Moulding software reduces cycle times

The Hipermoulding module determines which rapid manufacturing technique is best to produce specific component geometry and determine the location and shape of the cooling channels.

The final European Hipermoulding project meeting, held in the Netherlands, saw the launch of the new Hipermoulding software for thermal management in injection moulds.

This R and D project, led in the UK by the GTMA, has been very successful and the new software has already showed an impressive reduction in cycle times.

The project's three years of research, software development and SME feedback have resulted in a very positive outcome and all the consortium members have now received the final version of the Hipermoulding module.

The data collected during the research is used by the Hipermoulding module to determine which rapid manufacturing technique is most appropriate for the manufacture of specific component geometry and also the location and shape of the cooling channels.

The effectiveness the Hipermoulding module has been successfully verified by using it for the manufacture of four actual products, which had already previously been produced in the conventional way.

* Large reduction in cycle times - the results of the tests were very impressive, said the GTMA's report to manufacturingtalk.com.

All the validation cases showed a large reduction in cycle time, varying from 12 - 32%.

In addition, the cost per product was evaluated to verify that the use of Hipermoulds was a good financial choice.

The participating SMEs, being mould makers or injection moulders, were pleased with this realistic approach to proving the practical benefits of the new technology, said the GTMA.

Training modules have now been formulated and will be delivered over the next few months in Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

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