The Fill time result shows the position of the flow front at regular intervals as the cavity fills.

The following diagrams show the contour colors that represent the flow of plastic into the part. All regions with the same color are filled simultaneously. The result is dark blue at the start of the injection, and the last areas to fill are red. If the part is a short shot, the section that did not fill has no color.

Using this result

The flow pattern is balanced in a part with a good fill time result, which means the following:

• All flow paths finish at the same time and reach the edges of the model simultaneously. In the previous diagram, each flow path should end with red contours.
• The contours are evenly spaced and indicate the speed at which the polymer is flowing. Widely-spaced contours indicate rapid flow; narrow contours indicate that the part is filling slowly.

Things to look for

Short shot

On the Fill time result, a short shot will appear as translucent. Check the ends of the flow paths for any translucent areas. For models analyzed using 3D analysis technology, you can also use the Unfilled cavity result to see if there are any unfilled sections in the interior of the part.

Hesitation

If a Fill time result shows a section where the contours are very closely spaced, hesitation may have occurred. Hesitation can cause a short shot if a thin section freezes off before the part is completely filled.

Overpacking

If a Fill time result shows that one flow path finishes before others do, it may indicate overpacking. Overpacking can cause high part weight, warpage, and non-uniform density distribution throughout the part.

Weld lines

Overlay the Weld line result on the Fill time result to confirm their presence. Weld lines can cause structural and visual defects.

Air traps

Overlay the Air trap result on the Fill time result to confirm their presence. Air traps can cause structural and visual defects.

Racetrack effect

The racetrack effect can cause air traps and weld lines. Check the location and number of air traps and weld lines.