeps the standard 4-20 mA, pulse/frequency, and status in/out as additional options for control or monitoring purposes. For easy configuration of meter measurements and settings, the free RotaMass Modbus Communication Tool will be delivered with each RotaMass. This software is equipped with different functions, clearly displayed in an explorer view. Even with Modbus communication, all settings can be done at the indicator. Simultaneous Hart communication via HHT or FDT is also possible. The RotaMass is said to be respected in the market for its superior box-in-box design, which decouples the measuring device from external vibrations and stresses for consistent accuracy. With its dual thick walled, u-shaped tubes, it provides an optimum measuring accuracy of +/- 0.1 percent for liquids and +/- 0.5 percent for gases. The mass flow measurement range of the RotaMass spans from 45 kg/h to 600 t/h.
Yokogawa Corporation of America
www.yokogawa.com
Post date: 1/7/2013 |
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| ERP System |
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A. Schulman, an international supplier of custom compounds, masterbatches and resins, will standardize on Infor10 ERP iEnterprise (LX) to create a single ERP system for its worldwide operations. Infor10 ERP iEnterprise will replace multiple ERP systems, providing common business practices and global visibility into operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. A. Schulman will also implement Infor10 ION, a lightweight middleware platform, to provide integration and more seamless data flow between ERP iEnterprise and additional applications to support manufacturing excellence. In addition to ERP iEnterprise, A. Schulman will use ION to integrate other applications and modules, including Infor10 Demand Planning, Infor10 Advanced Planning and Infor SCM Advanced Scheduling. The firm has also selected the Infor Education Performance Accelerator Kit, a comprehensive end-user training and support application.
Infor
www.infor.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Motor Run-Time Data Logger |
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The Hobo UX90 motor on/off logger is a matchbox-sized, LCD display data logger for monitoring run-times of motors, pumps, compressors and other equipment. The new logger provides a simple and convenient way to record up to 340,000 equipment on/off cycle changes, and uses powerful graphing and analysis software to convert the recorded data into time- and date-stamped graphs. The logger can be used in a broad range of building performance monitoring applications, including HVAC/R systems diagnostics, compressed air systems monitoring, and general troubleshooting of motors, pumps and fans. Installation is said to be simple. The logger quickly and securely attaches to motor housings via built-in rare earth magnets, without any wiring, eliminating the need for equipment lockouts. A large LCD visually confirms logger operation and a signal strength indicator ensures proper logger placement. The Hobo UX90 motor on/off logger leverages the power of Hoboware software, enabling users to plot and analyze equipment runtime data in a few simple steps. The software, which runs on a PC or Mac, features time-saving tools that allow users to batch-configure and readout hundreds of loggers in a fraction of the time it would take with previous generations. Additionally, the software features a bulk export tool that allows users to export data files to text format for use in spreadsheets and other programs.
Onset Computer
www.onsetcomp.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Fatigue Analysis Software |
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For the first time, analysts responsible for the durability of elastomeric products have reliable and well-validated fatigue analysis software that enables them to investigate, at the inception of a design change, the issues that will determine product durability. Similar solutions for fatigue analysis from FEA of metallic components have been available for many years. They have become an essential part of maturing and qualifying design concepts, providing a cost-effective and proven basis for justifying investment in physical prototypes and testing, according to the company. But the metal fatigue codes do not work well for rubber components. They do not consider rubber’s very unique structure and nonlinear behavior. fe-safe/Rubber does just this. fe-safe was the first commercially available fatigue analysis software to focus on modern multiaxial strain based fatigue methods and was the first fatigue analysis software to bring to market capabilities for non-metallic materials with the launch of fe-safe/Composites in 2010. fe-safe analyzes metals and composite materials, thermo-mechanical and creep-fatigue and welded joints, including spot welds, and now rubber, and is renowned for its accuracy, speed and ease of use, according to the company. Technology in fe-safe/Rubber is said to offer rubber developers the opportunity to reap the benefits of fatigue analysis at the design stage. The technology is purpose-developed for elastomers, and it possesses a formidable validation case. The technology handles rubber’s finite-strain kinematics, hyperelastic stress-strain behavior, strain crystallization, temperature-dependence and other effects such as ozone attack. These effects have also been integrated with widely accepted procedures such as critical plane analysis, fracture mechanics and rainflow counting to provide a complete system capable of accounting for very complex duty cycles, including multiaxial loadings and variable amplitudes. The U.S. Army is said to be among the first customers of the technology. Their application is the development of rubber components in the track system of military ground vehicles. Other interest has come from the heavy equipment, consumer products, offshore, medical devices and automotive sectors.
Safe Technology Ltd.
www.safetechnology.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Virtual Mold And Process Development For Medical Parts |
Simulation is said to have established itself as an invaluable tool for design engineers in developing new parts and deciding what materials to use in metalcasting or plastic injection molding manufacturing processes serving the medical device industry. In the past, such simulation tools were used by analysis groups and the operators of such tools were specialists who would setup and run simulations. Today, however, leading design and manufacturing engineers need to be able to provide answers to questions regarding all areas of the manufacturing process, requiring communication between all members of the product development and production team, as well as management and procurement. Conventional design simulation tools, however, do not cover the simulation of the manufacturing process. The Magmasoft casting process simulation tool was introduced 23 years ago as a simulation tool primarily for use by process engineers in metalcasting operations to move the trial and error process of finding optimum process parameter combinations from the manufacturing floor into the computer. Designers and analysts recognized the benefits of using such process chain integrated simulation tools, either by using it themselves or in collaboration with in-house manufacturing engineers or with their suppliers. Using such simulation software, suppliers and designers can work together from the beginning of the development of a new part to design parts that are optimized for performance, castability and costs. Process simulation becomes, thereby, an invaluable communication tool between designers and production engineers in an environment of ever shorter product development processes. Indeed, many OEMs now require their casting suppliers to use Magmasoft and often refuse to procure parts from foundries not utilizing this technology. While simulation has been established as a product design tool in the plastics industry serving the medical device segment, process simulation tools have not been adopted by manufacturing overall. The main reason is that the simulation tools that were originally intended to be used only in the design process lacked the ability to consider the complexity of the entire injection molding process. Sigmasoft was introduced to provide process simulation software for polymer injection processes. It even simulates the elastomer injection process, i.e., for LSRs (liquid silicone rubbers), a material category not covered by traditional design simulation tools. This process chain, integrated simulation makes simulation accessible to everyone, not only simulation and meshing specialists.
Magma Foundry Technologies
www.magmasoft.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Processing Control System |
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The Mosaic 2.0 intuitive plastics processing control technology features enhanced mold protection and retrofit capability. The upgraded Mosaic runs Milacron's PowerPak and Maxima Servo injection molding machines. With Mosaic, an entire molding process, including multiple injection units as well as automation and auxiliary equipment, can be managed and optimized. Including all the benefits of the original, Mosaic 2.0 is enhanced with the operator in mind, including reduced complexity with a single processor, faster cycle times enabled by accelerated scan rates (50 times faster), enhanced full-stroke mold guard with configurable core pull sequence capability software that complements standard machine mold protection, and rapid machine changeovers. The Mosaic controller is equipped with a microprocessor control that has self-diagnostics, as well as international control symbols. Retrofitting capability is said to be among the most significant new benefits. Mosaic 2.0 retrofits include software that interfaces with existing machines of all brands, facilitating performance optimization through an intuitive touchscreen interface that provides total control of a process.
Milacron LLC
www.milacron.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Real-Time Production Monitoring |
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InterMetro has selected the Mattec MES real-time production monitoring and manufacturing execution system for its injection molding facilities in Acuna and Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. Mattec is used extensively as a continuous improvement tool. The performance rate, quality rate and machine availability data from the Mattec system drives InterMetro's overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) improvement plans for its injection, blow, pultrusion and rotational molding processes. In addition to production monitoring, Mattec MES is used for mold and equipment preventative maintenance planning, production scheduling and automated downtime alerting.
Solarsoft Business Systems
www.solarsoft.com
Post date: 7/24/2012 |
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| Mixer Hardware/Software |
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The company's technology allows for the use of Mixer+ Mills hardware as a kind of mechanical dynamic analyzer during the time when a batch is being mixed in mixers/mills. The properties of the compound are estimated in real time by processing of mixer/mill signals like torque, rotor speed, temperature, pressure, ram position, etc. This software is based on engineering models of the mixing process, eclectic drive theory, thermodynamics, the theory of experimental design, operational research disciplines and various statistical techniques. The comprehensive knowledge is incorporated in algorithms based on more than 20 years of industrial operation at different companies. Software contents include the databank of patterns for abnormal situations and failures obtained from process analysis of mixed batches which were controlled and/or supervised by MixCont software. Utilization of this product allows its use for visualization and/or online control purposes, including relative values for viscosity/dispersion/distribution for batch/mixing stage/device, fill factor optimality level; the progress of batch quality development indexes during the mixing; actual batch performance parameters and differences from the previous batches of the same recipe; and uncovered process/mechanical/electrical problems, abnormal events, errors and mistakes. Tools realize comprehensive real time analysis or mixing process fingerprints for visualization, reporting and online alarming, generate the interfaces, custom reports, messages which allow users to supervise and keep track of the process in real time with the aim to identify production and quality key performance indexes, bottleneck factors, and actual and potential malfunctions and threats. Interfaces include various statistical tools like cross-correlation, dependency sensitive analysis, dashboard charts and many others.
MixCont AB
www.mixcont.com
Post date: 5/2/2012 |
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| Motion Control And Plant Communications Solutions |
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Industrial Ethernet connectivity is offered by the company. Whether developing a Greenfield project with new and existing production equipment, adding stations to an extrusion line or expanding a brownfield installation for improved plant communications, regardless of the control brands onboard, plastics professionals can utilize the Sinamics drive platform to link all data devices and quickly expand a network. Whether the plant runs Profinet, Profibus or Ethernet as its main bus, all machines and materials handling devices inline can now be connected. This reduces total-cost-of-ownership and eliminates the need to match the existing drive network. Integration of all legacy controls is made easily. Automation solutions for extruders are also provided by the company. Through a single PLC, extruders can achieve total control of all temperature zone inputs and HMI. The TCP3000 software package is a scalable, pre-engineered solution for the automation from 2–64 zones, with standard HMI, advanced PLC based PID control loops with fast auto-tuning and in-process tuning, decentralized I/O, and offers closed-loop temperature control for an entire extrusion or blow molding operation. The company also offers energy-efficient servo pump technology. Traditional hydraulic fluid solutions use pumps that run constantly which wastes energy. The hydraulic fluids can be challenging to manage and maintain. With a servo related solution to replace existing motors that run during the entire production shift, you can replace the main hydraulic motor and increase your performance while taking a step towards a greener solution for your process. Motion control systems for plastics machinery are available. Whether for blow molding, extrusion or injection machines, or moving parts, materials and machine components, the company offers the plastics industry complete hardware and software solutions for motion control from a single vendor. In blow molding, the company's parison control package provides machine builders 256 points for linear interpolation, saving machine designers considerable programming, setup and integration time. For injection, all speeds, pressures and up to 24 zones of temperature control can run on a single programmable logic controller (PLC).
Siemens
www.usa.siemens.com
Post date: 5/1/2012 |
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| Process Cooling Remote Monitoring |
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This microprocessor-based remote monitoring control system is said to make maintenance and performance optimization easier than ever. Convenient, user-friendly remote monitoring expands on the company's longtime commitment to intelligent process cooling technology. The control system is said to be user-friendly and tracks a wide array of system parameters in real time, allowing the firm's experienced technicians to assess and resolve maintenance issues quickly while also seeking opportunities to maximize process cooling efficiency. In the customer's facility, the remote control panel, called PMR, is installed and serves as an interface between the equipment and the internet. The large, easy-to-read digital display shows the main operating temperature, as well as descriptive alarm messages, and comes with an ergonomic keypad that offers easy access to control screens and menus. The display accommodates customers across the world by offering 10 different languages and a choice of metric or inch-pound systems. There are two models available, including the PMR0 and PMR6. Via the web, the company's technicians can identify a problem and often resolve it using features that control and manage fan speed and monitor ambient temperature, pump pressure, flow, reservoir levels, and valve and filter pressure. In addition, technicians can view all events, extended fault log and the status of the cooling system; access historical system trend logs for performance analysis and event troubleshooting; change set-up parameters, where appropriate, to ensure the best operation of the equipment, eliminating an alarm status and restoring normal operation; access real-time trend log for any main system variable for
troubleshooting, support and training; receive alarm notifications and system status updates via e-mail; and monitor and register estimated real-time energy and water consumption.
Frigel North America
www.frigel.com
Post date: 5/1/2012 |
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| Injection Molding Simulation Software |
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New functionality has been added to the company's Sigmasoft injection molding simulation software. The simulation of the cavity filling in injection molding allows identifying regions where weld lines are formed, not only on the surface but also through the part’s thickness, with a complete 3D approach. With the interface SigmaLink it is now possible to transfer this 3D information into FEA (finite element analysis) software, to consider the drop in mechanical properties in these regions when performing structural design analysis. A particular advantage of SigmaSoft is the three-dimensional prediction of the weld lines, which reproduces the weld regions not only on the surface, but also through the part’s thickness, as it occurs in reality. Weld lines occur as a consequence of the collision of two (or more) flow fronts in the cavity of a mold. This disruption in the homogeneity of the injection molded part causes optical defects, which compromises the surface quality, but also produces a weakening from the mechanical point of view and, under certain circumstances, weld lines can even act as stress intensifiers. Therefore, there is a loss in the mechanical properties in the regions where weld lines appear. Using the “tracer” technology, which has been available for years in SigmaSoft, the appearance of weld lines can be reproduced during the filling stage. The location of the weld lines can be described precisely, and additionally an indication is given on how critical they are. The formation of the weld lines during the filling stage and the way they flow as the packing pressure is applied are predicted three-dimensionally. The interface SigmaLink enables exporting (mapping) physical and flow-related properties into commercial software for FEA (such as Ansys, Abaqus, Radios, etc.). Factors such as flow and thermally induced stresses and fiber orientation can be considered in the FEA. With the further expansion of SigmaLink, it is now possible to export information regarding the final position and three-dimensional profile of the weld lines into the structural FEA. In this way, the drop in the mechanical properties produced by weld lines can also be considered in the mechanical part design.
Sigma Plastic Services
www.3dsigma.com
Post date: 5/1/2012 |
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| Injection Molding Simulation Software |
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New functionality has been added to the company's Sigmasoft injection molding simulation software. The simulation of the cavity filling in injection molding allows identifying regions where weld lines are formed, not only on the surface but also through the part’s thickness, with a complete 3D approach. With the interface SigmaLink it is now possible to transfer this 3D information into FEA (finite element analysis) software, to consider the drop in mechanical properties in these regions when performing structural design analysis. A particular advantage of SigmaSoft is the three-dimensional prediction of the weld lines, which reproduces the weld regions not only on the surface, but also through the part’s thickness, as it occurs in reality. Weld lines occur as a consequence of the collision of two (or more) flow fronts in the cavity of a mold. This disruption in the homogeneity of the injection molded part causes optical defects, which compromises the surface quality, but also produces a weakening from the mechanical point of view and, under certain circumstances, weld lines can even act as stress intensifiers. Therefore, there is a loss in the mechanical properties in the regions where weld lines appear. Using the “tracer” technology, which has been available for years in SigmaSoft, the appearance of weld lines can be reproduced during the filling stage. The location of the weld lines can be described precisely, and additionally an indication is given on how critical they are. The formation of the weld lines during the filling stage and the way they flow as the packing pressure is applied are predicted three-dimensionally. The interface SigmaLink enables exporting (mapping) physical and flow-related properties into commercial software for FEA (such as Ansys, Abaqus, Radios, etc.). Factors such as flow and thermally induced stresses and fiber orientation can be considered in the FEA. With the further expansion of SigmaLink, it is now possible to export information regarding the final position and three-dimensional profile of the weld lines into the structural FEA. In this way, the drop in the mechanical properties produced by weld lines can also be considered in the mechanical part design.
Sigma Plastic Services
www.3dsigma.com
Post date: 5/1/2012 |
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| Shop Floor Control |
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The RTStation is said to be designed for effortless data input and operator feedback. It is said to be a rugged, stationary shop floor device that increases operational efficiency and improves traceability in real time. Delivering superior shop floor to ERP software communication, the RTStation is said to be the only ERP and MES solution from a single provider. An user interface from the company at each manufacturing work center, the RTStation graphically displays machine monitoring details (such as part counts, cycle speeds and other machine processes) in real time, as well as allows operators to print work orders, log rejects for production reporting, display job set-up information and other documents, perform SPC inspections, scan barcodes, print labels, clock in/out of jobs and more. Powered by the Android mobile operating system, the RTStation is strategically poised for expansion with many other types of machines, as well as scanners, card readers and scales, according to the company. The RTStation’s flexible architecture is said to serve as the perfect platform for custom application and automation development to solve any specific business needs that the company's clients encounter. Mobile products such as tablets are said to be ideal for the employee on the go, but not for work center operators who need a stationary device to input data and access ERP/MES information directly from their work stations. The RTStation devices are designed to empower operators with immediate data input and are a rugged, inexpensive option to replace tablets or centralized computers, according to the company.
IQMS
www.iqms.com
Post date: 4/30/2012 |
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| Injection Molding Simulation |
Sigmasoft software is designed for 3D injection molding simulation, and is said to offer a variety of functions unmatched by conventional simulation software, while enabling the user to obtain a profound understanding of the causalities, considering not only part defects, but also concerning mold performance, energy efficiency and achievable process windows. When developing parts to be produced by injection molding, designers typically use simulation programs that calculate mold filling, the phases of post-pressure and cooling, including de-molding, as well as the warpage in the plastic part. This is done on the basis of empirical data and mathematical models. There is no doubt, however, that a program’s predictions can be precise if it considers not only the component geometry, but if it moreover physically and exactly determines all relevant influencing factors (e.g., components and materials of the mold, concept and media of tempering, hot runner and actual process management), and appropriately integrates them all into the calculations, according to the company. While consistently and exclusively using 3D technology, Sigmasoft is said to meet all these requirements. Sigmasoft has always applied 3D technology only, in its functionality. The software is thus based on the highest possible level of experience in the area of 3D injection molding simulation and this is why users feel safe and confident using it today, according to the firm. Because it employs the “finite volume method,” Sigmasoft enables fast and easy integration of all available influencing factors relevant to geometry and process, with minimum interaction required from the software user at any point in time during the process of product development. The simulation model obtained is integrated into a network automatically and with no finishing work required, a unique feature of Sigmasoft which is also said to drive a considerable increase in productivity for the user. The generated simulation model is then used to conduct thermal mold analyses, which serve as a basis for component-related mold optimization and minimization of cycle times. Moreover, the model enables the user to make detailed statements concerning the efficiency of the employed tempering concept from the energy-consumption side. In addition, ejector forces during de-molding can be determined and subsequent thermal treatments on the mechanical components of the press (for instance polishing or galvanization) can be analyzed for their effects on stress distribution and dimensional stability.
Sigma Plastic Services
www.sigmasoft.de
Post date: 3/20/2012 |
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