2013: Using the New Warp Plot Options for Shrinkage Compensation

Issue

You've run a Warp analysis in Autodesk Simulation Moldflow, and would like to view the results without the impact of shrinkage included.  The reason for this is, the adjustments you intend to make on the tool to account for shrinkage and the influence it can have on the deflection if removed.

Solution

The new release of Autodesk Simulation Moldflow allows users to configure their warp results to remove shrink automatically.  This is a new feature, and will allow a large user base to get better results for windage predictions to determine mold cavity sizing.

It is broken down in such a way that specific shrink rates can be removed, depending on the compensation factor utilized.  These compensation factors are;

• Automatic: An estimated shrinkage rate will be applied x, y, and z directions respectively
• Isotropic: The estimated shrinkage rate is supplied by the user and then applied to each of the x, y, and z directions
• Anisotropic: The estimated shrinkage rate is supplied by the user for each direction, and then applied individually to each direction

The source of these compensation factors (for isotropic and anisotropic) can be from several areas.  They can be based off material data (in the material library, material data sheets from the supplier, etc.), as well as tested data or just a general rate to get a gauge of shrink influences to better understand what’s needed to reduce deflection.

The process is quite straight forward and provides a significant amount of information that can be utilized in determining tooling dimensions to understanding the shrink influence on the warpage.

1.)    Run an analysis through Fill+Pack+Warp in Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight 2013

2.)    Choose properties for the deflection plot in question, either a new plot or a default plot

3.)    Navigate to the Deflection tab

4.)    Choose the desired compensation option

5.)    Enter the relevant estimated shrinkage and the coordinate system to use (Anisotropic only)

This will now provide a representation of the deflection (in the direction you choose) with the removal of shrinkage dependent upon your configuration.  This is a great tool, and can be utilized in both the pre and post processing stages of Moldflow simulation. This adjusted deflection representation can be exported as an *.stl file like a typical warp result so that it may be transferred back to a CAD program used in the tool cutting process.  In general this option provides significant details that can help optimize a new design, or improve upon a current one.