Tooling and molding of automated processes such as transfer molding benefit greatly from flow and cure simulation-based computer-aided engineering, particularly for costly, high-temperature elastomers. This paper demonstrates advanced analytical rubber characterization techniques and mathematical modeling that drive custom simulation for elastomer manufacturing.
A differential scanning calorimeter and a rubber process analyzer/rheometer were employed to characterize the rubber material to obtain appropriate curing reaction and viscosity models, respectively. Significant differences in mold fill, cure and warpage were observed from custom and formulation-specific models.Such a customized modeling approach can eliminate inaccuracies emanating from the use of a free, generic, library-based data fitment approach, resulting in cost and yield benefits in formulation and process development stages.