Mold flow analysis

Mold Flow Analysis

Mold flow analysis (MFA) software simulates the flow of plastic, which allows you to elevate part and mold design to create products of impeccable quality. Like other simulation software, MFA gives you a virtual sneak peek into how your material of choice will fill the mold's cavities and offers a head's up on potential problem spots. The benefit is obvious, right? Simulating the process digitally means you can make changes BEFORE A TOOL IS CUT. This one thing is a big cost savings, not to mention a time saver as well.

A mold flow analysis is an examination of how the resin will/should flow through the mold. This analysis is a simulation that will provide a prediction of how the mold will perform during and after a production run.

When Should Mold Flow Analysis be Used

In case it wasn’t clear, MFA is conducted before tooling production launches. (It wouldn’t make much sense to use it afterward!) Using a selected gate location and material properties, the software is able to predict how the part will fill during molding. Different data points can be assessed, including pressure, fill time and melt temperature. Doing so allows for optimization of the process before tool manufacturing ever begins. 

How Material Flow Differs by Resin

Depending on a material’s properties, it will flow into the mold differently. Plastics with good flow characteristics include:

  • polypropylene
  • K-Resin
  • HDPE
  • LDPE
  • unfilled nylons.

Resins such as PC and ABS/polycarbonate tend to flow poorly.

Mold Flow Analysis

  • Plastic Part Performance Testing, Including Moldability and Manufacturability reviews.
  • Wall Thickness Analysis.
  • Identify Proper Draft for Release from Mold.
  • Review and Assess Critical Features / Performance Deliverables of Product.
  • Fit, Form and Function of the Assembly