SIGMA: The Future of Plastics Processing – Revolutionary Simulation Technology in Action

On Monday, our Team Leader for Polymer Processing, Marius, had the honor of giving a talk at this year's User Meeting of Plastics Engineering Paderborn (KTP). Under the theme "Extension of Extrud3D: Implementation of a Melting Process for 3D Simulations," he presented the current status of the project and generated enthusiasm among the audience.

SIGMA is an exciting joint research project involving leading industrial companies and the Chair for Plastics Processing at the University of Paderborn. This project is about a software that simulates preparation and processing processes on co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The main goal of SIGMA is to assess machine behavior and the optimization of barrel, screw configurations, and process parameters more rapidly and globally. Thanks to collaboration with IANUS, the capability to perform 3D-CFD simulations of screw elements directly from SIGMA has been developed over the years. This allows for an even more detailed insight into the processing process. Through this partnership, the simulation technologies of SIGMA have been expanded and improved. In the current phase of the project, we are specifically working on further developing the 3D simulation capabilities. Our focus is on the implementation of the melting calculation in the CFD simulation. With this extension, it will be possible to observe the melting process more accurately, thus better understanding and optimizing the processes in plastics processing.

The project has the potential to revolutionize plastics processing. Through simulation technology, companies can make their production processes more efficient and improve the quality of their plastic products. The rapid assessment of machine behavior and process parameters allows companies to respond more quickly to new requirements and market trends. This leads to increased competitiveness and innovative strength in the plastics industry.

SIGMA is a pioneering research project that advances plastics processing through advanced simulation technology. The collaboration between industrial companies and the University of Paderborn enables the bridging between research and industrial application. The implementation of the melting process in the CFD simulation represents a significant step towards analyzing and optimizing the processes in plastics processing even more accurately.

We are excited about the further developments and the impact of SIGMA on the plastics industry!