Process Parameters

Define the filling, packing, cooling and machine parameters as required for the molding process. Default units shown are MKS (m kg N s).

Location: Molding ribbon, Advanced mode

Stage Parameters

Use the Stages tab to define parameters for the Filling, Packing, and Cooling phases of the analysis.

Filling Tab

Select a filling option based on total time, flow rate, ram position, flow rate by shot volume, or flow rate by time, and enter a values as needed.
Filling Parameter Description
Injection Temperature Set the initial temperature of the material when the process begins.
Filling Time option Enter the exact time required for the filling process.
Flow Rate option Enter the volumetric flow rate at the inlet. The flow rate is volume of material per second.
Ram Position option Use the table to define the speed of the injector ram at different positions in the injection barrel.
% Flow Rate option Enter the nominal filling time required for the filling process, then use the table to set the flow rate of the material as the shot volume is extruded.
Volume Flow Rate option Use the table to define the volumetric flow rate at different time intervals
V/P Switchover Point Set the transfer point from the filling stage (velocity) to the packing stage (pressure-driven flow) based on your selection of one or more of the following criteria:
  • Percentage filled volume: Set the transfer to occur when the defined percentage of the model volume is filled. Enter the percentage or use the default value.
  • Specified Pressure: Set the transfer to occur when the defined injection pressure is reached at the inlet face. Enter the pressure or use the default value.
  • Percentage max machine pressure: Set the transfer to occur when the plastic injection pressure reaches the defined percentage of the machine’s pressure limit. Enter the percentage or use the default value.
  • Percentage max clamp force: Set the transfer to occur when the defined percentage of the machine’s maximum clamp force is reached. Enter the percentage or use the default.
Stop filling when Select one or both options to indicate the transfer point to the packing stage.
  • Volume filled: Select to stop filling once the volume in the cavity reaches the percentage specified.
  • Time: Select to stop filling once the specified duration of time is reached.

Packing Tab

Define the time and pressure parameters for the Packing process of the analysis.
Packing Parameter Description
% V/P option Use the table to define the V/P pressure percentage at different intervals in the packing process.
Packing Pressure option Use the table to define absolute pressure values at different intervals in the packing process.
Ejection Temperature Select this option to stop the cooling phase when the temperature throughout all part cavities is below the defined temperature. Enter a temperature or use the default value.
Cooling Time Select this option to stop the cooling phase after the specified period of time. Enter the time or use the default value.

Machine Parameters

Use the Machine tab to define the stroke volume, injection pressure, flow rate, and clamp force required for the molding machinery.

Machine Parameter Description
Max stroke volume Enter the maximum volume of the extruder when the screw is fully retracted. This does not include the nozzle attached to the barrel, but only the volume represented for the range of travel for the screw.
Max injection pressure Enter the maximum material pressure that the machine can produce with the current screw. This pressure can be calculated from the maximum hydraulic pressure multiplied by the screw’s intensification ratio, for example: (Hydraulic: 2,000psi) * (IR = 3:1) = 6,000psi.
Note: The injection pressure is normally based on the force of the reciprocating screw.
  • Lower diameter (A): Max Injection Pressure is approximately 1800 - 2400 bar.
  • Medium diameter (B): Max Injection Pressure is approximately 1500 - 1800 bar.
  • Higher diameter (C): Max Injection Pressure is approximately 1300 - 1500 bar.
Max injection flow rate Enter the maximum volumetric flow rate specific to the molding machinery in use (A·v).
Max clamp force Enter the maximum force required to keep the mold closed during the injection process (N). This is the maximum clamp force for the machine in Newtons. A value of 5,000,000 N is equivalent to 560 Tons (Imperial).
Note: The two halves of the mold will try to expand due to the pressure exerted on them. Insufficient clamping force can result in a flash defect.
Barrel Diameter Enter the internal diameter of the machine's injection barrel.
Stop analysis if machine settings are exceeded Select this option to stop the simulation if any machine parameter exceeds its specified maximum value.