The SIGMA simulation software from Kunststofftechnik Paderborn is used to evaluate and improve processing operations on co-rotating twin-screw machines and was presented to the project partners on 3 March in its current version 12.1. At this year's user meeting with representatives from industry and science, the results of the expiring project phase and the implemented innovations were presented.
In this context, the project team presented a fully comprehensive performance calculation for the co-rotating twin screw extruder and a module for estimating the length degradation of reinforcing fibres. In addition, the SIGMA3D module was extended in cooperation with IANUS Simulation so that any screw geometries can now be investigated and automatically evaluated by means of three-dimensional flow simulations.
The thematic focal points of the upcoming project phase were also presented. According to this, an assistant will be developed within the framework of SIGMA 13, which will support the user in the development of a sensible screw design. Furthermore, the upcoming project phase includes the simulation of multiphase flows and an expansion of the automated simulation evaluation. Furthermore, a modelling of the material degradation will be developed and the screw construction kit will be extended by new elements. The exchange with the project partners present also led to further suggestions for SIGMA 13.
Company representatives from Covestro Germany, Evonik Industries, IANUS Simulation, KraussMaffei Extrusion, Leistritz Extrusionstechnik and Reifenhäuser Reicofil were present.
