SIMULATION | DIGITAL INNOVATION
Simulation software aimed at specific applications and equipment promises greater accuracy in compounding modelling. Mark Holmes finds out more
Simulation tools move closer to the process
The compounding operation is a complex process with innovations often arrived at through trial-and- error and a heavy reliance on practitioners with years — or decades — of experience and operation- al know-how. However, the development of process simulation and computer modelling software can now provide a valuable supplemen- tary tool for the plastic compounder. Replicating the compounding process using such tools and ever more extensive supporting materials databases can now provide accurate methods that can help to shorten the development process and get products into the market more rapidly. Increasingly, programs are being devel- oped to be application and equipment specific, which promises to improve their accuracy, while a shift into the cloud computing environment makes these technology tools even more easily accessible. Numerical simulation is now a real added-value tool for compounding companies and the wider plastics industry, according to France-based SC
www.compoundingworld.com
Consultants. “Indeed, complex processes such as extrusion and mixing are now well described by commercial codes,” says Philippe David, Director of the company. “The main advantage of simulation remains the use of theoretical and predictive models, replacing the classic trial and error methods based on an in-depth knowledge of the process. The development of such tools is mainly driven by market trends, from a technological point of view, and by commercial requirements from the industry.” Considered from a technology perspective,
simulation is getting closer to the particular process, according to Laurent Ratte, SC Consult- ants Sales Manager. “Industrial users are looking for solutions for specific applications, as well as ease of use and the relevancy of the results,” he says. “Indeed, the results have to be obvious to companies, with process engineers needing to connect with what they observe on the machine. This has led to a totally new approach to marketing
Main image: Compounding simulation specialists are working to develop systems that are more material and equipment specific to ensure results are more accurate and more quickly achieved
March 2020 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 39
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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