At the Fakuma 2017 two LSR applications will demonstrate how SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding is used to optimize the tempering concepts and processing windows in LSR molding. SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding identifies early risks in the mold concept and process definition, and makes it possible to try different solutions quickly and cost-efficiently.
Aachen, October 17th 2017 – LSRs (liquid silicon rubbers) are used more and more frequently in daily life. However, compared with other silicons, these materials are challenging, due to a narrow processing window and to the impossibility to recycle waste. This makes it all the more important to guarantee an efficient mold and process design, with the least possible waste, where the required part quality and functionality are achieved.
SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding has established itself over the past years as a unique tool to design LSR molds and to find the optimum processing window in LSR processing. Working as a virtual injection molding machine, it is able to accurately predict the flow and curing behavior of LSR applications and the performance of LSR molds. Typical defects such as unbalanced filling or curing in multi-cavity molds, incomplete filling or curing, diesel effects or weld lines can be predicted and corrected. It is also possible to optimize cycle times through thermal design or adjustments of the processing window. SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding identifies early risks in the mold concept and process definition, and makes it possible to try different solutions quickly and cost-efficiently.
SIGMA Engineering (Aachen) demonstrates the benefits of its SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding approach in the molding of LSR applications at Fakuma 2017. In a project together with the partners Elmet Elastomere Produktions- und Dienstleistungs-GmbH, Dow Corning GmbH and ENGEL Austria GmbH, a degasification valve for drink bottles will be produced in LSR. The 16-cavity cold-runner mold is provided by Elmet, and with the help of SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding the thermal layout of the mold was evaluated to achieve a complete filling and a symmetric curing behavior in all cavities. The complex geometrical structure of the part with varying cross section was one of the aspects challenging an even curing reaction, which was another focus of the analysis. The part is produced live during Fakuma at the booth of ENGEL (Hall A5, 5204).
Another LSR application of the SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding technology is presented in hall B3 at booth 3211 in cooperation with Nexus Automation GmbH. Here a 16-cavity mold will produce puzzle parts in an innovative mold concept. In this application the uniform curing of all cavities is crucial and can only be achieved with a stable thermal mold layout and elaborate molding process.