SIGMA Engineering, based in Aachen, has introduced version 6.2 of Sigmasoft Virtual Molding, its software for injection molding process simulation. The company reports that the new release brings a range of new functions and improvements intended to increase the accuracy of simulation results and streamline the analysis workflow, starting from the project setup stage. The update includes both tools supporting reporting and result interpretation, as well as solutions related to material modeling and computational geometry. The changes also affect the material database, which has been expanded and organized with regard to data quality and consistency. According to the company, version 6.2 expands the capabilities of injection molding simulation for all polymers and is intended to support users in more targeted optimization of manufacturing processes.
Among the new features is SMARTreport, which allows users to prepare a complete PowerPoint presentation containing the most important simulation settings and results in just a few clicks. The report structure can be adapted to a company’s requirements and saved in line with its corporate identity, using its own PowerPoint template. This solution is intended to facilitate reporting standardization, reduce the scope of manual work, and ensure greater consistency of documentation between projects.
New functions in modeling and analysis
One of the important elements of the update is a new three-dimensional viscoelastic material model. It was developed to improve predictive accuracy in mold filling simulations. By more accurately representing time- and temperature-dependent material behavior, the model is intended to improve the description of flow characteristics, pressure build-up, free-jet formation, and the overall reliability of the simulation, particularly under demanding processing conditions.
Another new feature is the Fingerprint function for plastics. This tool provides a concise visual overview of material properties relevant from a processing perspective. It presents key process conditions and also indicates the characteristics and completeness of the underlying data set. This is intended to allow users to quickly assess material suitability and compare the quality of material data for different plastics in a structured way.
Version 6.2 also adds the Mirror Cutbox function for result visualization. In the case of symmetrical tools that are split to reduce calculation time, for example to calculate only one quarter of the model, interpretation of the resulting output image had previously been difficult. The new function makes it possible to mirror simulation results along the split surfaces. As a result, the user receives a more complete and intuitive representation of the results, which is intended to increase analysis efficiency.
Changes in geometry modeling and material data
The update also introduces the SurroGate Model solution. Until now, modeling gates, which are very small relative to the part itself, required the use of correspondingly small finite volumes in the model. In the new approach, these areas are replaced by equivalent surrogate elements. According to the manufacturer, this makes it possible to clearly improve mesh quality in critical gate zones. At the same time, parts without critical thin-walled areas can be modeled much more coarsely, without significant loss of accuracy. This is expected to translate into both greater calculation robustness and a noticeable reduction in calculation time.
The material database has also been expanded. As the company states, obtaining fast and accurate simulation results requires complete material data to be available directly in the software. In the latest version, the database has been updated and improved to ensure higher data quality, greater consistency, and reliability. Numerous new materials have also been added.
The company reports that Sigmasoft 6.2 is now available to users. Hundreds of specialists have received the new version under maintenance contracts. The SIGMA Solution Service team also declares its readiness to present the capabilities of the software to new customers, including in the form of a benchmark.
