Process Parameters

Use the Process Parameters icon to define the ending condition of the simulation, define a parting line, and set up the model for tilt pouring, centrifugal foaming, or moving mold parts.

Location: Foaming ribbon, Process icon

Basic

Use the Basic tab to define the conditions for ending a simulation.

Ending Conditions

Set the conditions to end your analysis with these parameters:
Parameter Description
Filled Volume End the simulation when the material volume in the mold reaches the specified percentage.
Gelling Rate End the simulation when the gelling rate of the material reaches the specified percentage.
Time End the simulation when the filling time exceeds the input value.
Parting Line Enable this option to define the mold's parting line gap, and if desired, define variations in the gap thickness over time.
Gap Thickness Enter the gap thickness between mold parts.
Variable Thickness Enable this option to define variations in the gap thickness over time. The first column in the table is time in seconds from the beginning of the process. The second column is the length of the gap at that time in the process.
Insert and delete rows in the data table for variable thickness:
  • The table defaults to five rows. The default value for the first row is 1.0 seconds in the time column and 1.0 mm in the thickness column, with each subsequent row showing an increase of 1 second and 1 mm.
  • Select the first button to insert a row in the table after the selected row.
  • Select the second button to insert a row in the table after the last data point.
  • Select the third button to delete a selected data point in the table.
Air Vents Include defined air vents in the simulation.
Air Back Pressure Include back pressure in the simulation.
Note: This is not available unless the Air Vents option is enabled.
Initial Pressure Change the initial back pressure setting. The default value is one atmosphere.
Activate Time Change the moment when back pressure will engage. Enter a time in seconds from the start of the process.

Advanced

Use the Advanced tab to define tilt-pouring, centrifugal foaming, or moving parts events for a foaming analysis.

Tilt Pouring

Select the option for Tilt Pouring on the Advanced tab and define the parameters in the microdialog.
Parameter Description
Select and manipulate the Move tool to define the mold-tilting location, or enter the X, Y and Z coordinates in the microdialog.
Rotation Axis Select the axis to orient the tilt of the mold.
Preview Play an animation of the of the tilt-pouring rotation.
Time Enter the start time for each tilt-pouring event.
Angle Enter the angle of the tilt relative to the current position of the mold.
Insert and delete rows in the data table for tilt pouring:
  • Select the first button to insert a row in the table after the selected data point. The default value is 5 seconds followed by divisions of .5.
  • Select the second button to insert a row in the table after the last data point.
  • Select the third button to delete a selected data point in the table.
To reverse the rotation of the tilt, double-click the arrow that indicates the tilt direction on the model.


Centrifugal Foaming

Select the option for Centrifugal Foaming on the Advanced tab and define the parameters in the microdialog.

Parameter Description
Select and manipulate the Move tool to position the rotational axis, or enter the X, Y and Z coordinates in the microdialog.
Rotation Axis Select the axis to orient the rotation of the mold.
Time Enter the start time for each change in angular velocity.
Angular Velocity Set the mold's angular velocity at different times during the process.
Insert and delete rows in the data table for centrifugal foaming:
  • The table defaults to two rows. The default value for both columns in the first row is 0. The default value for the Time column in the second row is 5 seconds. The default value for the Angular Velocity column in the second row is 60.
  • Select the first button to insert a row in the table after the selected row.
  • Select the second button to insert a row in the table after the last data point.
  • Select the third button to delete a selected data point in the table.
To reverse the rotation of the mold, double-click the arrow that indicates the rotational direction on the model.

Moving Parts

Select the option for Moving Parts on the Advanced tab and click the Add moving parts button to open the Moving Parts dialog. In the Moving Parts dialog, use the controls to designate mold parts that will move and define their motion.
Parameter Description
Preview Click this button to view an animation of the moving parts.
Use Overflow Enable this option to create an area for excess material to flow into.
Edit Click the Edit button to change the dimensions and position of the overflow box.
  • Use the Dimensions fields to define the overflow box's length, width, and height.
  • Use the Coordinates fields to position the faces of the overflow box in three dimensions.
Add rotation button Click this button to select a mold part that will rotate during the process. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. Use the controls that appear to define the part's motion.
Axis menu Select a global axis for the part to rotate about.
Use the move tool to reposition the part's rotational axis.
Select an edge to guide the moving part's motion. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Angle field Define the part's rotational motion in degrees.
Choose the start point, axis point, and end point of the part's angular motion. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Add displacement button Click this button to select a mold part that will move linearly during the process. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. Use the controls that appear to define the part's motion.
Direction menu Select a global axis for the part to move along.
Select an edge to guide the moving part's motion. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Distance field Define a distance for the part to move.
Choose the start point and end point of the part's linear motion. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Start Time field Define the time when the part will start moving in seconds from the beginning of the process.
End Time field Define the time when the part will stop moving in seconds from the beginning of the process.
Delete this instance of motion.
Note:
  • If the Start Time and End Time fields are not populated, the part will not move.
  • You can designate a mold part to move both linearly and rotationally at the same time.
  • While it is possible to select more than one mold part for the same instance of motion, it is better to define each mold part's motion separately.