PRODUCT VALIDATION

Within the product realisation process we offer certain product validation methodologies. 

  • CAE Analysis (STATIC / DYNAMIC STIFFNESS)
  • Mold flow simulations
  • Virtual assembly sequence definition
  • Tolerance definition study (e.g. GD&T, G&F study…)
  • Prototype parts (3D Prints, vacuum cast, thermoforming, NF ….)
  • 3D Optical scan (e.g. product, single components…)
  • Product & Components Fixtures (e.g. master gauges, nests…)
  • Trim pattern development

Mold Flow analysis

Moldflow simulation software lets you troubleshoot problems with plastic injection and compression molding. Advanced tools and a simplified user interface help you address manufacturing challenges, such as part warpage, cooling channel efficiency, and cycle time reduction.

Filling time and intakes placing

Cooling time

Numerical simulation of parts

Structural (stiffness and strength) and modal analysis of plastic parts and composite parts with orthotropic or anisotropic structure.

  • NX Nastran Solver
  • The ability to generate 3D mesh with respect of min. number of elements per layer thickness, etc.

For parts from composite materials – possibility to create 2D and 3D MKP models using both ply and zone-based approach.

  • Taking into account the technology of laminate parts production with long fiber reinforcement.
  • Calculate the distortion of the major fiber directions on the basis of the curve of the part surface.
  • Also taking into account the overlays and layouts of the individual layers of the composite layup.

Mechanical testing and verification

Methods for intralaminar strength of composites.

  • Using non-interactive and interactive strength criteria like Hill, Hoffman, Tsai-Wu, Maximum Stress, Maximum Strain, LaRC02, Puck, …

Methods for Interlaminar strength of composites.

  • Using conventional methods for determining interlaminar properties of a laminate (transverse shear, etc.)
  • Use of cohesive elements (including experimental measurement and fitting of necessary parameters for numerical model).

Plastic prototypes

Tooling for plastic injection molding presents a formidable barrier to any team needing a plastic prototype or a few parts for prototype testing and evaluation. Additive manufacturing technologies — and there are at least three of relevance to those designing and making plastic prototypes — offer great potential for lead-time compression. Inevitably though, using RP for prototyping demands some compromises.

Fortunately, there are innovative plastic prototyping technologies available. Read on to learn more about their advantages and limitations so that you can select the best way to make a plastic prototype that will meet your project requirements.

3D Print

To 5 parts.

Vacuum casting

To 30 parts.

Injection Molding

To 2000 parts.

Stereolithography is what you want to be looking at. It’s a technology that produces great looking models with impeccable surface quality in no time. Stereolithography machines that let us build and ship parts in less than a day. And they even give you the freedom to 3D print parts up to 2 meters long in a single build.

Print volume: 2000 x 700 x 750 mm
Standard accuracy: ±0.2% (with lower limit on ±0.2 mm)
Layer thickness: 0.1 mm
Minimum wall thickness: 1 – 3 mm (depending on part dimensions)
Material: photopolymer resin

With no need for support structures, this technology is suitable for interlocking parts, moving parts, living hinges and other highly complex designs. Whether you need fully functional prototypes or a series of complex end-use parts, Laser Sintering’s design freedom serves both. Besides, we make production fast and cost-effective for you by maximizing the available build space in each machine.

Print volume: 650 x 330 x 560 mm
Standard accuracy: ±0.3% (with lower limit on ±0.3 mm)
Layer thickness: 0.12 mm
Minimum wall thickness: 1 mm
Material: Nylon (PA12)

The great advantage of FDM is the durable materials it uses, the stability of their mechanical properties over time, and the quality of the parts. The production-grade thermoplastic materials used in FDM are suitable for detailed functional prototypes, durable manufacturing tools and low-volume manufacturing parts.

Print volume: 950 x 950 x 950 mm
Standard accuracy: ±0.4%
(with lower limit on ±0.4 mm)
Layer thickness: 0.6 mm 
Minimum wall thickness: 1 –  3 mm
(depending on part dimensions)
Material : PLA , ABS , TPU

Low-volume production of complex end-use parts Prototypes for form, fit and function testing. Prototypes directly constructed in production materials

Silicone molding results in high-quality parts comparable to injection-molded components. This makes vacuum casted models especially suitable for fit and function testing, marketing purposes or a series of final parts in limited quantities. Vacuum Casting also lends itself well to a variety of finishing degrees, and we can match the finish you need for your parts.

Pre-launch product testing
Small series of housings and covers
Concept models and prototypes

Materials: polyurethanes that are similar to rubber, PP, ABS, and PC.

These materials provide an outstanding variety of properties and offer the possibility to match colors.

The thermoplastic injection molding process  is a standard process involving an aluminum mold with no heating or cooling lines running through it, which means cycle times are a bit longer. It allows our molders to monitor fill pressure, cosmetic concerns, and the basic quality of the parts.

INJECTION MACHINE

Max. clamping force: 220 T
Platen size standard:
hor. x vert. 860 x 330 mm
Dist. between tie bars:
hor. x vert. – Tie bar less design
Mold weight: max. 3 500 kg