3D CAE Software Simulates Injection Molding Processes

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Sigma Plastic Services (Schaumburg, IL) offers SIGMASOFT 3D injection molding simulation software. SIGMASOFT is described as design- and process-integrated software for molding processing analyses of thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and silicones. In addition to component geometries, its simulations enable users to takes into account all relevant influencing factors such as mold structure and hot runner and process management, which, says the company, “significantly” steps up predictability and range of applications available to users.

SIGMASOFT CAE software for 3D injection molding simulation is available from Sigma Plastic Services.

SIGMASOFT “consistently”  uses the Finite Volume Method for numerical analyses. This attribute says the company, is what enables users to account for and integrate into their calculations influencing factors such components and materials of the mold, concept and media of tempering, and process management. The benefits of this approach, according to the company,  include improved accuracy and predictability, Further, this approach offers an enhanced range of applications for injection molding simulation: design of part and mold, mold development, identification of process windows, and process troubleshooting.

SIGMASOFT is said to require minimum interaction from users at any point during the product development process. The simulation model obtained, says the company, is integrated into a network automatically and without requiring finishing work. The generated simulation model is then used for thermal mold analyses, which serve as a basis for component-related mold optimization and minimization of cycle times. In addition, SIGMASOFT can determine ejector forces during de-molding. Subsequent thermal treatments on the mechanical components of the press, such polishing or galvanization,  can be analyzed for their effects on stress distribution and dimensional stability.

SIGMASOFT 3D injection molding simulation software is said to take into account all relevant influencing factors such as mold structure, hot runner,  and process management.

Among the CAE capabilities provided by SIGMASOFT are steady state mold temperature, heater controlled by PI controller,  cold-runner functionality, multi-component simulations, cascade injection, shear imbalances, ejection, shrinkage, and warpage. Additional capabilities for working with elastomers and silicones include curing reaction/cross linking and second heating cycle. Fiber orientation capabilities are available for those working with thermoset polymers.

SIGMA Plastic Services is the US branch of SIGMA Engineering GmbH, which is owned by metal casting simulation technology developer MAGMA of Aachen, Germany. For more information on SIGMASOFT,  visit Sigma Plastic Services.

Read Christof Heisser’s, President of SIGMA Plastic Services and MAGMA Foundry Technologies, commentary “The Next Leap: Process Chain Integrated Simulation” in the December 2011 DE’s Visionary Voices section.

Download the white paper “Simulation of Injection Moulding with 3D Volume Elements.”

Download the white paper “Optimization of the Injection Moulding Process for Thermoplastics.”

Download the white paper “3D Simulation for Rubber Injection Moulding.”

See why DE’s Editors selected SIGMASOFT as their Pick of the Week.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.