INTRODUCTION TO AUTODESK MOLDFLOW

OBJECTIVE

• Learning the window of AutoDesk Moldflow.
• Learning the tools which are used to create a geometry.
• Learning to mesh the workpiece accurately and without any errors using dual-domain mesh.

PROCEDURE

Two parts are generated in MOLDFLOW, and one is with the same dimensions as described in the learning video, and the other is a small rectangular cup with made up dimensions.

The procedure to create part-1 is explained in detail. The procedure for part-2 is the same as part-1, with only dimension and geometry change.

Stepwise procedure:

1. Files---project---New study
2. Geometry---Nodes---Node by coordinate---Create three nodes at 0 0 0, 5, -5 and 0 5.
3. Curves---Arc By Points---Set selection as Circle---Connect three points to form circle.
   
   • 
     Move entity---Translate---Set filter to curve---Select the curve (circle)---Vector(x,y,z) 0 0 -3.
   • Set filter to node---select the three nodes on the first circle and translate to created circle.
   • Regions--- region by boundary---Select the first circle.
   • Select middle node on the second circle---Translate 6 mm in x-direction ---Rotate---Select created node-set axis as Z-axis---set angle as 120---selection as copy--- the number of copies 2.
   • Connect nodes on the first circle and second circle---Curves---lines—set filter as nodes.
   • To create region---Rotate---Select the curve---Z-axis---10 degrees---copy—number of copies 1. (For entire circle region Number of copies 35 as it is revolved around 360˚)
   • Region---Region by ruling---Select the curves
   • Step 8, 9, and Step 10 are followed for the entire procedure to create the region around the curves
   • Section view
   • Assign Layers to each Property Nodes, Curves, and Regions by clicking a new layer---in selection click properties---select nodes, curves, and regions and assign to respective layers.
   • Create mesh---Right-click---Set mesh type---Dual-domain---Global length 1.35---Curves select global length---NURBS---Mesh now.
   • The generated mesh is in good condition all the free edged are removed using stitched free edge option.
   • The orientation of the mesh is also done using the orient all option.
   • Part-2 is also generated by following the same steps as above.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. GEOMETRY TOOLS
2. NODES: Nodes can be created in the workspace using Nodes entity in the geometry tool options. Nodes can be created by different options, as shown in the following figure.
4. CURVES: After creating the nodes, the nodes are connected through different forms of curves to form the required shapes.
6. REGIONS: After creating the curves, they can be enclosed using the region option to form boundaries.
8. BEAMS: Beams are a one-dimensional structure used to create different types of connectivities in a Moldflow.
10. TRANSLATE: The nodes, curves, and regions created can be translated in x, y, and z directions using the translate tool in the move entity. They can be moved or copy.
13. ROTATE: The rotate tool is the same as translate, but it rotates the selected option to the required degrees and in the required direction.
14. FILTERS: The filters are used to make the workflow smooth. Before selecting the node or curve or region, the filter can be set to the desired option, so it selects only the required selections without any other selections.
16. MESHING TOOLS
    • MESH STATISTICS: After generating the mesh on the component, to know the data of the mesh statistics tool is used. It gives the data of total triangles formed, free edges, manifold edges.
    • FREE EDGES: This tool helps to diagnose any free edges present in the model.
    • STITCH FREE EDGES: It helps to connect all the free edges.
    • ASPECT RATIO: It helps to find the triangles in the standard and normalized mode, which are above the required ratio.
    • ORIENTATION: It orients all the meshes according to inner and outer boundaries.
    • ADVANCED OPTIONS: These are advanced options that can extrude, fill a hole, offset, remesh, imprint meshes.

CONCLUSION

The part is generated using the procedure mentioned above, and the mesh is generated. The free edges are removed. All the geometry and mesh tools are studied.

GOOGLE DRIVE LINKS

PART-1

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pD3V89KrI8BapjSUDy5WXrwYjl8Ungwr?usp=sharing

PART-2

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cAVmTqDzjBMRMgoyf5tyGqS9OK9KDJWa?usp=sharing