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Dotson Makes It A True Team Effort

Minnesota foundry includes multiple layers from their organization to decide on the right casting process simulation tool

Wide view of Dotson Iron Castings in action

Dotson Iron Castings in Mankato, Minnesota is an iron foundry that melts and pours 100+ tons of ductile iron castings daily, using 20X24 horizontal, high pressure, green sand molding machines. Products include over 3,000 different castings for over 300 customers in a wide range of applications including medical, transportation, agriculture, construction and recreation equipment. The raw casting weights here range from 2 to 50 pounds with typical production quantities ranging from 25 pieces to several thousand.

Dotson prides itself on engineering excellence, providing customers a higher total value with castings designed and produced in a highly automated, quick response foundry and machining facility.

Operating as a foundry for over 130 years, Dotson credits its success to satisfying customer needs by not only managing, but exceeding, their expectations. The goal is to provide customers with quality products in a fast, flexible, cost effective manner.

As a company best practice, Dotson includes its employees in making all important decisions that will impact not only the job of each of the individuals, but the foundry as a whole. Dotson has a program called, “The $10,000 Project.” As the name implies, any purchase made by the foundry of $10,000 or more is done through a detailed process involving the employees who will be most affected by the purchase of the product or equipment being considered.

Any product or project that costs over $10,000 must have a cross-functional group examine all viable options. Members of the group choose what they consider the best product or piece of equipment to help them accomplish their goals.  They then make onsite visits, make comparisons and do cost justifications.  With the information they have gathered, they then make multiple presentations to the group explaining the “what” and the “why” of the product, equipment or service they have chosen for consideration.

John Jaycox, Bradley Wiyninger, Jim Headington and E. Jay Zins discuss MAGMASOFT® at Dotson

When Dotson’s owner Denny Dotson and President /CEO Jean Bye wanted to expand their capabilities in terms of serving customers with solidification solutions, MAGMASOFT®, provided by MAGMA Foundry Technologies (Schaumburg, IL) was one of the many software packages considered. “We certainly are a foundry that differentiates ourselves on our engineering services and to do that you must have the right tools,” Jean Bye said. “We researched and explored our options for a few years before making the decision to purchase simulation software for the foundry,” Denny Dotson adds.

The $10,000 Project is a lengthy process with the participants sometimes making three or four presentations to support their argument. Deciding on the simulation software that best supported the needs of this foundry took a long time, due to the importance of doing numerous comparisons. When comparing the benefits of all the products being considered, “…it came down to weighing out the factors and deciding which ones would have the greatest impact on the overall foundry operation,” Bye stated.

When the $10,000 Project is complete and a decision has been made, nobody can say they weren’t onboard. “They might not have gotten their way,” Bye notes, “but they certainly understand all the reasons why the decision was made, because it was well thought out by the entire group.”

Dotson saw the addition of simulation software as more then just an engineering tool; rather it represented a smart business tool specifically designed to improve yield as well as positively impact sales. There was a lot to consider in the justification process beyond the product’s capabilities. Ease of use, speed of use, accuracy of results, presentation of these results, reputation of the provider’s company, customer care, quick response time from company representatives when there was a question or assistance was needed, as well as which company Dotson felt was more technologically advanced with new innovations. In addition, a significant benefit Dotson saw with simulation was the ability to identify jobs that would require some type of stress relief before actually making the tool or gating system. “It’s much more difficult to go back to the customer after the fact and tell them this is your cost, than it is before you cut the tool. There are always options before anything is created,” Engineering Process Manager Jim Headington points out.

“Moving from opinion or educated guess to a factual report supporting changes has made it quicker and easier to communicate the need for making changes with our customers,” adds Jay Zins, Control Manager at Dotson.

Live shot of Dotson in action

When discussing the impact simulating the process has on time to first quality part, Headington explains, “Time isn’t always the most important issue at hand. Cost and the integrity of the tool by the time you’re done with it are the real keys. When you find yourself adding material to a production tool, it’s never a good thing. Once you scab on that material, no matter how you put it on, you’ve really jeopardized the integrity of the tool. This is all now done virtually, instead of through trial and error.”

On one recent customer project, Dotson ran approximately 30 virtual iterations on a particular part. Not only did having the ability to simulate the entire molding process save a significant amount of time, being able to run a large number of iterations also helped them be sure that the quality of the part was not compromised. “Once in a while, on projects like this, we do 30 simulated iterations, simply because we now can,” Josh Jaycox, Quality Assurance Engineer adds.

While all new jobs at Dotson are run through MAGMASOFT®, retro jobs, especially the high yield jobs, are also now simulated. A significant part of the justification process was improving yield. When considering yield improvements, Dotson recognizes that the improvement in the first year will normally be significant, as they hadn’t run simulation before, whereas moving forward, improving yield would be less significant, as all new jobs are now run through the simulation and, as a result, are more efficient from the very beginning. “Running the software on a casting will also help us see that it may be possible to make a riser smaller, this will help in de-gating and reduce grinding time.” Jaycox said.

Sales and Marketing Manager Matt Schindle adds, “The benefit to the customer is that they know we are not going to build a tool, we are not going to spend a dollar of their money, until we have done the solidification on it. It gives us more credibility and it gives the customer reassurance.”

“It’s almost like having a third party in the room giving our observations credibility,” Bye adds.

Furnace at Dotson Iron Castings

Seeing the importance of being sure their foundry and their engineers have the tools to be the best they can be, Dotson found the addition of MAGMASOFT® to be a natural next step. When considering the in-depth justification process and the criteria involved in bringing a new product or tool into the foundry, they learned their decision regarding process simulation to be a great benefit to the company overall.  Dotson realizes customers now expect and rely on the fact that their parts are run through this virtual process with the end result being the highest quality castings possible.

Choosing MAGMASOFT®, Dotson believes all their performance and value criteria were met and, in many cases, even exceeded. MAGMA’s reputation in the world foundry market and their customer care program, as well as the added benefits of their training programs and annual user group meetings, help Dotson feel more confident in their partnership with MAGMA, according to Jaycox and Headington.

For more information on this story, please contact:

Christof Heisser

President

MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc.
10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone 847-969-1001 ext. 225
Email  cheisser@magmasoft.com
Web   www.magmasoft.com

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Multi-Cycle Analysis Sets New Benchmark In Injection Molding Simulation

Using a completely 3D-approach and the integration of a highly developed thermal solver, the injection molding simulation software SIGMASOFT® allows the calculation of multiple consecutive production cycles, considering the thermal interactions throughout all the components in the mold. The accuracy of the entire simulation is thus dramatically increased. 

Figure 1 – The multi-cycle analysis of SIGMASOFT® allows simulating the heat transfer in the mold from start-up over multiple production cycles, and thus exactly reproduces the real production conditions in the cavity. Left: Temperature distribution in a half of the mold cavity after one cycle. Right: Temperature distribution after 15 cycles.

Schaumburg, Illinois – SIGMA® Plastic Services presented its SIGMASOFT® software designed for 3D injection molding process simulation at the recent Euromold 2011, hall 8, stand A 101. One of the highlights of the presentation was the SIGMASOFT® unique functionality of its “multi-cycle analysis”, a new benchmark in injection molding simulation.

“In conventional injection molding software, a fixed mold temperature is defined and the whole simulation is carried out under the assumption that this value remains constant over time”, explained Dr. Marco Thornagel, Executive Director of SIGMA® Engineering. “In reality, however, you have a very complex thermal process taking place within the mold: the steel is cooled with a tempering system, the mold is heated when the hot polymer melt enters the cavity and there is a loss of thermal energy towards the surrounding environment. All governed by the heat transfer properties of the materials present throughout the system: polymer melt, runner system, inserts, mold, isolation materials. Only when these complex interactions are considered will the real production conditions be reproduced in the simulation. And our customers really appreciate that we already have 25 years of experience in how to make this kind of simulation, with a user friendly meshing algorithm,” observed Dr. Thornagel.

The 3D-approach of SIGMASOFT® allows all the components in a mold, including all the thermal and physical properties of each one of them, to be exactly reproduced. Therefore, the heat transfer process can be accurately calculated between each one of the components.

To accurately simulate the production conditions, the heat transfer process taking place in reality must be exactly reproduced in the simulation. This includes the heat-up during the start-up of the machine, when the mold is heated from room temperature to its production conditions (typically between 60º and 120°C) by the tempering system. It also includes the warming up produced by the hot polymer melt over several consecutive pre-production cycles, as happens in actual run conditions.

SIGMASOFT® is able to exactly reproduce the heat-up stage, as well as simulate the thermal evolution of the mold over multiple consecutive production cycles. This accurate calculation predicts the real temperature in each location of the mold during production, producing a condition that more closely reflects reality for the polymer as it sets inside the cavity. This allows the software, for example, to predict how long the polymer remains in a fluid condition so that post-pressure can be applied, or where will the thermally induced deformation most likely compromise the part quality.

Another of the advantages of multi-cycle simulation is the possibility to calculate how many production cycles are required for the mold to achieve cyclic equilibrium – and thus consistent quality conditions over a production run. Therefore, the number of parts required before the actual production begins can be more accurately predicted. The system can be optimized to minimize the number of pre-production parts that are required. Another possibility is to compare the efficiency of different tempering systems to understand how to achieve equilibrium more quickly or how to consume less energy.


SIGMA® (www.sigmasoft.de) is 100% owned by MAGMA® (www.magmasoft.de), the world market leader in casting process simulation technology based in Aachen, Germany. Our SIGMASOFT® process simulation solution optimizes the manufacturing process for injection molded plastic components. SIGMASOFT® combines the 3D geometry of the parts and runners with the complete mold assembly and temperature control system and incorporates the actual production process to develop a turnkey injection mold with an optimized process.

At SIGMA® and MAGMA®, our goal is to help our customers achieve required part quality during the first trial. The two product lines – injection molded polymers and metal castings – share the same 3D simulation technologies focused on the simultaneous optimization of design and process. SIGMASOFT® thus includes a variety of process-specific models and 3D simulation methods developed, validated and constantly improved for over 25 years. A process-driven simulation tool, SIGMASOFT®, with its comprehensive simulation approach, provides a tremendous benefit to production facilities. Imagine your business when every mold you build produces required quality the first time, every time. That is our goal. This technology cannot be compared to any other conventional “Design” simulation approach employed in plastics injection molding.

New product success requires a different communication between designs, materials, and processes that design simulation is not meant for. SIGMASOFT® provides this communication. SIGMA® support engineers, with 450 years of combined technical education and practical experience, can support your engineering goals with applications specific solutions. SIGMA® offers direct sales, engineering, training, implementation, and support, by plastics engineers worldwide.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties should contact:

Christof Heisser or Matt Proske

SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.

10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425

Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

USA

Phone:  +1 847 558 5600

Email:  cheisser@3dsigma.com or mproske@3dsigma.com

Web: www.3dsigma.com

Agency contact for SIGMA:

Wendy McCormick

Bernard & Company

Palatine, Illinois (Chicago)

USA

+1 847 934 4500

wendy@bernardandcompany.com

www.bernardandcompany.com


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Weld lines prediction: from the Injection Molding Simulation into the Structural Simulation

With aid of the interface SIGMALINK®, the weld lines predicted with the injection molding simulation software SIGMASOFT® can now be mapped into Finite Element Analysis Software and be considered in the structural design of injection molded parts

The tracer technology in SIGMASOFT® allows visualizing the fully 3D profile of weld lines over the part thickness. With SIGMALINK this information can now be mapped into structural FEA.

Schaumburg, IL – Sigma Plastic Services, presents a new functionality of its injection molding simulation software SIGMASOFT®. The simulation of the cavity filling in injection molding allows identifying regions where weld lines are formed, not only on the surface but also through the part’s thickness, with a completely 3D approach. With the interface SIGMALINK® it is now possible to transfer this 3D information into FEA (Finite Element Analysis) Software, to consider the drop in mechanical properties in these regions when performing structural design. A particular advantage of SIGMASOFT® is the fully 3D prediction of the weld lines, which reproduces the weld regions not only on the surface, but also through the part’s thickness, as it occurs in reality.

Weld lines occur as a consequence of the collision of two (or more) flow fronts in the cavity of a mold. This disruption in the homogeneity of the injection molded part causes optical defects, which compromise the surface quality, but also produces a weakening from the mechanical point of view and, under certain circumstances, weld lines can even act as stress concentrators. Therefore, there is a loss in the mechanical properties in the regions where weld lines appear.

Using the “tracer” technology, which has been available for years in SIGMASOFT®, the appearance of weld lines can be reproduced during the filling stage. The location of the weld lines can be described precisely and an indication is given regarding how critical they are. The formation of the weld lines during the filling stage and the way they flow as the packing pressure is applied are predicted accurately in a 3D approach.

The interface SIGMALINK enables exporting (mapping) physical and flow-related properties into commercial software for FEA (such as Ansys, Abaqus, Radios, etc.). Factors such as flow and thermal induced stresses and fiber orientation can be considered in the FEA. With a further expansion of SIGMALINK® it is now possible to export the information about the final position and 3D profile of the weld lines in the structural FEA. In this way, the drop in the mechanical properties produced by the apparition of weld lines can also be considered in the mechanical part design.

In Figure 1 the formation of a weld line region in SIGMASOFT® is presented. The flow front is depicted in grey. The “tracer” particles in orange show clearly that the melt fronts do not collide in a flat region, but that this weld line has a complex 3D profile at the end of the filling and packaging phases.


 

SIGMA (www.sigmasoft.de) is 100% owned by MAGMA (www.magmasoft.de), the market leader in casting process simulation technology based in Aachen, Germany. Our SIGMASOFT® process simulation solution optimizes the manufacturing process for injection molded plastic components. SIGMASOFT® combines the 3D geometry of the parts and runners with the complete mold assembly and temperature control system and incorporates the actual production process to develop a turnkey injection mold and optimized process.

At SIGMA and MAGMA, our goal is to help our customers achieve required part quality during the first trial. The two product lines – injection molded polymers and metal castings – share the same 3D simulation technologies focused on the simultaneous optimization of design and process. SIGMASOFT® thus includes a variety of process-specific models and 3D simulation methods developed, validated and constantly improved for over 25 years. A process-driven simulation tool, SIGMASOFT®, with its comprehensive simulation approach, provides a tremendous benefit to production facilities. Imagine your business when every mold you use produces required quality the first time, every time. That is our goal. This technology cannot be compared to any other conventional “Design” simulation approach employed in plastics injection molding.

New product success requires a different communication between designs, materials, and processes that design simulation is not meant for. SIGMASOFT® provides this communication. SIGMA support engineers, with 450 years of combined technical education and practical experience, can support your engineering goals with applications specific solutions. SIGMA offers direct sales, engineering, training, implementation, and support, by plastics engineers worldwide.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties should contact:

Christof Heisser or Matt Proske

SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.

10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425

Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

USA

Phone:  +1 847 558 5600

Email:  cheisser@3dsigma.com or mproske@3dsigma.com

Web: www.3dsigma.com

Agency contact for SIGMA:

Wendy McCormick

Bernard & Company

Palatine, Illinois (Chicago)

USA

+1 847 934 4500

wendy@bernardandcompany.com

www.bernardandcompany.com

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MAGMA Announces Two Certified User Achievements

Premier Aluminum and Hodge Foundry techs receive the highest level of simulation software competency designations from foundry market leader

Premier – Jason Lythjohan of Premier Aluminum in Racine, Wisconsin receives his MAGMA certification.

Schaumburg, IL – MAGMA Foundry Technologies Inc. has been a provider of proprietary casting process simulation software, MAGMASOFT®, for over 20 years.  More than simply providing software, MAGMA also shares its engineering expertise through its contract service group and comprehensive training programs. This extensive training program comprises several intensive course levels, where the users gain knowledge to better utilize the software from a functional standpoint, plus insights on practical approaches to applying the technology to their metalcasting process.

Currently, the highest achievable training level is the Certified MAGMASOFT® User.  There is a set of specific criteria the user must meet to be eligible to participate in the program and a list of objectives that must be met to receive the certification from Magma.

There are many benefits to completing the certification program, which aid not only the software user, but also the user’s organization and its casting customers.

Some of the key benefits include:

Hodge Foundry – Ian McNally from Hodge Foundry in Greenville, Pennsylvania receives his MAGMA certification.

  • Improved efficiency and more effective utilization of the software for speed to solution
  • Improved result interpretation and knowledge of root cause analysis
  • Gaining a greater understanding of how simulation applies to their organization and customer base in the areas of design, process, quality and overall costs
  • Enhanced communication internally and with their customers to reduce costs associated with program launches and casting quality
  • Establishing a mark of excellence that sets their organization apart from the competition, including those who already have MAGMASOFT®

In 2011, two successful users achieved the MAGMA Certification, namely, Jason Lythjohan from Premier Aluminum, LLC and Ian McNally from Hodge Foundry.

Premier Aluminum has opened a technology center for its customers and potential customers to come in and use MAGMASOFT® Simulation Software for the design and engineering of their castings.

Premier Aluminum, located in Racine, Wisconsin and part of Ligon Industries LLC, is an ISO 9001-2008 certified permanent mold aluminum casting and machining shop.  Premier has a reputation for partnering with its customers to find flexible and cost-effective solutions to a variety of product problems.

Hodge Foundry, founded in 1876 and located in Greenville, Pennsylvania, is an internationally-recognized specialty engineering foundry that manufactures high quality complex gray and ductile iron castings.

For more information on this release, please contact:

Christof Heisser

President

MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc. 10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425 Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone +1 847-969-1001 ext. 225 Email: cheisser@magmasoft.com Web: www.magmasoft.com

 Agency contact for MAGMA:

Wendy McCormick

Bernard & Company, Palatine, Illinois (Chicago) USA +1 847 934 4500 wendy@bernardandcompany.com

www.bernardandcompany.com

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Continental communicates with its subcontractors through MAGMASOFT®

Casting process simulation to automotive industry standards

Continental is one of the five biggest international automotive suppliers worldwide. The two group sectors, Automotive and Rubber, provide a range of products addressed to automotive trends in the areas of safety, environment and information. In 2009, the 143,000 employees in six divisions generated sales of approximately 20 billion euros (~$28B).

Cast components can be found throughout engine, brake system, body and interior components. For this reason, Continental, with its three automotive divisions, is one of the world’s largest consumers of castings. Continental does not produce the castings itself, but instead buys these parts in large quantities from outside vendors. In view of the great importance of these components in its products and systems, the Automotive Group devotes a great deal of attention to its cooperation with foundries. For Continental, it is vital that all suppliers reliably meet their quality standards and can guarantee secure processes. If production lines come to a standstill at Continental – or worse, at Continental’s customers – losses can quickly run into the millions.

 As a direct supplier to carmakers, Continental is in a sandwich position. The company must guarantee product and process quality to its customers and pass on these requirements to its own suppliers. Consequently, continuous audits of partners are used to assure a constant, sustainable productivity and to ensure the use of the most competitive technologies. The same applies to requirements for product and service quality, which must be highly cost effective, as well as comply with project deadlines.

 

Casting simulation as foundry selection criterion

When it comes to the quality of purchased castings, Mustafa Ata, Senior Expert Casting Quality, is in demand in Continental’s Automotive Group. He audits the foundries which supply Continental worldwide. “The quality requirements for castings, which are for the most part installed in safety-relevant areas of cars, are extremely high. The prevailing international standards are supplemented by internal group standards, e.g. with regard to service life, material strength, metallurgical properties (microstructure), machinability of the components and optical appearance,” Mustafa Ata said when describing what he expects from foundries.

From Continental’s point of view, a reliable compliance with this performance catalog cannot be achieved without the foundries using the latest casting technology and tools. In the case of safety components, the group requires its suppliers to use software for casting process simulation, to check the casting process and analyze the results with Continental before production starts. Continental also requires that their foundries be in a position to optimize the process if necessary.

 “Simulation is anchored as an important part of supplier communication. This means that in every casting project, product realization is supported from the very beginning by numerical simulation. We expect our suppliers to possess a simulation tool,” Ata noted, leaving no doubt in this regard.

 

From design to production – but not without simulation

 The casting development process begins at Continental. The design department designs the casting according to the automotive manufacturer’s requirements. The 3D data produced goes to selected foundries to enable the latter to simulate the casting process with suitable software. The simulation checks various factors that are critical for casting quality simultaneously.

 First, the simulation can determine whether the casting was designed in a casting-appropriate manner or whether the design department, in cooperation with the suppliers (simultaneous engineering), needs to readjust the design to permit standard-compliant parts to be reliably produced in a cost-effective casting process. Second, the simulation results can reveal whether, under the specific production conditions of the foundry, a stable, economical process can be established or whether changes need to be carried out.

 

Simulation result: production and delivery security

 As its final result, the simulation provides Ata with the certainty that the foundry can reliably produce and deliver a casting that meets the requirements at optimal costs. Without casting process simulation, such security could only be achieved with multiple casting trials and machining, at costs and project times that are no longer competitive in the automotive industry.

Simulation with MAGMASOFT® welcomed

In general terms, Continental allows its suppliers to choose which software they use for casting process simulation. But, most foundries opt for the MAGMASOFT® software from MAGMA Gießereitechnologie GmbH, which Ata welcomes for various reasons.

 MAGMA is the pioneer in casting process simulation software. As a software developer, more casting engineers work at MAGMA than in many foundries. Because of this, MAGMA is regarded as the worldwide market and technology leader and sets the standard in this field.

The simulation results provided by MAGMASOFT® are extremely realistic.

Empirical checks through real trial castings regularly demonstrate that the results correspond to a large extent with the observable properties of the cast components.

 “Simulation results from MAGMASOFT® are accepted as reliable by all parties involved in the production process. As a result, they form the basis on which designers, foundrymen and users can discuss component quality and process optimization, further developments and modifications,” according to Ata.

 MAGMASOFT® offers solutions for all casting processes and process steps. In doing so, the software covers every possible simulation situation which arises at Continental in the cooperation with foundries. Therefore, the partners do not need to deal with different applications.

 In the foundry, MAGMASOFT® users benefit from the simple operation of the software and the service of the provider, which meet the high demands of the automotive industry.

Continental considering using MAGMASOFT® itself

 Until now, Continental has only required that its vendors utilize casting process simulation software. However, Continental is now considering using  MAGMASOFT® itself. In this way, the design of a component could be checked for casting suitability immediately and the feedback loops shortened further. Simultaneously, communication with Continental’s development partners could be improved even more through the common “language” of simulation results.

About software for casting process simulation

Casting process simulation software considers the complete casting process including mold filling, solidification and cooling, and also provides the quantitative prediction of mechanical properties, thermally induced casting stresses and the distortion of cast components. Simulation accurately describes a cast component’s quality upfront before production starts, thus the casting layout can be designed with respect to the required component properties. This results in a reduction in pre-production sampling, but also the precise layout of the complete casting system leads to energy, material and tooling savings for the foundry.

The range of application of MAGMA solutions comprises all cast alloys, from cast iron to aluminum sand casting, permanent mold and die casting up to large steel castings. The software supports the user in component design, the determination of melting practice and casting methodology through to mold making, heat treatment and finishing. This saves costs consequently along the entire casting manufacturing line.

During the last 10 years, the use of casting process simulation has become a valuable business asset for many foundries. MAGMA5 now expands the capabilities of casting process simulation and will further accelerate the acceptance of this technology.

About MAGMA

MAGMA offers comprehensive solutions to the metal casting industry, casting buyers and casting designers worldwide. The MAGMA product and service portfolio includes the powerful modular simulation software MAGMASOFT®,with the newest release MAGMA5, as well as engineering services for casting design and optimization.

Today, MAGMASOFT® is used throughout the metal casting industry, especially for the optimization of cast components in automotive and heavy industry applications.

MAGMA Giessereitechnologie GmbH was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Aachen, Germany. A global presence and support are guaranteed by offices and subsidiaries in the USA, Singapore, Brazil, Korea, Turkey, India and China. Additionally, more than 30 qualified partners represent MAGMA around the world.

For more information on this release, please contact:

 Christof Heisser

President

MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc.

10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425

Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone 847-969-1001 ext. 225

Email            cheisser@magmasoft.com

Web            www.magmasoft.com

Agency contact:

Wendy McCormick

Bernard & Company

847-934-4500

wendy@bernardandcompany.com

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North American MAGMASOFT User Group Meeting 2011

The entire group of MAGMASOFT users and the MAGMA staff gather on the grounds for a group photo

Schaumburg, IL –Removing Roadblocks to Success was the theme for the 2011 MAGMASOFTNorth American User Group meeting, held September 13-15, 2011 at Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Illinois. One of the main purposes of the annual MAGMASOFTUser Group Meeting (UGM) is for MAGMA to provide its users with ways to be more successful using MAGMASOFT, the leading simulation software in the foundry market. MAGMA has learned that their users benefit greatly by gaining knowledge from each other as well as relying on the MAGMA engineers for technical support.

MAGMA annual user group meeting gather on day 1 for the general group session

 MAGMA looks to its customers to help them continue to improve and grow as an organization. MAGMA sees itself as an asset to their customers’ entire organization and wants to help them to not only utilize MAGMASOFT to its fullest potential, but to go beyond the engineering department and implement MAGMASOFT in their entire organization, i.e. in sales and marketing, production, and quality departments. The more areas in the customer’s organization where MAGMASOFTis utilized, the more productive and profitable their operations become, according to company president Christof Heisser.

Christof Heisser, President of MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc. welcomes the MAGMASOFT users to the 2011 North American User Group Meeting.

MAGMASOFT users addressed the group with their presentations.  Greg Miskinis from Thyssen Krupp Waupaca presented “How To Get Management to Write the Big Check.” Keith Pearl from Caterpillar South Milwaukee discussed “Utilizing MAGMASOFTin the Supply Chain.” Brodie Biersner and Sairam Ravi, both from the University of Northern Iowa, presented papers on mold instrumentation and simulation of veining defects using MAGMAapi, respectively. Lastly, Charlie Monroe from Caterpillar closed out the general session with his presentation entitled “Save Money Using MAGMAfrontier.”

In addition, three candidates, Ivy Courtney from Riverside Brass, Jason Lythjohan from Premier Aluminum and Ian McNally from Hodge Foundry gave their presentations for their MAGMASOFTCertification within the MAGMA User Group.

Steve Sikorski and Benji Johnson (seated at front table) both from MAGMA facilitate the non-ferrous breakout group discussion on “roadblocks”

After completing a questionnaire regarding different roadblocks during the general session, the 120 MAGMA users in attendance were split into one of four categories: HPDC, Non-ferrous, Steel or Iron. In these groups, potential roadblocks such as set-up and analysis of simulation, calculation times, hardware (memory, speed), capability (training) of users, immediate management, upper management, workload, communication issues with customers, as well as others were discussed in a peer-to-peer group setting, with attendees as well as MAGMA staffers providing possible solutions.

Matt Jacobs of MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc. facilitated the general sessions.

           The advanced use of MAGMASOFTand specifically its latest version MAGMA5was a recurring topic in the traditional small group breakout sessions.  In addition, guest speakers presented process and alloy specific topics, creating an environment for interaction between these technical experts, users and MAGMA staff. To close the two-day meeting, details of the anticipated version 5.2 and future developments were presented to the User Group.

For more information on this release, please contact: Christof Heisser President MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc. 10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425 Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone 847-969-1001 ext. 225 Email cheisser@magmasoft.com Web www.magmasoft.com

 Agency contact: Wendy McCormick Bernard & Company 847-934-4500 wendy@bernardandcompany.com

 

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Penn State Erie receives $3.7 million gift in software from SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.

Schaumburg, IL. — SIGMA Plastic Services Inc. has donated SIGMASOFT® polymer process simulation software to Penn State Erie’s School of Engineering at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, a gift valued at $3.7 million.

With this software, the campus has new technical capabilities for its soon-to-open Medical Plastics Center of Excellence and current Medical Plastics certificate program, two initiatives that address the emerging medical plastics market.

The U.S. market for medical plastics is growing at a rate of 5 percent to 10 percent annually and sales are projected to reach $6.55 billion in 2012.”Thanks to SIGMA Plastic Services, our students and faculty members will be able to develop the next generation of medical devices. This is a great partnership between academia and industry that ultimately benefits our students,” said Ralph Ford, director of the School of Engineering.

The $3.7 million gift supports Penn State Behrend’s goal of raising $32 million during the University’s current capital campaign, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. To date, the college has secured 81 percent of that goal.

Penn State Behrend’s Medical Plastics Center of Excellence is an applied research and outreach center that supports companies in the development of new medical devices and packaging, technologies that could not exist without advanced plastics materials. SIGMASOFT® software, designed for the molding of advanced elastomer, silicone and thermoplastic materials, supports these technologies.

Students enrolled in the Plastics Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree program can pursue the Medical Plastics certificate. The 14-credit certificate program prepares graduates for careers in medical product development with courses in advanced materials, new product design, manufacturing, and FDA regulatory issues. Nationwide, this is the only medical plastics certificate or degree program offered at the undergraduate level.

“Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of SIGMA products and will be better prepared to put what they have learned into practice after graduation,” said James Chiamardas, president of TPStek. “This is the first gift of SIGMASOFT® to a college or university in the United States. We’re pleased to work with Penn State Behrend on this important initiative.”

James Chiamardas, a Penn State Erie plastics alumnus and Erie native, played a key role in securing the gift. Chiamardas earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees in Plastics Engineering Technology. He is president of TPStek, LLC, a SIGMASOFT® reseller.

TPStek will provide technical support for the software, which is included in the value of the gift.

Christof Heisser, President of SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc. says, “We are happy to provide the School of Engineering at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, with 25 seats of SIGMASOFT®, thereby giving students access to state-of-the-art Polymer System Simulation. Simulation has revolutionized the manufacturing world in the last 25 years and has become an integral part of the manufacturing process. It is, therefore, essential to integrate this technology into the education of the next generation of engineers and we at SIGMA are proud that one of the leading universities in the manufacturing world has decided to work with our simulation tool.”

SIGMA Plastics Services is in Schaumburg, IL. Located outside of Chicago, SIGMA Plastics Services Inc. is part of SIGMA Engineering GmbH, headquartered in Aachen, Germany. SIGMA provides 3D Polymer System Simulation software and engineering solutions to companies throughout the world.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties should contact: SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc. 10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 USA

Phone:  +1 847 969 1001 x 225 Email:  cheisser@3dsigma.com Web: www.3dsigma.com Attention:  Christof Heisser, President

Agency contact for SIGMA: Wendy McCormick Bernard & Company Palatine, Illinois (Chicago) USA +1 847 934 4500 wendy@bernardandcompany.com

www.bernardandcompany.com

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SIGMA: SPE GGS June Lunch Seminar Webinar

SPE GGS June Lunch Seminar Webinar

Fred Phillips, Regional Manager of SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc. will be giving a seminar on “The Next Generation of Injection Molding” at the June 30th SPE GGS lunch.

Seminar Abstract

In-depth injection molding simulation software has typically been used by analysts who have the expertise to setup the complex mesh model required for simulation.  With advanced simulation technology from SIGMA, injection molding simulation is easier to use and more accurate than ever.  This opens the door to product designers, project managers, and engineers in charge of polymer injection molds and processes, as well as analysis groups.  Companies no longer need to rely on a “meshing expert” to employ injection molding simulation.

The presentation will highlight the power of injection molding simulation when considering 3D mold components, cooling channels, the complete runner system, and part geometries coupled with multi-cycle analysis.  Simulation is a must-have tool for companies wanting to evaluate ‘what if’ scenarios of the entire injection molding process early in the design and tooling stages.

Seminar/Webinar Information

Where: Exponent, Inc. 149 Commonwelath Drive, Menlo Park, CA
When: Thursday, June 30, 2011, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (lunch provided to those attending the seminar)
Cost: Lunch: $20 non-members, $15 members, $10 students/unemployed/retired – cash at door or via Paypal
Cost: Webinar: $10 – Paypal only. WebEx invitation will be sent upon receipt of payment
RSVP: Jennifer Hoffman at jhoffman@exponent.com; RSVP by noon, Tuesday, June 28th.

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CASTING SIMULATION ACHIEVES NEW LEVELS WITH MAGMA5

MAGMA presents the economic benefits of casting process simulation at GIFA 2011

The process orientation of MAGMA5 illustrated using die casting

During the upcoming GIFA 2011 show in Dusseldorf, Germany, Magma will present its new software generation for casting process simulation, MAGMA5. At the 300 sq. m stand 12A16, the company will demonstrate how casting process simulation with MAGMA5 can be used for optimization at all stages of casting manufacturing to contribute to foundry profitability. MAGMA will show the newest version MAGMA5 5.2 with extended capabilities for all cast materials and processes, introduce its new software MAGMA C+M for the simulation of the core production processes and provide a view into the future of autonomous optimization of casting processes. Additionally, MAGMA is participating in the initiative “ecoMetals” from the Messe Düsseldorf, which supports companies who develop innovative products and processes leading to a more efficient use of energy. MAGMA will demonstrate, using practical examples, how the application of casting process simulation considerably increases a foundry’s energy and resource efficiency.

MAGMA5 – optimized simulation

Autonomous optimization of casting processes and layouts, shown here for gating optimization in die casting, is the future of casting processsimulation.

MAGMA5 5.2 introduces several new simulation capabilities: new process modes for permanent mold, low pressure sand and low pressure die casting, as well both hot-chamber and cold-chamber die casting, allow for detailed process-specific definitions. The software also supports process design by controlling process parameters during a simulation run. For gravity casters, process modules for DISAMATIC and investment casting are now available.

At GIFA, MAGMA will also present its newest developments for the quantitative prediction of as-cast and heat treated local microstructures and properties in aluminum, iron and steel castings. MAGMA5 simulates sand and reoxidation inclusions during mold filling and predicts defects related to molding materials. MAGMAnonferrous calculates the final microstructure and mechanical properties for aluminum alloys considering the metallurgy, inoculation, and hydrogen content of the melt. MAGMAiron predicts local microstructures for iron materials from graphite growth through to the distribution of phases making up the matrix. MAGMAsteel calculates macrosegregation in steel castings and the local microstructure resulting from heat treatment.

The stress module MAGMAstress for the first time offers casters the option to calculate thermally induced casting stresses in permanent molds for all manufacturing steps, including heat treatment and finishing, in order to predict casting crack problems and distortion. The simulated distortion results can be evaluated just as on a coordinate measuring machine and compared directly with real measurements. For the first time, the new module MAGMAdielife facilitates the evaluation of the effects of tooling design and thermal stresses on the durability of permanent molds.

MAGMA Core+Mold – transparency in core production

With MAGMA C+M, the simulation of the core shooting process is possible for complex tools, shown here for three cores including blow tubes in a single core box.

With MAGMA C+M, MAGMA introduces an integrated tool for the simulation of core production processes. MAGMA C+M simulates core shooting, blowing and hardening of organic and inorganic cores. Processes where binder hardening is driven by a catalyst gas as well

as core production with tempered core boxes are supported. MAGMA C+M considers all aspects of core production starting from the core shooter, in order to calculate the flow of the air-sand mixture based on the real shot parameters. An integrated database provides the ability to specify the characteristics of the sand and the binder system as well as core box vents and blow tubes. The program simulates gassing, purging and the curing reaction of gas-hardened cores. The design and control of core box tempering for heat-cured cores (hotbox, croning, inorganic) is effectively supported by modeling of heating cartridges and oil channels.  For inorganic cores, MAGMA C+M calculates the drying of the core in the heated core box as well as due to transport of water vapor by hot air during gassing. MAGMA C+M takes advantage of all the functionality of MAGMA5 and is available as an add-on module to MAGMA5 or asa stand-alone product.

Autonomous optimization is the future

With autonomous optimization, foundrymen can make use of simulation in order to pursue their objectives for quality and cost. Autonomous optimization makes proposals for the right casting layout or the optimum process parameters. The virtual test foundry in the computer enables variation of parameters and systematic examination of influencing variables leading up to the optimum configuration. Based on the fundamental physics embedded in MAGMA5, the program finds the best possible dimensions and positions of ingates, as well as the location of feeders and chills including their optimum size. Using industrial examples, MAGMA will present state-of-the-art capabilities and provide a view into the future of optimization.

MAGMA – very involved

At the accompanying WFO Technical Forum, MAGMA will give presentations on the topics of aluminum casting, core production, and optimization. At the NewCast exhibition, which takes place in parallel with GIFA, simulation specialists will discuss the prediction of residual stresses and distortion in cast iron components.

MAGMA also has a further exhibition stand (12A15) as part of the “Get-In-Form” project “Youth-Technology-Future” (“Jugend-Technik-Zukunft“).  Here, the attractiveness of work as a professional or specialist in the metal casting industry will be illustrated to students and apprentices in an entertaining and interactive manner.


About software for casting process simulation

Casting process simulation software considers the complete casting process including mold filling, solidification and cooling, and also provides the quantitative prediction of mechanical properties, thermally induced casting stresses and the distortion of cast components. Simulation accurately describes a cast component’s quality upfront before production starts, thus the casting layout can be designed with respect to the required component properties. This results in a reduction in pre-production sampling, but also the precise layout of the complete casting system leads to energy, material and tooling savings for the foundry.

The range of application of MAGMA solutions comprises all cast alloys, from cast iron to aluminum sand casting, permanent mold and die casting up to large steel castings. The software supports the user in component design, the determination of melting practice and casting methodology through to mold making, heat treatment and finishing. This saves costs consequently along the entire casting manufacturing line.

During the last 10 years, the use of casting process simulation has become a valuable business asset for many foundries. MAGMA5 now expands the capabilities of casting process simulation and will further accelerate the acceptance of this technology.


About MAGMA

 MAGMA offers comprehensive solutions to the metal casting industry, casting buyers and casting designers worldwide. The MAGMA product and service portfolio includes the powerful modular simulation software MAGMASOFT®,with the newest release MAGMA5, as well as engineering services for casting design and optimization.

Today, MAGMASOFT® is used throughout the metal casting industry, especially for the optimization of cast components in automotive and heavy industry applications.

MAGMA Giessereitechnologie GmbH was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Aachen, Germany. A global presence and support are guaranteed by offices and subsidiaries in the USA, Singapore, Brazil, Korea, Turkey, India and China. Additionally, more than 30 qualified partners represent MAGMA around the world.

 For more information on this release, please contact:

Christof Heisser President MAGMA Foundry Technologies, Inc. 10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425 Schaumburg, IL 60173 Phone 847-969-1001 ext. 225

Email: cheisser@magmasoft.com Web: www.magmasoft.com

 Agency contact: Tim Daro Bernard & Company 847-934-4500 tdaro@bernardandcompany.com

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