OHIO STATE TO USE MF/GAS IN FIRST UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH ON GAS-ASSISTED
MOLDING IN NORTH AMERICA.

(Shelton, Connecticut -- June 29, 1993) The Ohio State University
Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Manufacturing has announced that
it will be using Moldflow's MF/Gas software in the first university-based
research on gas assisted injection molding to be performed in North
America. The goal of the project is to establish an efficient, reliable
and systematic experimental methodology to analyze the gas-assisted
molding process. A team led by Timothy Zheng, Research Fellow, plans to
use the Moldflow package to test and verify two phases of gas assist
research -- industry experiments and laboratory experiments. In laboratory
experiments, a Cinpres II gas injection unit will be used. It will be
connected to a Cincinnati Milacron 75 metric ton All-Electric Injection
Molding Machine and a specially designed testing mold with a large glass
window to observe the gas flow phenomena inside the cavity. MF/Gas will be
used to verify the results recently obtained by the team during a molding
trial at a member company. It will also be used to help design the next
set of trials at this member company as well as in-house laboratory
experiments due to begin this summer. Validation of the software with
experimental results will help to establish fundamental principles and
guidelines for industrial applications of this exciting new technology.

The MF/Gas program is designed to simulate and analyze the emerging
technology of Gas Injection Molding (GIM). By allowing engineers to easily
determine the molding performance of a design without building a prototype
mold, the new software package improves product performance, reduces
scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing
costs. The new software package enables the analysis of component design
and processing conditions and the effects these have on product
performance. Important questions are answered, such as: How far and in
which direction will the gas flow? Will the gas blow through the polymer
melt? What will the residual wall thickness be? Are the polymer and gas
being injected in the optimum locations? The effects of design changes can
be analyzed prior to commencement of tool construction to avoid costly
delays and rework.

Gas injection molding is a process which involves a controlled injection of
an inert gas into molten polymer. The gas creates hollow channels while
pushing the material that previously occupied the channel into the walls.
Generally, the channels are contained within larger-than-normal ribs. The
gas pressurizes the molding while it cools. The benefits of the process
include reducing warpage, residual stresses and sink marks. Any
conventional molding machine can be adapted for gas injection molding
using a portable conversion unit with gas connections to the mold.

MF/Gas was developed in conjunction with Cinpres, Ltd. who are the world
leaders in gas injection molding. The development has resulted from a
combination of the Cinpres processing expertise and Moldflow's expertise
in CAE and materials testing. Other Moldflow products include: MF/FLOW --
which predicts flow patterns and characteristics within the mold; MF/COOL
--- which analyzes the vital role of heat exchange and temperature control
in the mold; and MF/WARP software which analyzes the net distortion of the
actual molded part and helps determine its mechanical properties.

The Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Manufacturing at Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio, is a partnership for global competitiveness
between Ohio State University, industry and government which in areas of
net shape manufacturing develops concepts and transfers them to industry
through reports, seminars and educated and trained personnel. Since its
start in May 1986, the activities of the ERC for Net Shape Manufacturing
(ERC/NSM), funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), have been planned
towards achieving the goals set by the program office, namely: 1) Develop
engineering knowledge in all areas critical to U.S. competitiveness 2)
emphasize systems and cross-disciplinary aspects of engineering 3) pioneer
new approaches to technology transfer between industry and university 4)
provide innovative opportunities for faculty/industry cooperation 5)
inspire commitment from industry.

Moldflow, 2 Corporate Dr, Suite 232, Shelton, CT 06484
203-925-0552;  fax: 203-925-1175

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