Because data quality is essential, DOMO has been continuously growing its proprietary databases for injection molding simulation and integrated mechanical simulation material data for more than 15 years. This helps engineers to develop parts faster and more reliably.
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Materials science and advanced database services
LINKING MATERIALS AND INNOVATION
Key advantages of DOMO's advanced database services
DOMO’s MMI harnesses an extensive database of key property measurements and is powered by Digimat, an advanced material modeling system developed and supported by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. This system offers a wide range of calculations to simulate in-use conditions realistically and predict the performance of injection-molded parts.
What we provide:
- Unique material data on optimized fiber orientation parameters in the Moldflow and Moldex3D public databases with more than 150 injection material cards
- A robust mechanical data meta-modeling approach backed by more than 15 years of scientific experience and collaboration
- A generalized local failure criterion considering the characteristics of the glass-fiber reinforced material
- The largest range of available conditions for reinforced PA material definitions on the market, including for every temperature and humidity condition
- Most advanced material laws on PA6 and PA66 compounds such as for creep or coolant aging
- Leading provider of vibration (NVH), fatigue and thermal dependency Digimat material files
- Predictive simulation with no safety coefficients to consider or over-designing of parts, saving time and money in development costs
- Proof of concept through our demonstrator parts
Injection data and mechanical material models
With MMI technology, part designers can benefit from advanced mechanical characterizations taking into account the local fiber orientation effect on stiffness and micro-structure failure mechanisms. Please note: as only one strong glass-fiber orientation fully aligned with tensile direction is assessed here, the characterized material appears stiffer than in actual parts.
Material models and measurements
Glass-fiber orientation-based measurements
In the classical approach to generate material data for mechanical simulations, a standard injection molded tensile bar is used. However, this has its limits when it comes to quantifying the anisotropic behavior of glass-fiber reinforced polymers. As only one strong glass-fiber orientation fully aligned with tensile direction is assessed here, the characterized material appears stiffer than in actual parts.
DOMO’s material models for mechanical simulation
Matching material models and mechanical load case is essential for reliable results and to optimize computation time. Thus, the material models for our TECHNYL grades correspond to a variety of load cases. When prediction of local failure is needed, a pseudo-grain-based failure criteria (FPGF) allows detailed insight into the loading of the material and the likelihood of exceeding the glass-fiber orientation-dependent material limits.
Data for rheological and thermal material models for injection molding simulation
The basis of any injection molding simulation is reliable data. To make sure this high-quality data is available, we take advantage of our in-house physical characterization laboratories, and we collaborate with external partners to characterize our TECHNYL® polyamide materials.
Video: Materials cards for TECHNYL® 4EARTH® recycled solutions
DOMO has created no less than 700 models for its TECHNYL® 4EARTH® A4E 218 grades in Digimat, so that engineers can evaluate the performance of parts by embedding a material model within their standard Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools. TECHNYL® 4EARTH® A4E 218 grades are heat-stabilized 100% recycled PA66, reinforced respectively with 30%, 35% and 50% glass fibre. This vast range of models enables customers to perform integrative simulations covering an exhaustive array of environmental conditions and load cases. Additionally, lifecycle analysis (LCA) of the product is also available.
Alexandre Chatelain, Simulation Models Database Manager at DOMO, provides more insights:
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MMI helps manufacturers understand the real behavior of materials before moving forward with physical production phases. Contact us now for more information.
Design optimization
LINKING MATERIAL AND INNOVATION
Design optimization
DOMO offers the combination of engineering experience and numerical topological optimization to identify the ideal shape of a part under given loads. Metal replacement and light-weighting are typical use-cases. The software-based topological optimization helps to create fresh ideas for ideal part design and offers a high degree of automatization. All relevant design restrictions can be considered:
In accordance with customer specifications
- Available design space
- Fixation of the part
- Areas with load applied
Respecting the manufacturing principles for the part
- Mold opening directions
- Wall thickness distribution
Weight and cost savings
- Function integration
- Reduce complexity of assembly
- Optimization of material use
With MMI technology, part designers can benefit from advanced mechanical characterizations taking into account the local fiber orientation effect on stiffness and micro-structure failure mechanisms
Contact us now
- Request related Digimat material cards for your application
- Request simulation support from our CAE experts
- Support in all major languages with local experts in our French, German and Italian teams
Molding simulation
LINKING MATERIAL AND INNOVATION
Molding simulation
Based on reliable material measurements, this process can be simulated, evaluated and visualized by DOMO’s simulation team for a full understanding of effects commonly unobservable in a molding tool. A variety of questions can be answered including best gating positions, general filling parameters, best machine settings to reach the shortest possible cycle time, low warpage parts and optimal fiber orientation for mechanical performance. For each step of the molding process, detailed results can be generated:
Filling and packing
- Determine correct gate location and runner layout
- Verify resulting pressure/clamp force in combination with injection molding machine limits
- Compare different material grades
- Determine correct process parameters
Cooling
- Check cooling layout and validate parameters efficiency
- Optimize cycle time
Shrinkage and warpage
- Verify mold design impact on part shrinkage/warpage
- Verify tolerances respect and part functionality
- Assess influence of different gating positions
As for all simulations, data quality is key. Thus, all relevant TECHNYL grades are included in the material databases of the commercially available injection molding software solutions.
Filling simulation of an e-motor mount in PA-GF
Contact us
- Request related Digimat material cards for your application
- Request simulation support from our CAE experts
- Support in all major languages with local experts in our French, German and Italian teams
Structural simulation
LINKING MATERIAL AND INNOVATION
The most relevant use case for TECHNYL® polyamides is for parts with demanding technical specifications in harsh environmental or chemical conditions from -40°C to more than +200°C, with complex mechanical loads. A complex design and development process then leads to the validation of the parts. Virtual prototyping and virtual testing play an increasingly important role in this process.
Here, MMI integrative mechanical simulation considering local glass-fiber orientation helps to evaluate and reliably prove the performance of the part by using numerical models for the parts and the polyamide material. Different part behaviors can be assessed, starting from calculations of local stresses and strains in the part, up to failure prediction.
And this can be done for different load cases, from static loads up to crash test simulation, thermal loads or fatigue.
Static and dynamic loadings/part type
Use the form below to select between static and dynamic loadings and then choose the part type. We offer the following material model types:
Static loadings
- Elastic models for model analysis
- Elasto-Plastic models
- Elasto-Plastic models taking into account aging with coolants
Dynamic loadings
MMI integrated structural simulation has been supporting engineers for more than 15 years, enabling you to understand the real behavior of parts before moving forward into the production phase. Helping avoid costly re-engineering and development iterations, the MMI process allows you to simulate fiber-reinforced parts made with TECHNYL® materials with unprecedented structural analysis accuracy. Reliable laboratory data enables you to fully exploit key material properties at the lowest cost, optimizing new designs and reducing material usage when redesigning existing parts.
Image: Virtual simulation model of MMI beam testing on the shaker
Contact us
- Request related Digimat material cards for your application
- Request simulation support from our CAE experts
- Support in all major languages with local experts in our French, German and Italian teams
APT – Application Performance Testing
Advanced application testing
Application performance testing
The DOMO APT laboratory was established to help customers move forward faster and more effectively with parts testing to validate the performance properties of the parts in conditions as close as possible to their final use. The APT expert engineering support team helps reduce your time-to-market through rigorous testing based on your specifications and requirements.
The DOMO APT laboratory comprises an extensive testing offer for fluids, including circulation, leakage, air pulsation, burst pressure, and corrosion. This is complemented by a test bench for water management systems to simulate the aging of materials in hot/cold water circulation trials at different chlorine and oxygen levels. Customers can evaluate the performance of applications under extensive real-life conditions including adaptive burst pressure, weld line resistance, surface aspect and aging testing.
Key benefits and features of APT:
- Testing for metal replacement, thermal management, corrosion, and more
- Faster time-to-market for your new parts
- Robust test benches and custom test bench development
- ISO TS 16949 quality certified laboratory with extensive automotive sector experience
- OEM-approved testing capabilities to validate parts
- 300 sqm laboratory with thermal chambers, mechanical benches, fluid and circulation systems
- Extensive testing possibilities (leaks, hydraulics, corrosion, pressure, tensile, vibration, circulation, and more)
- High-speed camera supported evaluations (1,000 fps)
- Dedicated engineering support team
Virtual simulation model and MMI beam demonstrator testing on the shaker
Virtual tour
Designing parts and choosing the optimal TECHNYL® polyamide solution is just the first step in bringing your innovative new products to market. Real-world performance after delivery is what really matters, not only for commercial success and your company’s reputation as a supplier, but also for consumer satisfaction and human safety in the long run. Discover our fully equipped laboratory, where we can support you in fast applications validation. You can switch to full view by clicking on the frame in the right corner.
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DOMO’s SERVICE HUB will give you an innovation head start! DOMO teams are committed to understanding your product requirements and market objectives in order to give you the right support to transform innovation into business success.
Static structural simulation
In many cases, the simulation focuses on a static load case. Static in this context refers to low deformation speeds of the part and thus low strain rates in the material. Our elasto-plastic material files describe the elasticity and plasticity behavior of the compound under these conditions.
They all include the first pseudo grain local failure (FPGF) mechanism to predict part failure and location. Customers will find files for every temperature and humidity rate required for their applications, together with files defined to take into account (saturated) material plasticization and aging in coolants.
Local stresses and strains vary within the part. Our elasto-plastic material laws including failure (abbreviated to EP_FPGF) are designed to describe realistically the behavior of TECHNYL® polyamides in general static load cases. For long-term loads or cyclic loads, creep and fatigue material models are recommended.
Typical fields of application include:
- Covers with gasket loads
- Mounting systems and fixations, e.g., for engines
- Automotive pedal systems like accelerator, clutch or brake pedals and their support
- Pump housings with inner pressure
- Oil filter modules and thermostat housings
- Snap fit assembly
Parts in contact with coolants and fluids are also considered taking into account aging phenomena like:
- Cool and pipes or pump housings with inner pressure
- Oil filter modules
- Thermostat housings
Image: Example of elasto-plastic material behavior in tension until break
As efficiency is key, DOMO’s MMI EP_FPGF approach does not require extra computational costs with our DIGIMAT and MMI coupling compared to pure isotropic simulation. This makes it a perfectly efficient tool in all industrial simulation frameworks. Models are available for PA6-GF and PA66-GF with varying temperature and humidity levels.
For applications that include aging with parts in contact with coolants, DOMO also provides a set of Elasto-Plastic material models that take into account the aging of the PA polymer matrix . These models enable the prediction of the plasticization and microstructure degradation in the long-term usage. With these advanced models, long term parts performances can be predicted accurately and designed accordingly.
Contact us now
- Request related Digimat material cards for your application
- Request simulation support from our CAE experts
- Support in all major languages with local experts in our French, German and Italian teams
Crash simulation
Typical fields of application include:
- Airbag housing during airbag inflation
- Front end modules
- Oil pan stone impact in engines
- Seat structures during car crash
- Ski bindings
Local stresses, strains and strain rates vary within the part under crash load. Our strain-rate-dependent elasto-plastic material laws (abbreviated to SREP) including failure are designed to describe realistically the behavior of TECHNYL polyamides in highly dynamic load cases. This includes strength hardening and strain at failure reduction with increasing velocity.
As efficiency is key, DOMO’s MMI SREP approach does not require extra computational costs with our DIGIMAT and MMI coupling compared to pure isotropic simulation. This makes it a perfectly efficient tool in all industrial simulation frameworks. Models are available for PA6-GF and PA66-GF as a basis of short-time dynamics covering mechanical properties for strain rates up to 100/s.
MMI material models
MMI material models enable you to determine failure mechanism and stiffness dependencies from variable deformation velocities during short time load dynamics.
Image: Influence of high strain rates on PA-GF material behavior
Oil pan projectile impact with MMI
Stone impact simulations on oil pan using high strain rate material models
Contact us now
- Request related Digimat material cards for your application
- Request simulation support from our CAE experts
- Support in all major languages with local experts in our French, German and Italian teams
MMI - Design and simulation services
MMI – Design and simulation services
By combining Mechanical simulation, Material modeling and Injection molding simulation, (MMI), TECHNYL® customers can understand the real behavior of their parts’ functionality before going into production. This enables engineers to create stronger, lighter and more cost-effective solutions without resorting to a trial-and-error method, while avoiding overdesigning parts
The MMI integrative structural simulation process starts with an injection molding simulation considering all relevant processing parameters to determine and to export the glass-fiber orientation in the part. To make the orientation data usable for structural simulation software, two automatized steps need to follow.
Firstly, the fiber orientation tensor data is passed on to a micro-mechanics software program like Digimat®. Using an orientation dependent mechanical material model of the respective TECHNYL® grade, the Digimat® software automatically calculates all local material properties of the part's finite element mesh for the given environmental conditions. In this second step the material data file is exported and can be integrated seamlessly to allow an anisotropic structural simulation of the part.
Using the MMI approach, an implementation of fiber-orientation-based TECHNYL® material data into most commercial FEA/CAE simulation software is easily done using available tools from Digimat® and plug-ins integrated by the respective simulation software producers. Combining DOMO’s polymer science-based material data with commercially available simulation software, the performance of injection-molded parts can be predicted in a wide range of realistic use-cases.
Based on our advanced material characterization and material models, DOMO’s MMI approach offers advanced integrated CAE capabilities to TECHNYL® customers. This service is accessible either by simulation as a service by DOMO experts, or TECHNYL® customers can run their advanced simulations in-house relying on the material data supplied.
Video: How DOMO supports customers with injection simulation data
Learn more about how to get it right the first time and go beyond the limits of isotropic simulations!
Discover all MMI possibilities with DOMO material models
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TECHNYL® LITE - A new direction in lightweight performance
DOMO’s TECHNYL® LITE is an innovative polyamide-based unidirectional (UD) composite tape that takes lightweight performance in a new direction across automotive, sports and leisure, and construction applications. This new glass or carbon fiber-reinforced composite features exceptional specific strength and stiffness, making it a versatile metal replacement solution in various applications.
Moreover, TECHNYL®LITE unidirectional composite tape not only elevates lightweighting solutions, but also stands out as a sustainable choice, being fully recyclable.
Key benefits of TECHNYL®LITE UD tape composites include:
- Weight reduction achieved through its low density and extreme rigidity and toughness
- Outstanding, highly directional mechanical properties
- Adjustable fiber content tailored to suit specific application needs
- Easy processing
- Excellent part performance retention
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Fully recyclable, as a thermoplastic material
Meeting customer needs for reinforced glass fiber polymers
The innovative UD tape, developed with A+ Composites, features polyamide as the material of choice for higher temperature resistance, improved bonding characteristics and good recyclability. The fiber content can be customized from 50 to 70% glass or carbon fiber, to meet individual customer needs. Injection molded parts can be locally reinforced in response to stress loaded areas, with flexibility in adjusting the lamination thickness and aligning fiber direction according to stress requirements.
UD tape-based composites can be manufactured using two main processes: overmolding or winding. Overmolding implies the thermoforming of tape inside a molding cavity before it overmolds onto an injection-molded part. Winding, on the other hand, entails wrapping the tape around parts with rotational geometries subject to high stress, as seen in applications like hydrogen tanks.
Why you should choose TECHNYL® LITE
- Up to 70% glass or 60% carbon fiber
- High tensile modulus
- Massive warpage reduction
- Excellent dimensional stability
- High anisotropy
- Very good thermo-mechanical properties
- 100% recyclable
Hybrid processing of composites with injection molding
Key applications of polymer UD tape
TECHNYL® LITE UD tape composites expand DOMO’s offering beyond short fiber solutions, to meet the needs of higher-end applications. The matrix of the TECHNYL® LITE product portfolio is based on DOMO’s unique high flow TECHNYL® STAR technology. As an integrated supplier of PA6 and PA66, DOMO can tailor the matrix material for the UD tape according to the specific end application.
Thanks to their exceptional levels of specific strength and stiffness, these fiber-reinforced composites are the ideal metal replacement material in a variety of applications, including automotive, sports and leisure, and construction.
TECHNYL® LITE C250 V70 with 70% glass fiber, for example, features three times the strength of short fiber composite material. It also has very good specific strength properties compared to mild steel or aluminum. Similarly, TECHNYL® LITE C210 C60, with 60% carbon fiber, provides exceptional specific strength and stiffness compared to standard materials.
These carbon fiber grades excel in demanding applications requiring both lightweight and high strength, such as for bicycle frames or components. And the glass fiber grades offer an excellent cost-performance ratio, making them a perfect choice for automotive parts. The levels of thickness can be adjusted according to requirements, with thin UD tapes used for highly adjustable load paths, and thicker layers for enhancing productivity during post-processing.
Furthermore, this polyamide-based composite material is 100% recyclable.
Customer commitment
Combining functional efficiency with esthetic qualities, TECHNYL® Engineered Materials integrates DOMO’s technical expertise with an innovative approach to development, production and testing.
By providing local support around the world while harnessing a global network, DOMO’s technical development and service centers will help you design the exact solution you need to respect your product requirements, cost constraints and production considerations.
In addition to a robust portfolio of glass fiber reinforced polymers, customers can benefit from DOMO HUB® Services, a unique platform of connected services and dedicated experts. This includes MMI TECHNYL® advanced predictive simulation, which brings together state-of-the-art services to provide customer innovation with enhanced capabilities and synergies, eco-design agility and cost optimization.
As a TECHNYL® Engineered Materials customer, you can choose from a complete portfolio of services – from material selection to prototyping and application performance testing – to accelerate your time-to-market.
Get in touch to find out more about how TECHNYL® LITE UD tape can be formulated to meet your specific metal replacement needs!
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® - A sustainable breakthrough for recycled polyamide
With manufacturers eager to reduce their environmental footprint, demand for recycled plastics for commercial applications is growing exponentially. Until recently, however, the inconsistent performance of recycled materials hindered their use in the most rigorous applications, including in the automotive sector. DOMO Engineered Materials’ TECHNYL® 4EARTH® has broken through this barrier, opening a new dimension of applications.
Providing leading-edge performance comparable to traditional polyamide 6 and 66 (PA6 and PA66), TECHNYL® 4EARTH® is commercially available in various grades with up to 50% glass or carbon fiber content. With TECHNYL® 4EARTH®, DOMO’s goal is to accelerate the use of sustainable plastics by providing top-performing grades to meet the most demanding technical requirements and broaden the scope of target applications.
TECHNYL® 4EARTH is formerly known as ECONAMID® for DOMO's sustainable PA6-based engineered materials.
Key benefits of TECHNYL® 4EARTH® polyamides
- Reduced environmental impact
- High performance properties akin to traditional virgin-based grades
- Stable and high quality
- Material tolerance and variation in glass fiber content on level with virgin grades
- Hot runner moldable
- Excellent mechanical properties
- Good aging performance
- Secured supply
DOMO’s patented process transforms stable sources of post-industrial technical textiles from the production of automotive airbags, carpets, clothing and film for the packaging industry into premium quality engineering plastics. Depending on the raw material used, DOMO adopts different recycling technologies, offering environmental benefits while still providing top-quality products and solutions with technical performance comparable to traditional TECHNYL® Engineered Materials grades.
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® reduces the environmental impact of polyamide parts to levels never before achieved. Life cycle assessment shows outstanding results, with up to 80% less CO2 emissions, up to 70% less water and up to 60% less energy consumption. The solutions based on automotive airbag waste are derived from Move 4EARTH®, the award-winning project supported by the European Commission (LIFE+ program).
Meeting customer needs
Regulatory and economic incentives are driving automotive, building and construction, and electronics manufacturers to seek sources of recycled plastic for use in their sustainable product designs. Responding to this demand with TECHNYL® 4EARTH®, DOMO is generating significant interest in the market. Commercial applications are accelerating as more and more brands and markets discover the benefits of this innovative range of high-quality recycled engineering plastics. Major manufacturers, such as Volvo, Renault and Philips, are targeting recycled content of 20% and more in their products in the coming years, with Kärcher, the leading maker of pressure washers, aiming for a more ambitious 60%.
DOMO’s proprietary recycling technology ensures both consistent material quality and security of supply to meet fast-growing demand for more sustainable, high-performance applications in a wide range of markets. TECHNYL® 4EARTH® is commercially available in various grades with up to 50% glass or carbon fiber content, with glycol resistant as well as halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) grades under development.
Why you should choose TECHNYL® 4EARTH®
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® significantly reduces the environmental impact of polyamide parts, with cradle-to-gate assessments showing outstanding results compared to traditional compounds:
- Carbon footprint reduced by up to 80%
- Energy consumption cut by up to 60%
- Water use decreased by up to 70%
Key applications
DOMO’s goal with TECHNYL® 4EARTH® is to accelerate the use of sustainable plastics by providing better-performing grades to meet today’s ever more demanding technical requirements and broaden the scope of target applications, including:
- Automotive market: bearing cages, gear-shift housings, oil pans, oil separators, cylinder head covers, air intake manifolds, transmission covers, belt protection and tensioners and more
- Electrical appliances: household, gardening and do-it-yourself appliances and more
- Consumer and industrial goods: thermal breaks/window profiles, furniture components, industrial components, sports and leisure equipment, farming tools, two-wheelers and more
As manufacturers will need to redesign production to make it easier to dismantle and recycle goods going forward, integrating the end-of-life phase into manufacturing will be a key pillar of the circular economy. The TECHNYL® 4EARTH® technology provides a new industrial perspective to automotive makers and other OEMs to better enable the reuse of plastic scrap and waste.
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® applications
DOMO is pleased to offer the TECHNYL® Xperience app, a dedicated resource for DOMO's expertise and product portfolio in engineered materials. Browse through the app and discover a whole range of selected applications in automotive, industry and consumer goods, electronics, construction, and much more. In addition, explore the range of solutions where TECHNYL® is the material of choice, including: electrical conductivity, extrusion & blow molding, fire protection, friction & wear resistance, lightweight, sustainability, thermal management and food & water contact.
Customer commitment
Combining functional efficiency with aesthetic qualities, TECHNYL® Engineered Materials integrates DOMO’s technical expertise with an innovative approach to development, production and testing.
DOMO’s technical development and service centers will help you design the exact solution you need to respect your product requirements, cost constraints, and production considerations. By providing local support around the world while harnessing a global network, DOMO’s experts help you meet your particular requirements.
In addition to a robust portfolio of sustainable polymers, customers can benefit from DOMO HUB® Services, a unique platform of connected services and dedicated experts. This includes MMI TECHNYL® Design predictive simulation, which brings together advanced services to provide customer innovation with enhanced capabilities and synergies, eco-design agility and cost optimization. As a TECHNYL® Engineered Materials customer, you can choose from among a complete portfolio of services – from material selection to prototyping – to accelerate your time-to-market.
Get in touch to learn more about how the TECHNYL® 4EARTH® sustainable breakthrough for recycled polyamide can turn your vision of environmentally-friendly design into reality!