Simulation

Students and researchers in the Department of Plastics Engineering use a range of computer-aided design (CAD) software, computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, and related packages.  

• University-licensed packages include 
  • SolidWorks - the primary CAD program 
  • Ansys Workbench and Polyflow – which are used for structural, thermal, CFD, and polymer processing analysis.
  • CAMPUSplastics – a material database
  • ASTM Standards – primary testing standards for plastics materials
    A full listing is available on the IT website.

• Department-specific simulation (CAE) packages for plastics engineering applications are:
  • Autodesk Moldflow – for injection molding
  • Moldex3D – for injection molding and compression molding
  • Ludovic – for twin screw extrusion

UMass Lowell’s vLabs allows students, faculty, and staff to access the University's software anytime from anywhere, including residence halls, libraries, and home. Laptops, home PCs, tablets, and smartphones can be used to access to any tool or application available in an on-campus lab.

Autodesk Inc., the world's leading supplier of plastics process simulation software and process optimization software/hardware, sponsors the Autodesk Moldflow Process Simulation Laboratory.  This 18-seat computer laboratory, located in Ball Hall, Room 215, is used for both CAD and CAE instruction and for research.

Autodesk Inc. also provides licenses for up-to-date versions of their Autodesk Moldflow simulation packages for injection molding – see Autodesk Moldflow. These packages are available for teaching and research.  

Ancillary equipment in this laboratory includes a 3D printer (Stratasys F370).

Websites:

• Autodesk
• Moldflow

Website:

• Moldex3D

Website:

• Ludovic