What is mould filling simulation?
Mould filling simulation a.k.a. mould filling analysis is an important aid when designing a product. Properly applied, the simulation allows us to predict the conditions for achieving the desired results in the injection moulding process based on a part’s theoretical design, i.e. it’s an important link between the design engineer and the production floor that reduces the risk of incorporating technical production problems into a design.
A mould filling simulation is often referred to as Moldflow after the trailblazing software developed in the 1970s. At AMB we use Moldex 3D – the current industry standard – in our simulations where the results are simply presented as images in a file viewer for our customers to evaluate themselves, or a 3D model of the part as it is expected to look after the injection moulding process.
What data is collected?
The use of a mould filling simulation requires a good understanding of the injection moulding process in order to define the right process conditions and interpret the results.
Some of the most important facts a mould filling simulation can provide are:
- Appropriate process parameters (pressure, temperature, time).
- Appropriate inlet port location.
- Location and temperature of the molten plastic at mould seams
- The part’s anticipated geometry after the injection moulding process due to defects such as shrinkage and warpage.
