Feb 13, 2025
The use of computer software for the simulation, analysis, and optimization of plastic components and manufacturing processes is called CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering).
In plastics processing, CAE is used to examine mechanical stresses, flow behavior in injection molds, and thermal influences during the development phase. This helps reduce material usage, production times, and costs while improving part quality. Typical CAE tools include FEM (Finite Element Method) for structural and strength analysis, as well as mold flow simulations to predict filling behavior in injection molding. The use of CAE enables early error detection and optimization before physical prototypes are created. This leads to a more efficient product development process and improved process reliability.
Automation Technology: Schematic representation of computer-aided processes during development
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This glossary of plastic industry is provided by PLEXPERT Canada Inc.
Feb 25, 2025
An integrated software solution for managing and optimizing business processes in plastic processing is called Enterprise Resource Planning or short ERP-System. It enables the management of material procurement, production, inventory, order processing, and financial accounting within a central system. In the plastics industry, an ERP system helps monitor material consumption, efficiently plan machine capacities, and optimize production processes. By integrating with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), production data can be recorded and analyzed in real time. This improves batch traceability, reduces scrap, and increases production efficiency. Specialized ERP solutions for the plastics industry take into account factors such as recipe management, tool management, and raw material traceability. A well-implemented ERP system significantly contributes to efficiency improvement and cost reduction in plastic processing.
Automation Technology: Input form for
part cost calculation in an ERP system
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This glossary of plastic industry is provided by PLEXPERT Canada Inc.
Mar 6, 2025
The sampling of injection molding tools is crucial for a company’s economic efficiency. A structured and documented approach to sampling ensures high product quality.
This important process is digitalized with the IMG (Injection Molding Guide). The IMG is a digital process guide that ensures safe sampling. The user is guided through the sampling process in 10 steps.
All necessary data, such as material data sheets, CAD datasets, and machine data, are available at the touch of a button. All data is centrally managed in an SQL database within the company network for future access.
Automation technology: Display of master data for a new
mold sampling
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This glossary of plastic industry is provided by PLEXPERT Canada Inc.
Jan 30, 2025
Fast access to current data is important for efficient and safe working.
Access points that are used to call up a manual for a temperature control unit or the circuit diagram for a machine, for example, are called SmartTags.
Typically, the round SmartTags are used to call up documents or system functions.
The rectangular SmartTags are used under the term SmartTag Mold for installation in injection molds.
Touching a SmartTag (regardless of the version) with a SmartPhone is sufficient to activate the function stored on the SmartTag.
This usually relates to services that are available on the intranet or, cloud-based, on the Internet.
One of these services is, for example, the free document management service Xfiles.
The access points can be programmed and customized using free programs such as the Plexpert SmartTag Writer app.
The use of SmartTags saves valuable time in everyday use. The latest version of information is always immediately available on the spot.
Automation technology: Selection of round SmartTags for different applications
Automation technology: SmartTag Mold utilisation directly on the injection mold
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This glossary of plastic industry is provided by PLEXPERT Canada Inc.
