To enable the simulation of 3D finite element transient mold cooling using thermoset materials, the Heater (3D) element property specification has been expanded to include additional control features: Time, Time with Target Temperature, and Thermocouple. The Heater (3D) element can now be used both to simulate the use of cartridge heaters and in its original role, to heat hot runners.
Cartridge heaters placed strategically in the mold enable the heating of sections of the mold at different times during the injection molding cycle. The new Time option will enable you to switch the heater and and off at specific times. The Thermocouple option enables you to program the temperature of a specified thermocouple node to keep a specific area of the mold within a certain temperature range.
The Time with Target Temperature control enables you to maintain the mold at a certain temperature, at a specific time. The Process Settings Wizard is still used to define the injection molding cycle; the cartridge heating cycle is set independently but must take into account the timings set in the Process Settings Wizard. Using the Time with Target Temperature option, the Heater (3D) can be programmed to heat while the mold is open or closed.