Temperature, mold-insert difference (averaged) result (Concept)

The Temperature, mold-insert difference (averaged) result shows the temperature difference between the mold and the mold insert at their interface, calculated at the end of the cooling time using the Cool (FEM) solver.

The average mold surface temperature for the cycle, including the clamp open time, is used to calculate the temperature difference at the interface between the two mold plates. The Temperature, mold-insert difference (averaged) result is calculated using the finite element boundary method (FEM).

The temperature difference is determined by the external heat transfer coefficients (HTC), or the interface conductance, which are user-defined. A lower HTC value represents a greater resistance to heat transfer.

Tip: The External heat transfer coefficients are set in the Mold insert (3D) dialog. To access this dialog, select the mold insert elements, right-click and select Properties from the drop-down menu, then select Mold insert (3D) from the list.

Using this result

You can use this result to identify whether heat is being extracted sufficiently from the insert. Using the cutting plane tools, you can also examine the temperatures within the mold insert; there should be only a small variation in average temperature. Areas of high average temperature may indicate areas that are poorly cooled. Consider adding cooling channels near these areas.

Note: If you animate the result, you can see how the temperature difference changes with time inside the solid model.

Tip: You can create an XY plot of the mold-insert temperature difference (averaged), on any given insert node to see how the temperature at that node varies with time. Click on

Results in the Results pane of the Home tab, then click

(New Plot > Plot) and scroll down to the result. Remember to change the Plot type to XY plot.

Things to look for

When viewing the Temperature, mold-insert difference (averaged) result, watch for the following.

A large difference in temperature between the mold and the insert may indicate an air gap between the two.