At Alfa MIMtech, technological innovation is a core pillar of our development and continuous improvement strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing of components using Metal Injection Molding (MIM), continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence have defined us since our inception.
The ongoing optimization of our manufacturing processes is a key factor in delivering the highest possible quality in our parts, and to achieve this, we leverage every tool and technology at our disposal. SIGMASOFT is one of the tools that enables us to maintain high standards of precision, efficiency, and control in the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process.
SIGMASOFT: predictive engineering for MIM manufacturing
SIGMASOFT is a simulation software solution specifically designed to accurately model the multiphysics behavior of materials during the injection process. Its architecture integrates thermal, rheological, and process analyses, giving us the ability to identify and mitigate potential defects before the physical mold manufacturing stage.
Implementing SIGMASOFT allows for detailed simulation of material flow, cooling dynamics, and behavior under real operating conditions. This capability enables the proactive anticipation of defects, parametric design adjustment, and the elimination of critical inefficiencies in terms of time and resources.
At Alfa MIMtech, SIGMASOFT is integrated across all phases of our product development cycle, starting from the initial concept. Its key applications include:
- Optimized injection mold design: Enables precise adjustment of thermal distribution and feeding systems, delivering more uniform and higher-quality results.
- Early defect detection: Facilitates the identification of issues such as internal shrinkage or filling defects, among others, allowing them to be corrected during the design phase and avoiding costly post-production modifications.
- Expedited problem resolution: Enables reverse engineering of defects observed in production by correlating them with simulations to fine-tune parameters and optimize the production cycle.
The use of SIGMASOFT enables both qualitative and quantitative improvements, providing three key operational and strategic advantages:
- Risk minimization in design: The ability to optimize both the part and the mold from the early stages minimizes risks and enhances the intrinsic efficiency of the injection process.
- Quantitative parametric evaluation: Through the Design of Experiments (DoE) module, multiple parameter combinations can be evaluated to identify the most robust and reliable configuration, maximizing the final product’s quality.
- Continuous production optimization: SIGMASOFT is actively used during the production phase for fine-tuning processes, resolving issues, and minimizing resource consumption, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient operations.
Alfa MIMtech: technology that delivers real Value to the customer
The use of tools like SIGMASOFT goes beyond Alfa MIMtech’s internal operations, generating tangible and differentiating value for our customers. By integrating simulation from the earliest stages of a project, we deliver benefits at key milestones:
- Early technical validation: We can provide robust design validation, supported by concrete data and visualizations, ensuring compatibility and feasibility with the MIM technology.
- Data-driven decision-making: Simulations allow for clearly justified improvement proposals, aligning customer needs with the actual capabilities of the manufacturing process.
- Reduced lead times and cost savings: Accurate simulation avoids unnecessary iterations and minimizes failures during production ramp-up, accelerating the transition to stable and efficient manufacturing.
- Stronger customer relationships: Involving the customer in the analysis and decision-making process fosters trust and ensures optimal outcomes.
At Alfa MIMtech, tools and technologies are strategic assets that redefine our design and manufacturing processes to ensure precision, reliability, and optimal results from the very first interaction with our customers.
