Material Selection Using Mould Flow Analysis

Material Selection Using Mould Flow Analysis

Choosing the right material for a moulded component depends on more than mechanical properties alone, since how a material actually flows and cools inside a mould genuinely affects the finished part. Andel Plastics uses mould flow analysis to support material selection from our Birmingham facility, simulating how different polymer options behave under the same mould design to compare fill patterns, shrinkage and likely defect risk before a final choice is made. This kind of comparison matters most when a component sits between two or more viable material options, where the difference in mouldability could significantly affect production cost or quality further down the line. Our engineering team draws on extensive hands on experience across commodity and technically demanding engineering polymers, using simulation to back that experience with data specific to each project. Findings feed directly into our in house toolroom, so the material eventually selected is one the tool was genuinely designed around.

For manufacturers weighing up material options, this data driven approach removes much of the guesswork from that decision.