introduction

 

EXPRESS is a unique simulation tool for compression and injection compression molding. For the time being, EXPRESS is not available for installation at customers hardware. Access to EXPRESS is available through simulation projects on consultancy basis.

 

With EXPRESS the process becomes predictable. Geometric design, material usage and process conditions can be optimized before the first piece of metal for the mold is cut.

 

compression molding

Compression molding is the most common process for large scale production of fiber reinforced plastic parts, especially in the automotive industry.

 

injection compression molding

Injection-compression molding is an innovative process which substitutes standard injection molding to avoid fiber damage or thermal degradation.

 

EXPRESS can handle all kinds of compression molding materials, thermosets (i.e. SMC, BMC) and thermoplastics (i.e. GMT, LFT). It delivers a multitude of results for the determination of flow, fiber orientation and warpage. These are needed to detect and control problems in quality, dimensional accuracy and mechanical behavior. The warpage and the calculated anisotropic material characteristics can also be exported to other FE-Packages to improve the results of all kinds of following analysis.

 

EXPRESS makes the design and the process control more efficient and reliable. It enables the design engineer to study different variants and analyze the influences of process parameters at a very early stage of development. Therefore errors in the process and failures of the final part can be predicted in the simulation, leading to shorter development time, enhanced part quality and significant cost reduction.

 

EXPRESS is based on the Finite-Element Method that is embedded in the CAE design process. A specially designed pre-/postprocessor is included, which provides an easy to learn and easy to use graphical user interface and includes sophisticated project management.

 

EXPRESS has been developed in close co-operation with the Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung (IKV) based on more than a decade of research work.