2.3.1. Part Features

Purpose

The Part Features section defines the material loading criterion for the simulation. In this step, you establish whether the calculation will be based on a desired part thickness or a known shot weight.

Part Features Icon Access: You can access this window by clicking the Part Features icon in the main toolbar or go to Data -> Plastic Part Data -> Part features.
Part Features Window Overview Figure 1: Part Features dialog window.

Configuration Modes

You must select one of the following mutually exclusive modes to define the material input:

Target Thickness Icon
A. Target Thickness (mm)

Enter the desired nominal thickness for the part. The software uses this value as an objective to calculate the total material mass (Shot Weight) required to achieve it.

Shot Weight Icon
B. Shot Weight (kg)

Enter the exact amount of material (in kg) that will be loaded into the mould. The software uses this fixed mass to calculate how it distributes along the walls, resulting in the final thickness map of the part.

Technical Considerations

Crucial Note: Actual Thickness Distribution Even if Target Thickness is selected as an objective to calculate the required shot weight, the simulation results will always show the actual thickness distribution. The software simulates physical reality; thicknesses will vary (thinner or thicker zones) based on the geometry and rotational dynamics. It does not generate a uniform thickness.

Polymers Interaction: The values defined here are combined with the density of the material selected in the next section (Polymers) for all volumetric calculations.

Example of Thickness Distribution Results Figure 2: Example result showing actual thickness distribution (irregular walls), regardless of the input method.