Software 'Expert' Helps in Process Optimization.

A major new release of Moldflow Plastics Xpert (MPX) software from Moldflow Corp., Wayland, Mass., is said to provide greater assistance in set-up, optimization, and control of injection molding machines. One new feature of MPX version 3.0 is plastication optimization: Based on user input of material and screw characteristics, MPX 3.0 recommends barrel-temperature profiles, backpressures, and screw speeds. The new Setup Xpert Cooling Time Routine optimizes and minimizes cooling time. After generating an initial cooling time as part of the process set-up routine, MPX directs the user to mold parts and gradually cut back on cooling time in a series of steps until part-quality problems show up.

Enhanced Design of Experiments (DOE) capability adds part weight, dimensions, and warpage to the part-quality criteria, which previously included primarily visible defects such as short shots, flash, and sinks. Also, packing time and cooling time have been added as DOE process variables, in addition to the previous packing pressure, injection speed, and shot size. Finally, the new Online Process Setup Sheet stores a wider range of process parameters than before, and saves them in HTML form so that they can be transmitted via the Internet.