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
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- 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
Key benefits
Automotive and sustainable mobility solutions
From transmission parts and powertrains to fuel, cooling, structural and electrical systems, to cockpit components and exterior, DOMO’s TECHNYL® polyamides and its teams of experts give you the ability to integrate cost, performance and esthetic features to stay competitive. TECHNYL® polyamides offer a full portfolio of solutions over a broad range of temperature and operating conditions. Harnessing these solutions for lightweighting, thermal management, flame resistance, chemical resistance, UV resistance and CO2 reduction will give you a competitive edge.
Thermal management and cooling solutions
Cooling Solutions by TECHNYL® are a material family designed for automotive thermal management. They combine superior hydrolysis and thermal aging performance in the presence of aggressive coolants and e-fluids for immersion battery cooling, for instance. Cooling Solutions by TECHNYL® are designed for both injection-molding and extrusion technologies.
For injection-molding applications, the range includes high-end compounds that perfectly meet road salt challenges in low-temperature regions, for example. And when you have to deal with high temperatures, this line of TECHNYL® solutions provides your engine with superior resistance to hot glycol. Cooling Solutions by TECHNYL® also include a cost-effective PA6 formulation for battery cooling. These grades are additionally available in sustainable TECHNYL® 4EARTH® and high-purity TECHNYL® PURE formulations, the latter being well-suited for sensors and connectors in automotive cooling systems.
For extrusion applications such as cooling pipes and corrugated cooling tubes, TECHNYL® SHAPE offers dedicated solutions to meet your temperature and pressure requirements, from AC suction lines to refrigerant lines and battery cooling systems.
After rigorous testing at OEMs and tiers level, Cooling Solutions by TECHNYL® obtained full approval for use in parts such as radiator-end tanks, expansion tanks, electronic thermostat housings, oil filter housings/modules, quick connectors, cooling pipes, EGR heat exchangers and battery cooling systems.
Air management solutions
The TECHNYL® RED range of heat-resistant polyamides is designed especially for automotive applications to resist the higher continuous heat stress of the latest-generation internal combustion and hybrid engines operating at continuous temperatures between 200°C and 220°C. This line of advanced high temperature-resistant thermoplastics helps OEMs and tier suppliers to reach new levels of performance with their turbo system parts in high performance engines.
Automotive electrical & electronics
TECHNYL® PURE is a new range of high-purity polyamide compounds specially formulated to ensure safety-critical functionality in electrical and electronic parts in electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. Newly electrified functions for higher voltage vehicles, such as e-water pumps, e-thermostat housings and e-valves, require high purity compounds to avoid corrosion and restrict contaminant migration and deposition, and for which the high purity grades of TECHNYL® PURE have been formulated.
TECHNYL® ONE halogen-free polyamides deliver a superior flowability and high-temperature matrix, as well as the best electrical properties and HFFR performance within our portfolio. This range is well suited for parts such as connectors, busbars, charging plugs, etc.
High-voltage applications
For your safety, TECHNYL® PROTECT, TECHNYL STAR® and TECHNYL® ONE are available in ORANGE for high-voltage automotive components and cabling in electric vehicles. These grades offer reliable color retention, laser-marking, flame-retardancy and high heat and fatigue resistance. Several RAL variants are available.
EV-charging stations
TECHNYL® polyamides offer a vast array of solutions for designing and producing parts for EV-charging stations through the TECHNYL® PROTECT, TECHNYL STAR® and TECHNYL® ONE lines. These ranges include an extensive UL F1 offering for use in terminal blocks, charging sockets, charging inlets, IC-CPD, etc.
Structural applications
Metal replacement with lighter weight plastics is key to today’s and tomorrow’s mobility. The chassis and body structure being the largest parts in a vehicle, the lightweighting solutions offered by TECHNYL® allow for tremendous design improvements compared to metals.
In particular, TECHNYL® MAX and TECHNYL STAR® formulations provide excellent structural solutions. TECHNYL STAR® is a high strength, high flow polyamide, while TECHNYL® MAX is a higher-stiffness glass fiber reinforced polyamide. These formulations are notably well-suited for EV applications, which require significant rigidity and fatigue resistance due to higher frequencies and cyclical loads. They are also ideal for structural components, such as transmission and motor mount cross beams, battery system mounts, air shutter grills and seat structures, as well alternator and stator parts, and battery casings (48V).
In addition, a new TECHNYL STAR® solution is now available for automotive flame-retardant needs combined with our high-flow technology.
Interior applications
TECHNYL® and TECHNYL STAR® engineered materials designed for interior applications support common product specifications as well as emerging and highly demanding requirements for comfort and esthetics. Thanks to outstanding resistance to UV radiation and light, as well as exceptional wear resistance, interior parts are durable. TECHNYL® products can be made available in several colors according to OEM requirements.
DOMO’s NYLEO® polyamide 66 fibers ensure comfortable automotive interiors based on polyamide 66 tow for flock coverings. Ideal for pillars, seats, trunk doors, rear decks, glove boxes, and window channels, these solutions provide natural softness and pleasant sensory qualities, giving the passenger compartment a feeling of elegance and harmony.
Exterior applications
Exterior applications, such as door handles, locks, and outdoor mirror frames and supports, require superior esthetic properties and easy paintability, for which TECHNYL® and TECHNYL STAR® polyamides with improved surface finish are particularly well-suited. Thanks to outstanding resistance to UV radiation and light, as well as exceptional wear resistance, exterior parts made with TECHNYL® stand up over time.
Blow molding and extrusion technologies
TECHNYL® SHAPE provides industry-leading polymer solutions to meet the challenges of transporting air, fluids, glycol, fuel, refrigerants and dielectric fluids for battery immersion cooling for electric vehicles (EVs). This line of polyamides offers excellent chemical resistance to ensure that the parts can endure the highly aggressive automotive chemical environment, for automotive and motorbike pipes and tanks, for instance. It also comprises dedicated materials for fuel cell applications, such as hydrogen tank liners.
Circularity and CO2 reduction
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® has opened a new dimension of applications for sustainable polyamides, providing leading-edge performance comparable to traditional PA6 and PA66 and available in various grades with a glass or carbon fiber content up to 50%. A 30% glass reinforced TECHNYL® 4EARTH® solution offers up to an 80% lower carbon footprint than conventional TECHNYL® depending on the type and quantity of recycled content and the recycling technology adopted.
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Key benefits
More urban, more sustainable and more innovative
With an array of formulations for thermal management, chemical, fire and water resistance, DOMO’s TECHNYL® polymers are ideal for applications throughout the building & construction sector.
Building & construction solutions
TECHNYL® polyamides offer a full portfolio of solutions over a broad range of temperature and operating conditions. Harnessing these solutions for lightweighting, thermal management, flame resistance, chemical resistance, UV resistance and CO2 reduction will give you a competitive edge.
Applications include structural elements such as doors and windows; electrical protection; water management; control & command, including lighting; and smart-home technology.
Structural elements for doors and windows
TECHNYL® and TECHNYL® SHAPE* polyamides are widely used in thermal barriers for windows, interior wall insulation systems and movable shutter slats supports. Thanks to outstanding resistance to UV radiation and light, as well as exceptional wear resistance, structural parts stand up over time.
Electrical protection, control & command
TECHNYL® polyamides offer a vast array of solutions for designing and producing electrical protection, power management equipment and control & command devices for the building & construction sector with the TECHNYL® PROTECT, TECHNYL STAR® and TECHNYL® ONE product lines.
The TECHNYL® PROTECT line of flame-retardant polyamide solutions includes halogen-free options and is ideal for electrical and electronic applications. These polyamides achieve the most demanding levels of fire and electrical resistance, providing an optimal response to increasingly rigorous safety standards.
The TECHNYL STAR® halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) polyamide line is the best choice when it comes to critical processing operations. And TECHNYL® ONE halogen-free polyamides deliver a superior flowability and high-temperature matrix, as well as the best electrical properties and HFFR performance within our portfolio.
DOMO offers a full range of TECHNYL®, TECHNYL STAR®, TECHNYL® PROTECT & TECHNYL® ONE products with UL Yellow Card certification. Please reach out to your sales representative for the full list.
Heating & sanitary: Water distribution networks
The TECHNYL® SAFE portfolio of polymers meets the highest standards required for optimum performance in applications such as circulation pumps, valves, fittings, hydraulic components, water meters, water softeners, boiler components, water purifiers and desalination systems. DOMO is one of the few suppliers worldwide to offer full European and American certification for its portfolio of drinking water contact and water system materials.
TECHNYL® SAFE polyamides deliver certified high performance for years of service in contact with hot water as well as cold drinking water.
TECHNYL® SAFE also comprises an innovative PA6.10 material specifically formulated for the plumbing market. PA6.10 materials provide the same benefits as PA66, with lower water-uptake, yielding exceptional dimensional stability and chlorine resistance, while maintaining strong mechanical performance. The added benefits of PA6.10 materials enable these polyamides to be used in more demanding applications than standard PA66 materials, notably with higher temperatures, while providing longer product life.
When it comes to specific glycol or fluid environments, the Cooling Solutions by TECHNYL® range combines superior hydrolysis and thermal aging performance in the presence of aggressive coolants.
Circularity and CO2 reduction
TECHNYL® 4EARTH® has opened a new dimension of applications for sustainable polyamides, providing leading-edge performance comparable to traditional PA6 and PA66 and available in various grades with a glass or carbon fiber content up to 50%. A 30% glass reinforced TECHNYL® 4EARTH® formulation can offer up to an 80% lower carbon footprint than conventional TECHNYL®, depending on the type and quantity of the recycled content and the recycling process used for its production.