Episode #2: A project between rheology and industrialization
AgriProTech is a Breton company specialized in the design of sound repellents and scare solutions for unwanted bird species invading crops (crows, ravens, starlings, seagulls, jackdaws…) and game (deer, roe deer, wild boars…). The objective is to keep animals away from sensitive activities.
The design office Auray Plast conducted a rheological study to ensure the industrialization of the AgriProTech electronic device. Since the device is a relatively large piece, the first step was to ensure that our presses had sufficient locking force and the necessary injectable volume.
The engineers from the design office then analyzed the piece to see if the thicknesses were consistent for optimal filling during injection. The goal is to prevent defects in the piece and avoid air inclusions (burns) and potential weaknesses in the weld lines.
Rheology, a question of anticipation
Rheology allows us to predict the flow of plastic in the mold during injection and thus anticipate manufacturing defects such as weld lines, air inclusions, and sink marks. Rheology allows positioning the injection point, analyzing the flow rate, and determining the injection parameters. It is a key step in the industrialization of a piece prior to mold design.
Rheological studies as a guarantee of quality
Several simulations were carried out by the design office to facilitate injection while preserving the properties of the piece in collaboration with its designer (ES3D – Erwan Tardivel).
The piece was modified, preferential filling zones were created to facilitate a homogeneous flow towards venting areas.
The study allowed:
- Uniform and constant filling with better material distribution from the injection point while maintaining relatively constant thicknesses.
- Avoiding weld lines to maintain the rigidity of the piece.
- Eliminating air inclusions that cause burn risks.
- Optimizing pre-injection thanks to our electric presses and promoting gas venting.
Mold design: a crucial point
The mold was designed
in France by one of our mold partners. A preliminary study was carried out by
our team to ensure that it met our processes and customer needs.
Upon receipt of the mold, several steps were carried out during the testing and validation phase:
- Reception and control of the tool by the maintenance department.
- Mounting on the press and verification of its kinematics.
- Empty cycling to break it in.
- Partial injections.
- Full injection with holding.
- Dimensional, weight, and appearance checks.
Ecodesign in our DNA
Ecodesign is a continuous improvement approach that aims to take into account the impacts at each stage of the product’s life cycle.
Ecodesign is a continuous improvement approach that aims to take into account the impacts at each stage of the product’s life cycle.
The casing was studied and optimized to minimize the amount of material injected while meeting the specifications.
The rheological study helped avoid defects during injection to promote a durable, high-quality piece.
The piece was made with local partners for AgriProTech, a company located in Finistère, to promote proximity and reduce transportation.
Discover our design office services
The design office puts its expertise at your disposal to offer you technical services:
- Injection mold testing
- Design 3D printing prototypes
- Verification and testing of injection materials
- Production of gripping hands
- Rheological simulation & injectability