Using the Gate Region Locator algorithm

In this task, you will use the Gate Region Locator algorithm to analyze a part and find the best position for two gates.

Import the cellphone.stl tutorial file, located in the tutorial folder you downloaded. Ensure you delete any existing gate locations on the model.

The Gate Region Locator algorithm determines suitable injection locations based on balanced flow. This algorithm recommends an injection location based on several criteria such as the part geometry, flow resistance, thickness and molding feasibility. From these conditions, it looks for the best injection location that achieves balanced filling.

1. Click (Home tab > Molding Process Setup panel > Analysis Wizard).

2. Select the Sequence tab, and select the Gate Location checkbox.

   Note: You may need to deselect other analysis sequences to allow the Gate Location analysis to be selected.

3. Select the Gate Location tab.

4. Select the Gate Region Locator from the Gate locator algorithm drop down list.

5. Click Finish.

   When there is no existing injection location, the Gate Region Locator algorithm considers all the criteria to recommend an optimal position for an injection location.

6. Click (Home tab > Analysis panel > Start Analysis) to run the Gate Location analysis.

   The Gate Location analysis produces the Best gate location result when using the Gate Region Locator algorithm. The best locations are indicated in blue, and the worst in red.

   

   You can automatically place a gate at the best location, using the results summary.

7. Click Summary in the Study Tasks pane, then click the Gate Location tab.

8. Click Apply All to place an injection location using the Shape and the Coordinate specified in the New Gate Locations table.

9. Click Create Copy.

   A new study is created, containing one injection location.

   

10. Using the study with the injection location applied, repeat the steps in this tutorial to run another Gate Location analysis.

    The Best gate location result suggests the best place for the next injection location.

    Note: On a model that has an existing injection location, running a Gate Location analysis on the same model finds the next best injection location. The Gate Region Locator algorithm looks for the next best injection location that will achieve balanced filling, so that areas filled from each gate fill at the same time.

You can run a Fill analysis on each of the studies to see how one or two injection locations change how your part fills.

Parent topic: Gate Locator algorithms (tutorial)

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