Smart Molding International 2-2024

44 smart_molding international 2/2024 simulation & software DOMO Chemicals presents a new optimized workflow simulation tool • THERMOFIP is a joint initiative focused on expediting the introduction of innovative lightweight components in the fields of mobility cooling and water management. • THERMOFIP offers unparalleled opportunities for optimizing parts, leading to a substantial weight reduction of approximately 20% for the targeted components. • THERMOFIP provides predictive simulation which reduces the number of design cycles of complex parts and limits waste generation during the prototyping phase. A s part of a collaborative project with Toyota (TME), Renault, SOGEFI, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, and AROBAS Technologies, among others, DOMO Chemicals introduces a brand-new workflow simulation tool for polyamide parts in contact with water and coolant. This THERMOFIP workflow enables the prediction of parts resis - tance evolution after aging, supporting designers in shaping the right geometries for their new parts without the need for numerous tests. Along with automotive applications, the THERMOFIP project also delivers prediction capabilities for heating and sanitary applications, which routinely come into contact with water and coolant as well. Key application examples for polyamide 66 glass fiber compounds in the automotive space are under the hood parts in contact with coolant. Not only is this the case for internal combustion engine vehicles, but also battery electric and hybrid vehicles, and even fuel cell vehicles. In response to the need to reduce CO2 emissions and the resulting changes in engine architecture, accurate predictive simulation technology is becoming a must-have in the plastics industry. The interactions between the compound’s main ingredients (polyamide and filler) and the main components of the coolant, water and ethylene glycol, are complex. They include plasticization, which significantly decreases the compound’s glass transition temperature and hence mechanical properties in standard operating conditions. They also include chemical degradation, through hydrolysis of the polyamide chains, and the coolant concentration, which can vary fromone side of the part to another. This results in different mechanical performance levels of the material in different points of the part geometry and in time. All photos: DOMO Chemicals