The secret to a quality plastic injection molded part is a flawless mold – one that produces consistent pieces time and time again. So, what's the key to a flawless mold? In addition to a strong initial design, mold flow analysis is your secret weapon. It's an indispensable component of any plastic injection molding design project. MFA software comes at a cost, but its impact on mold quality, product performance and appearance, and production ROI is undeniable. Read on to learn how this one tool can literally save your mold design.
Photo Source: Moldflow Plastics Advisers
What is Mold Flow Analysis?
Mold flow analysis (MFA) software simulates plastic flow, allowing you to enhance mold design and create the highest quality products possible. This analysis provides a virtual sneak peek into how the chosen material will fill a mold's cavities and highlights potential areas of concern. Digitally simulating this process before cutting the tool allows changes to be made early on, ultimately saving money and optimizing results.
When Should Mold Flow Analysis be Used?
Benefits of Mold Flow Analysis
MFA offers several benefits, including:
Resolve wall thickness issues
Optimize gate location
Fill mold cavities consistently and uniformly
Uncover weaknesses in design geometry
Avoid costly tooling errors and rework
Improve manufacturability
Reduce time to market
Improve efficiency and quality
Discover potential visual defects, including air traps, sink marks and weld lines
Evaluate different material options pre-production to choose the best material
Show customer and supplier data to support your design or need for changes
MFA Software Options
Our recommendation is to work with a seasoned contract manufacturer who guides you through the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) process from start to finish. Find a manufacturing partner who has the know-how and experience to handle the flow analysis for you. Should you choose to proceed on your own, here are some existing software options:
Autodesk Simulation Moldflow
A leader in this category, Autodesk developed its Moldflow software back in 1987. The Autodesk website is bursting with useful simulation tutorial videos. Software updates are released consistently, and new versions come out each year.
Moldex3D Flow
Per their website: Moldex3D is the world leading CAE product for the plastic injection molding industry. With the best-in-class analysis technology, Moldex3D can help you carry out in-depth simulation of the widest range of injection molding processes and to optimize product designs and manufacturability. In addition, its high compatibility and adaptability have provided users with instant connection to mainstream CAD systems, generating a flexible simulation-driven design platform.
