INDUSTRY LEADERS PRODUCE INJECTION COMPRESSION SIMULATION SOFTWARE FROM
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH

(Shelton,, Connecticut -- May 17, 1995) Moldflow, General Electric (GE)
Plastics, and Ford Motor Co. have recently completed phase one of an
exciting collaborative research program to develop a software package for
the injection compression molding process. The software, developed by
Moldflow, is the first injection compression package to be produced in
conjunction with key industry leaders and is currently undergoing
stringent testing and evaluation at GE Plastics and Ford in the USA.

"In line with Moldflow's commitment to the delivery of "best of breed"
analysis tools, we are delighted to be working with industry leaders such
as GE and Ford. Co-operative research is the key to ensure that our
simulation and analysis tools are focused on satisfying industry
requirements," says Dr. Chris Friedl, General Manager, Moldflow Research.

Pete Zuber, Process Development Engineer, GE Plastics (USA), says that GE
Plastics is committed to working with the leaders of their respective
fields. "Moldflow was selected as the development partner based on the
success of our previous collaborative effort with Gas Assisted Injection
Molding as well as their proven record of innovation," he says. "The use
of CAE technology for the injection compression process will enable our
customers to take advantage of the benefits of GE materials with this
emerging process."

"Ford is continually evaluating new methods for producing plastic parts in
an effort to gain a competitive edge," says Jason Koskey, Product Design
Engineer, Computer Aided Engineering, Ford (USA). "The injection
compression process enables Ford to explore new opportunities for plastic
materials. Partnerships with industry leaders like GE Plastics and
Moldflow provides the materials and simulation expertise necessary to
fully exploit the benefits of the injection compression molding process,"
he says.

The injection compression molding process has particular benefits for users
manufacturing low stress parts, thin walled parts, and parts where surface
finishes are important for aesthetic appeal. For example, car trims are a
typical application of the process. The covering material for the trim
component is placed in the mold. Injection starts and the mold is closed.
The result is a plastic component that is covered in the desired material,
eliminating the need for separate molding and laminating operations.

The injection compression software developed through the collaborative
research simulates the controlled force compression process for both the
polymer filling and packing stages. Injection compression is a technology
widely used to create thin walled parts and low stress parts, especially
in large molds. The process is similar to traditional injection molding,
with the exception that the mold remains slightly open at the start of
injection. A charge of polymer is then injected and the mold is closed to
final dimension, simultaneously completing the filling and packing of the
cavity.

Moldflow Research was created to consolidate Moldflow's research activities
into a world-class industry center of R&D excellence The efforts of
Moldflow Research's internationally recognized team of scientists and
engineers are focused on research into polymer processing and supporting
technologies that bring together advances in technology and customer
needs. Partnerships are developed with industry leaders to implement and
Lest the new technology. This provides Moldflow with valuable industry
insight to refine the technology prior to commercial release.

Moldflow is the world leader in computer aided engineering (CAE) to
optimize the design and production of plastic parts and has a global
market share of approximately 80%. Founded in 1978, Moldflow is an
international company supporting customers in 46 countries. Customers are
supported by a worldwide network of sales and support offices and
distributors in the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA. Moldflow's mission is to
help industry to produce plastics parts faster, better and cheaper.

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

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