Today, plastic parts can be realistically tested even before the tool is built. Silac uses digital tools to coordinate design, material selection and manufacturability early in the process.

CAD, Moldflow simulations and 3D printing help compare design variants, evaluate filling behaviour and create prototypes for initial testing. This allows technical issues to be addressed before the mould is built or the production process is set up.

Digital product development is closely linked to consulting, tool making and production. This helps develop solutions that are technically sound and suitable for cost-efficient production.

Silac uses digital simulations at several stages of product development. The mould, injection moulding process and subsequent production are considered as one integrated process rather than as separate steps.

Without simulation, several iterations between tool making and prototyping may be required, with each adjustment taking additional time. Simulation allows the tool to be designed more precisely from the outset. While the time from concept to tool making remains roughly the same, subsequent adjustment and prototyping cycles can be reduced. In one practical example, this saved around 70 hours before approval.

At Silac, digital product development is an integral part of the entire process – from consulting and in-house tool making through to series production. This allows technical issues to be addressed early and solutions to be developed with production in mind.

Digital product development supports decision-making early in the project. Design variants can be evaluated, components adapted and technical risks reduced before significant tool making or series production costs are incurred.

Typical benefits include: