COMPUTER MODELLING SOFTWARE | MACHINERY
Software to model the extrusion process has leapt forward – with packages available to help calculate everything from cooling behaviour to wall thickness and load distribution
Modelling software for plastic extrusion
Simulation software for plastic parts is typically associated with injection moulding – with programs such as mould-filling software. However, a number of packages and techniques exist for modelling the extrusion process – and plenty of fundamental research is underway to extend this capability. PlasticFlow has developed a new version of its
PolyXtrue simulation software, that accurately models extrudate cooling and extrudate shrinkage in the complete cooling system. The update can handle up to 20 calibrators and sizers in the cooling system. Two different tempera- ture zones are allowed between calibrators. One of the two temperature zones can be a wiper between a water tank and the next calibrator. At the same time, 10 different temperature
zones are allowed between the die exit and the first calibrator, and 10 different temperature zones are allowed after the last calibrator. By gradually changing the shape of the profile in subsequent calibrators, the shape of the extrudate profile can be significantly modified after it leaves the die – allowing extrusion of complex profiles from relatively simple die geometries. The new version allows die geometries to be
imported in native Creo file format. Geometries in SolidWorks and Inventor file formats can be imported as before. Plastic Flow markets PolyXtrue and OptiXtrue
www.pipeandprofile.com
software for design and optimisation of polymer extrusion dies. PolyXtrue gives insight into the perfor- mance of extrusion dies in the early design stage by providing quantitative information on the flow inside the die as well as in the extrudate beyond the die exit. It also predicts distortion, shrinkage and temperature of the extrudate, and determines the layer structure in multi-layer, co-extruded products. OptiXtrue automatically optimises extrusion die geometries, which helps to minimise variation in exit velocity distribution – and reduce extrudate distortion.
Conduit help The US-based Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) has developed a free software tool that helps deter- mine the most appropriate wall thickness of HDPE conduit installed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The Conduit Design Calculator (CDC) simplifies
complicated calculations into an easy-to-use online application, says PPI. it is one of several free PPI calculators related to the design and installation of plastic piping materials. The software automates the Mini-HDD calcula- tions described in PPI’s TR-46 technical document. It uses inputs such as directional changes in the underground bore path, drill rod diameter, bore depth and length to determine the calculated
March 2021 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 35
Main image: The latest version of PolyXtrue accurately models extrudate cooling and extrudate shrinkage
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