New molding processes are introduced to enable simulation of injection-compression molding and compression molding processes using 3D analysis technology. The new simulation capabilities are available for both thermoplastics materials and reactive (thermoset) materials.
Previously, injection-compression molding analyses were only available for Midplane analysis technology.
Attention: The names of the molding processes previously available for Midplane analysis technology have been changed to align the terminology used for both 3D and Midplane technologies in the current implementation.
The following molding processes are now available:
- Thermoplastics Injection-Compression Molding
- Available for Midplane and 3D analysis technologies.
- Reactive Injection-Compression Molding
- Available for Midplane and 3D analysis technologies.
- Thermoplastics Compression Molding
- Available for 3D analysis technology.
- Reactive Compression Molding
- Available for 3D analysis technology.
To set up a 3D injection-compression molding or compression molding analysis, you must assign the
Compression element (3D) property type on the compression part model, and you must specify the appropriate settings on the
Compression Settings page of the
Process Settings Wizard.
Note: For a compression molding analysis, the initial charge must be included in the mesh model, in an offset position along the Z-axis from the compression part itself, and with the 'External initial charge (3D)' element property type assigned.
In addition to the standard Flow results and existing injection-compression molding related results displayed as XY plots, the new Compression surface property result, which is specific to 3D injection-compression molding and 3D compression molding processes, is produced and available for display by default. The Compression surface property plot shows the Compression element (3D) property associated with each of the compression part surfaces.
Another useful result is the Polymer fill region result, which is a very powerful tool for showing the filling progression over time due to the closing action of the mold.