March 12, 2015 | by DatapointLabs | views 5563
Finite-element analysis and injection-molding simulation are two technologies that are seeing widespread use today in the design of plastic components. Limitations exist in our ability to mathematically describe the complexity of polymer behavior to these software packages. Material models commonly used in finite-element analysis were not designed for plastics, making it difficult to correctly describe non-linear behavior and plasticity of these complex materials. Time-based viscoelastic phenomena further complicate analysis. Dealing with fiber fillers brings yet another layer of complexity. It is vital to the plastics engineer to comprehend these gaps in order to make good design decisions. Approaches to understanding and dealing with these challenges, including practical strategies for everyday use, will be discussed.
...read full post
Mechanical
Plastics
Blow Molding
Extrusion
Injection Molding
Nonlinear Material Models
Structural Analysis
Thermoforming
LS-DYNA
Abaqus
DIGIMAT
Presentations
May 13, 2014 | by DatapointLabs | views 5118
Plastics appeared as design materials of choice about 30 years ago. They brought with them huge design challenges because their multi-variable, non-linear nature was not well understood by engineers trained to work in a linear elastic world. We outline a 20 year journey accompanying our customers in their efforts to understand and simulate these remarkable materials to produce the highly reliable plastic products of today. We discuss challenges related to processes such as injection molding vs. blow-molding; coping with filled plastics; the difficulties of modeling polymers for crash applications. We include our latest findings related to volumetric yield in polymers and its relationship to failure. We describe the material database technology that was created to store this kind of multi-variable data and the analytical tools created to help the CAE engineer understand and use plastics material data.
...read full post
Plastics
Automotive
Blow Molding
High Speed Testing
Injection Molding
Nonlinear Material Models
Structural Analysis
Moldflow
LS-DYNA
Abaqus
ANSYS
Moldex3D
DIGIMAT
Universal Crash
Universal Molding
Universal Structural
PAM-CRASH
Presentations
January 19, 2011 | by DatapointLabs | views 3964
We present a methodology for DIGIMAT users to perform the DIGIMAT MX reverse engineering process to obtain material parameter inputs for crash, elasto-plastic, creep and visco-elasticity. The injection-molding process used involves a standardized plaque geometry with fully developed flow, with test specimens taken from a specific plaque location. A standardized testing procedure is applied and the resulting DIGIMAT MX inputs are handled in a streamlined data stream, which saves time and improves the reliability of the reverse engineering process. The DIGIMAT MX reverse engineering itself can be performed as a service in collaboration with e-Xstream. This gives the user a speedy and tightly controlled process for performing complex finite element analysis with filled plastics
...read full post
Blow Molding
Extrusion
High Speed Testing
Injection Molding
Nonlinear Material Models
Structural Analysis
DIGIMAT
Presentations
August 03, 2010 | by DatapointLabs | views 4484
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used extensively in orthopedic applications within the human body. Components made from these materials are subject to complex loading over extended periods of time. Modeling of components used in such applications depends heavily on having material data under in-vivo conditions. We present mechanical and visco-elastic properties measured in saline at 37C. Comparisons to conventionally measured properties at room temperature are made.
...read full post
Plastics
Biomedical
Blow Molding
Extrusion
Injection Molding
Nonlinear Material Models
Structural Analysis
Moldflow
Abaqus
ANSYS
SIGMASOFT
Papers
POLYFLOW Blow Molding
POLYFLOW Extrusion
POLYFLOW Thermoforming
May 16, 2008 | by DatapointLabs | views 4629
We present a perspective on material modeling as applied to mold analysis requirements. Melt-solid transitions and the case for a unified material model are discussed, along with prediction of post-filling material behavior and shrinkage, and the impact of viscous heating on flow behavior and material degradation.
...read full post
Plastics
Rubbers
Foams
Metals
Aerospace and Defense
Automotive
Biomedical
Consumer Products
Energy and Petroleum
Electonics/Electrical
Industrial Goods
CAE Vendor/Supplier
Packaging
Home Appliances
Blow Molding
Extrusion
Injection Molding
Nonlinear Material Models
Moldflow
Composites
Presentations
Gels
Oils/Lubricants
Waxes