SIMTEQ Newsletter April 2024

Introduction
Events
Product of the month
The art of engineering
New releases
Tips & Training
As we gear up for an exciting month ahead, we're thrilled to bring you the latest updates and events happening in the world of engineering simulation.

First up, mark your calendars for the Machine Tools Africa (MTA) Expo, taking place from the 21st to the 24th of May at the Nasrec Expo Centre. This premier event promises to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the machine tools industry, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

But that's not all! We're also delighted to announce the SIMTEQ Users Conference, scheduled for the 23rd of July at the CSIR International Convention Centre. Take advantage of our Early Bird special offer and register before the 30th of April 2024 to secure your spot for only R1 620.00 excl VAT. Join us and MSC Software for an enriching experience where you can learn from industry experts, share your success stories and explore the latest advancements in engineering simulation.

At the SIMTEQ Users Conference, we want to hear from you! Share how you've leveraged MSC Software tools to tackle complex challenges and achieve remarkable results. It's an opportunity to connect with industry peers, gain valuable insights and showcase your achievements from the past year.

Interested in showcasing your products or services at the conference? We're offering exhibit space for those who want to highlight their offerings to a diverse audience of engineering professionals. Apply below to secure your spot and elevate your brand presence at this prestigious event.

Also, don't miss our upcoming training courses to enhance your skills and expertise. From the CRA251 Course starting on the 7th to the 9th of May, to the FEA101 course from the 13th to the 17th of May and the STU701 course on the 28th and 29th of May 2024, there's something for everyone looking to expand their knowledge in engineering simulation.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements in the coming months.

We can't wait to see you at the MTA Expo and the SIMTEQ Users Conference!
Regards
Managing Director

Randshow at Nasrec Expo Centre

SIMTEQ Engineering attended the Rand Show from the 28th of March to the 1st of April, leaving us with a lot of curious potential customers or partners. The event was hosted at the Nasrec Expo Centre and this year it was quite big!
Excitement was experienced like never before at the Rand Show 2024.
Attendees immersed themselves in a captivating blend of entertainment, innovation and discovery. 

From thrilling live performances to cutting-edge exhibitions, the expo promised an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

With learning advantages like Engineering Solutions & Simulation Technology, Engineering Design & Analysis and Training & Engineering Knowledge Transfer.

Machine Tools Africa

Join SIMTEQ Engineering at Machine Tools Africa – Africa's premier Machine Tools Exhibition, taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre from May 21st to 24th!

As Africa's largest showcase of machine tools technology, this event brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts to explore the latest advancements in manufacturing technology.

Visit us at stand number F15, where we'll be showcasing our Engineering Solutions & Simulation Technology, Engineering Design & Analysis, Training and much more.

It's the perfect opportunity to connect with our team, learn about our cutting-edge solutions and share in our engineering knowledge.

Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to experience firsthand the latest in machine tools technology and discover how SIMTEQ Engineering can empower your business.

SIMTEQ Users Conference 2024

SIMTEQ Engineering, Hexagon and MSC Software are hosting the SIMTEQ Users' Conference to allow our customers to share how they used MSC Software tools to solve complex problems.

We would like to invite you to come and attend the conference to show us what you have been busy with the last year and also to see what your industry colleagues have been up to.

If you would like to showcase your products or services we would also like to allow you to do so and you apply below for exhibit space.

Our User Conference will take place on 23 July at the CSIR International Convention Centre.
Early Bird Special now for R1 620.00 excl VAT if registrations are done before 30 April 2024.
​Make sure to book your spot now!

Injection mould manufacturing for a competitive future with Moldex3D

It is no secret that in today’s world manufacturers are faced with increasing challenges to produce at reduced costs and time-to-market while increasing product warranty timelines and quality. Demand for production increases, while supply needs to keep up and compete with global economies. The additional pressure also does not always allow companies to consolidate experience and keep their workforce on the sharp end of the scale with training and courses. Smaller, local businesses need to compete with the acquisition power and growth of international corporations.

Despite all these challenges product suppliers face, certain manufacturers (big and small) still rise to the challenge, not only to survive the pressure, but also to thrive in it. The competitive companies are the ones that can adapt to new challenges and opportunities flexibly and quickly. Combining experience with engineering tools, they can compete with reduced risks and more innovative solutions.
Distinguishing between competitive and laggard manufacturers.

Research done by the Aberdeen Group (www.aberdeen.com) showed that manufacturers utilising digital technologies, engineering simulation and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) tools were far more likely to succeed in the time-to-market, quality and cost targets, compared to the ones that did not use it. Additionally, products of the competitive companies had reduced product recalls, quality issues and gained valuable design and process insights compared to traditional workflows. Critically, CAE technology enabled them not only to predict certain project risks but also to influence the cost impacts for the lifecycle of a part’s production process.
Traditionally, engineering simulation technologies were utilized only in the final verification of product performance. However, in the last decade, engineers incorporated it into their design decision-making process to explore different concepts and ideas, as well as using the same technologies to evaluate manufacturing processes. The virtual prototyping environment allows engineers to experiment with various process flows without consuming resources in terms of materials and interrupting production lines. The virtual manufacturing environment also helps to identify and prevent product flaws and defects associated with the accompanying production process.
As of today, CAE technology allows us to simulate most major manufacturing processes like forming, welding, additive manufacturing, casting and the most cost-driven of them all – injection moulding.
Simulating Injection moulding manufacturing with Moldex3D

The injection moulding manufacturing process is distinctly known for its capability to consistently produce large volumes of parts with intricate shapes for almost all industry sectors. However, getting to the stage of continuously putting our parts without defects is a costly and challenging process. Extensive experience is required for the tool design to ensure consistent, quality parts, produced at adequate cycle times.
As the tools for most injection moulded parts require advanced milling techniques, costs and lead times remain significant risks for manufacturers and tier suppliers. What is more - the lead times of the tool development often interfere with the promised production schedule, resulting in penalties, reduced return on investment and profits.

Adding engineering to the equation, CAE software can be used to model the physics involved. The ability to virtually evaluate and verify a tool design and the effects on the produced part can give manufacturers the advantage of identifying potential issues before cutting any material for an injection mould tool.

Moldex3D is the industry-leading, world-class injection moulding simulation software to evaluate and verify injection mould tool design and processes. The engineering software gives manufacturers the ability to simulate the complete process to investigate, predict and solve issues associated with the manufacturing process.
As the tools for most injection moulded parts require advanced milling techniques, costs and lead times remain significant risks for manufacturers and tier suppliers. What is more - the lead times of the tool development often interfere with the promised production schedule, resulting in penalties, reduced return on investment and profits.

Adding engineering to the equation, CAE software can be used to model the physics involved. The ability to virtually evaluate and verify a tool design and the effects on the produced part can give manufacturers the advantage of identifying potential issues before cutting any material for an injection mould tool.

Moldex3D is the industry-leading, world-class injection moulding simulation software to evaluate and verify injection mould tool design and processes. The engineering software gives manufacturers the ability to simulate the complete process to investigate, predict and solve issues associated with the manufacturing process.
Eliminate defects and move towards zero prototypes from the start.

Moldex3D gives manufacturers the capability to strategically plan and execute part production by virtually experimenting with different tool parameters such as parts per batch, cooling channels, gate locations, packing and runner systems. The simulation can help to identify potential risks and eliminate defects without cutting tool billets or interrupting an existing production line. Supplementing Moldex3D with experience, manufacturers can move towards a significantly reduced number of prototypes and uncertainties when starting with parts production.
Traditionally, manufacturers had to rely on mould trials to improve tool design. Improved tools required reworking or even re-cutting of materials, allowing for costs to build up at an early stage of a project. Each mould trial required construction at the centre of the improvement iteration process.

With the help of Moldex3D, the development iteration can be moved to an earlier stage of the production planning program. This shift allows manufacturers to virtually evaluate mould design without constructing a mould tool for each design iteration. Tool designers have now the freedom to explore and experiment with innovative, and even radical ideas, without risking resources or investment costs.

Moldex3D helps to prevent and fix defects like:
• Short Shots
• Hesitation
• Flow Unbalance
• Weld Lines
• Air Traps
• Jetting
• Thermal Degradation
• Sink, Flow and Burn Marks
• Flashes
• Warpage
• Residual Stress

However, Moldex3D does not only influence the stage before mould construction and trial. The CAE software also enables engineers to improve cycle times and production output by evaluating different injection moulding process parameters to find the optimal balance between quality and speed.
Determine part performance for postproduction.

Engineers can even go one step further and determine the structural performance of the designed part. Changing the gate locations of the mould can influence the material properties, especially when the materials contain fibre. The fibre orientation will influence the structural performance of the injection moulded part and these properties can be exported from Moldex3D to be analysed in a nonlinear structural analysis solver like MSC Nastran and Marc.
Competitive manufacturing starts with digital technology, not with legacy and resources.

To conclude, simulation tools and CAE software like Moldex3D provide engineers and manufacturers with the ability to digitally explore different manufacturing alternatives and to virtually experiment with innovative concepts to reduce risks, time-to-market and resources.

In an ever-changing economic environment, increased consumer demand and global competition, manufacturers are not able to sustainably rely only on experience alone. Moldex3D is becoming an increasingly powerful tool to provide factories with flexibility and insights into innovative injection moulding solutions to remain competitive and to convert experience into daily knowledge.
Don’t hesitate, simulate!

Unveiling the Ingenious Mechanics of Sewing Machines

In a world of technological marvels, one invention often overlooked for its sheer brilliance is the humble sewing machine. Behind its unassuming exterior lies a world of intricate engineering and ingenuity that has revolutionised the textile industry and transformed how we create and mend fabrics.

At first glance, a sewing machine may appear to be a simple device—a combination of needles, thread and fabric. However, upon closer inspection, its mechanism reveals a sophisticated interplay of moving parts, precision engineering and innovative design.

One of the most remarkable features of sewing machines is their ability to create uniform stitches with remarkable speed and accuracy. This feat is achieved through a precise synchronization of components, including the needle, bobbin, feed dog and presser foot, all working in perfect harmony to form seamless stitches.

Central to the operation of a sewing machine is the oscillating shuttle or rotary hook mechanism, which facilitates the smooth movement of the thread through the fabric. As the needle penetrates the fabric, the shuttle or hook rotates, capturing the thread and interlocking it with the bobbin thread to create a secure stitch.

But the genius of sewing machines extends beyond their stitching capabilities. Many modern sewing machines are equipped with advanced features such as automatic threading, adjustable stitch length and width and programmable embroidery patterns. These innovations not only enhance efficiency but also empower users to unleash their creativity and craftsmanship.

Moreover, sewing machines have played a pivotal role in driving social and economic progress, particularly for women. With the advent of mass-produced sewing machines in the 19th century, textile production shifted from labour-intensive hand sewing to mechanized manufacturing, opening up new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

Today, sewing machines continue to be indispensable tools in industries ranging from fashion and textiles to automotive and aerospace. Their versatility, reliability and efficiency make them invaluable assets for manufacturers, designers, and hobbyists alike.

In essence, the surprising genius of sewing machines lies not only in their mechanical complexity but also in their profound impact on society and culture. From revolutionizing textile production to empowering individuals to express their creativity, these remarkable machines exemplify the timeless marriage of innovation and craftsmanship.

Patran 2023.4

Dear Patran User,

Patran 2023.4 is now available at the Software Download Center.

You won’t want to miss Patran 2023.4,  which expands Patran’s rotor dynamics capabilities, adds composites enveloping, and enhances the graphic interface. You can see the full list of enhancements and learn more about them on our SimCompanion page

Here are the highlights of Patran 2023.4

  • Rotordynamics: In 2023.4, Patran adds support for setting up 1D, 2D, and 3D rotors. Patran also adds support for MSC Nastran’s Sol 128 solver solutions for rotordynamics. 
  • HDF5 Postprocessing: Composites enveloping: Multi-load case result scenarios are now supported in Patran 
  • User experience enhancements: Patran now supports property and material-based rendering. This is a prerequisite for part based rendering which will be implemented soon.

Download Patran 2023.4 to take advantage of these improvements. Want to check out past updates or find documentation? Visit our SimCompanion page.

Elements 2023.3

Dear Elements User,

Elements 2023.3 is now available at the Software Download Center.

Click here to learn about What’s New in Elements 2023.3.

This release follows close on the heels of 2023.2 where we introduced Easy5 libraries in Elements. This release includes the following fixes and improvements:

  • Fixed licensing issues when generating an Easy5 FMU in Elements.
  • Improved error diagnostics messages for licensing errors.
  • Fixed connections errors between certain Easy5 components
  • Improved installer logic in Linux to automatically find intel compiler.
CAEfatigue 2023.2

Dear CAEfatigue User,

The newest version of CAEfatigueis now available at the Software Download Center.

You won’t want to miss CAEfatigue 2023.2, which introduces support for aerospace load spectrum, automatic 3D skinning, and nodal averaging for 2D and 3D elements in the time domain.  

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in CAEfatigue 2023.2

Aerospace load spectrum file support

Calculate damage with CAEfatigue for flight missions and/or flight hours in the aerospace industry instead of relying on older or in-house methods.

Automatic 3D skinning

Reduce model sizes for improved speed. Automatic 3D skinning will help you focus on the surface of the 3d model for performance and more detailed analysis.

Support for nodal averaging for 2D and 3D elements in the time domain

Produce stress-averaged results at model nodes: a procedure that fits certain workflows better

Support for 2D element center strain gauges

Set virtual strain gauges at either element centers or element nodes for greater flexibility when evaluating fatigue and stress in critical locations. 

Support for static offset with Factors of Safety (FOS)

Include residual stress effects, such as cases where mean stress fields caused by fabrication, when computing the factors of safety of the loads in working conditions.

Productivity and high-performance computing updates

Graphical user interface enhancements

Download CAEfatigue 2023.2 to take advantage of these improvements. Want to check out past updates or find documentation? Visit our SimCompanion page

SIMTEQ Engineering Webinar
Contact and Everything That you Need to Know About it
7 October 2022
11:30 - 12:30

Contact and Everything
That you Need to Know About it

Registration
MSC Apex Tip
How to create and apply a hydrostatic pressure in MSC Apex
While MSC Apex may seem not to support defining a hydrostatic pressure, it does indeed.

A hydrostatic pressure increases with depth but stays zero above the fluid surface level. For this purpose, a simple function comes in handy to calculate the pressure as a function of the vertical coordinate, however, if a location where the pressure is applied, is above the chosen height, it should assign a value of zero.

The function is:
Pressure=max (0, density*gravity*(fluidlevel-z)) where z is the vertical coordinate and fluidlevel is the z-value (height) of the fluid surface in the same coordinate system.
The Equation Field script under Custom Scripts > Attribution > LoadsBCs (see figure 1), supports any Python equation and uses the same syntax, without the equal sign and variable before it, i.e. the above equation will simply be entered in the equation field as:
max(0,density*gravity*(fluidlevel-z) ).

You then simply supply a name for the pressure (or load) and select the surfaces to which it should be applied and complete the operation.

In the same form group, below the Equation Field button, the Display Spatial Load button allows you plot the applied values of the load you created using the with the Equation Field by selecting it in the model or model tree.

The plot of the selected surfaces appears in a separate window with a coloured fringe of the applied values for verification purposes.
An updated version of the script is to appear in the 2024.1 version of Apex where this function can be applied to any existing load or local coordinate system.

If you wish to learn more about scripting in MSC Apex, start by recording a macro and reading more about it in the help documentation (figure 2).
Training

FEA101 - Finite Element Analysis Fundamentals
- 6 Days

Software Package: MSC Apex

Price: R 19 300.00/p excl VAT

(A 25% discount applies if attendance is online)

Students and lecturers: R 2 310.00/p excl VAT

Date: 07 May - 08 May 2024

Duration: 5 Days

CPD Accredited: Yes

More Information
Registration

STU701 - Structural Mechanics
- 2 Days

Price: R 7 700.00/p excl VAT (A 25% discount applies if attendance is online)

Students and lecturers: R 7 700.00/p excl VAT

Date: 28 May - 29 May 2024

Duration: 2 Days

CPD Accredited: Yes

More Information
Registration

MAR101&102 - Nonlinear Analysis using Marc and Mentat

Software Package: Marc

Price: R 1 930.00/p excl VAT (A 25% discount applies if attendance is online)

Students and lecturers: R 1 930.00/p excl VAT

Date: 10 June - 14 June 2024

Duration: 5 Days

CPD Accredited: Yes

More Information
Registration

CRA251, 301 - Introduction to scFlow and scStream

Software Package: CradleCFD

Price: R11 500.00/p excl VAT

(A 25% discount applies if attendance is online)

Students and lecturers: R 1 150.00/p excl VAT

Date: 2 July - 4 July 2024

Duration: 3 Days

CPD Accredited: Yes

More Information
Registration
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