Valve gate modeling
Use the following guidelines when modeling valve gates.
- Model valve gates with the valve pin in the open position, regardless of the initial state (open or closed) of the valve gate. This ensures that the dimensions of the valve gate beams are correct, and that there are no annular beam elements created with zero cross section area.
- Only use valve gates with hot runners and hot gates.
- There is no limit on the number of valve gates that can exist in a model.
- When using beam elements, assign the valve gate property to a single hot gate element in each hot drop. You can also assign valve gates to an overflow well (modeled using either triangle or beam elements) for a Midplane Gas-assisted Fill+Pack analysis.
- When using tetrahedral elements, assign a valve gate property to all tetrahedral elements in the cross section of each valve gate. You can also assign valve gates to an overflow well (modeled using tetrahedra elements) for a 3D Gas-assisted Fill+Pack analysis.
- Velocity-controlled valve gates are supported for all mesh types. Note: For 3D mesh type the variable speed valve gate controller must be assigned on beams only.
- Do not assign a valve gate to the same element as an injection location. Model the feed system ahead of the valve gate, or use more than one element along the gate length. Then assign the valve gate to the gate element attached to the part.
- Assign a valve gate to a hot gate or overflow well element by selecting a valve gate controller. You can do this on the Valve Control tab of the properties dialog of an element. The properties that you assign to the valve gate controller specify the initial state and on/off timings of the valve gate.
- Each valve gate controller should have a unique name to identify it. You can assign the same valve gate controller to more than one hot gate or overflow well element. To ensure you have set the correct controller at each gate, use a different property name for each valve gate controller and gate element.
- Valve gate controllers operate independently. You cannot trigger a valve gate to close because another valve gate opens.
Notes:
- You cannot set a valve gate directly on runner elements. To set a valve gate, you must select an existing hot gate, hot gate (3D), or overflow well element.