Powder injection molding process

A new molding process, Powder injection molding (PIM), has been added to simulate powder segregation, and thereby predict black lines which can appear when the powder concentration is low.

This feature is supported for the following mesh type:

and for the following analysis sequences:

Basic workflow

  • Import a model
  • Select Powder injection molding as the molding process
  • Mesh the model and check the mesh
  • Select an analysis sequence
  • Select a material appropriate for powder injection molding,
  • Enter the material data for your feedstock in the Process Settings
  • Set the injection location

At the end of the analysis check the Powder volume concentration result to see if the powder/binder distribution is uniform, and if black lines are likely. If you can't predict jetting, enable wall slip in the Process Settings, and run the analysis again.

Limitations

  • Only materials with a single filler are supported
  • Concentration variation doesn't currently impact viscosity