Computer-implemented method for designing a molding process

Abstract

A computer-implemented method and design system (116) for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component (114) is disclosed. A computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component (114) includes: a) retrieving three-dimensional geometric data (110) describing a candidate shape of a mold cavity (112); b) analyzing the geometric data (110), the analysis including: b1. analyzing the geometric shape of the mold cavity (112) by automatically scanning the geometric data (110) for a plurality of predetermined criteria; and b2. simulating the use of the mold cavity (112) by at least one of: a computer-implemented simulation of filling the mold cavity (112) with a molten material of at least one material; and a computer-implemented simulation of a component (114) manufactured using the mold cavity (112); c) automatically interpreting at least one analysis result generated in step b) by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification; and d) outputting at least one interpretation result generated in step c), the interpretation result describing at least one property of one or both of a molding process and a part design using the candidate shape of the mold cavity (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a design system, a computer program, a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component. In general, these methods, systems and devices can be used for technical design or configuration purposes, for example, in the development phase of a molding process. However, other applications are also possible. Background Art

[0002] Molding processes (such as injection molding processes) are common manufacturing processes in small and large manufacturing industries in the near future. In a typical injection molding process, a plastic material (such as a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting material, or an elastomeric material) is usually melted in a heating process and then (e.g., under applied pressure) injected into an empty die. The plastic material is then usually hardened in a cooling process or a curing process to maintain the shape given by the die, thereby becoming a finished product. This allows a large number of products formed by the die to be replicated. Due to the high cost of designing and configuring the die, if any problems occur during injection molding, it is not easy to modify the die. Therefore, in order to minimize production costs and waste, the filling process of the die or mold cavity is usually simulated before using common simulation methods.

[0003] US2008 / 099569A1 describes a system and method for performing thermal conductivity analysis in materials and devices having multiple thermal control zones. Modern devices (such as manifolds) typically have several thermal devices that introduce or remove heat from several different areas at different rates. Previous attempts to determine thermal profiles required constant guesswork and unknown number of simulations to obtain acceptable results. In addition, since the number of simulations required from the start of operation is unknown, the duration is unknown, which often dissatisfies manufacturing personnel. The disclosed embodiments include using FEA (finite element analysis) to help design and / or evaluate manifold systems. In one embodiment, finite element analysis is performed by thermal devices in a specific control zone to determine the heat flux caused by other control zones.

[0004] In addition, EP1376415A2 describes a method for modeling the injection of a fluid into a mold defining a three-dimensional cavity, comprising: providing a three-dimensional computer model defining the cavity; discretizing a solution domain based on the model; specifying boundary conditions; and solving process variables for at least a portion of the solution domain using mass conservation, momentum conservation, and energy conservation equations. The discretization step may include generating a finite element mesh based on the model by subdividing the model into a plurality of connected elements defined by a plurality of nodes; and, anisotropically refining the mesh so that there are more nodes in a first direction in which the material properties vary more than in a second direction in which the material properties vary less, the refinement including at least one of the sub-steps of calculating the distance from the node to the boundary; and, using a node layer numbering system.

[0005] In addition, US2018 / 117816A1 describes a method for determining multiple process parameter values ​​within an injection mold during an injection molding process. The method comprises the steps of determining geometric data of the injection mold and / or the shape part to be manufactured, determining a virtual pressure curve of a specific part of the injection molding process, determining an event pattern of the specific part based on the pressure curve of the virtual specific part, performing an injection molding process using an injection mold, and determining a measured pressure curve during the injection molding process, and determining a measured event pattern based on the measured pressure curve. The process parameter values ​​are obtained based on the virtual event pattern and the measured event pattern. The present invention further describes corresponding process parameter values ​​for determining the arrangement of the device and the injection mold.

[0006] In addition, US5812402A describes an injection mold design system for correcting the contour of a product to be manufactured into a releasable contour of a mold to design an injection mold based on the corrected product shape. The injection mold design system includes: a storage device for storing information on product shape and mold contour; a display device for displaying the product shape or mold contour on a screen based on information read from the storage device; an input device for inputting specified information required to correct the product shape or mold contour; and a control device for transferring information on lines or planes that hinder the correction of the product shape and mold contour to the storage device in response to the specified information input by the input device, removing the lines or planes from the screen, and redrawing the lines or planes on the screen according to the information on the lines or planes transferred to the storage device after the operation of correcting the product shape or mold contour is completed.

[0007] In addition, US2004 / 093104A1 describes a design support device, which includes: a flow analysis device for analyzing the flow of a thermosetting resin injected into a resin filling cavity to mold a resin molded product made of the thermosetting resin using a finite difference method or a finite element method; a residual strain calculation device for calculating the residual strain (or stress) of the thermosetting resin after thermal contraction of the thermosetting resin injected into the resin filling cavity to mold the resin molded product; and a strength analysis device for analyzing the strength of the resin molded product using a finite element method. According to this arrangement, the strength of the resin molded product made of the thermosetting resin can be accurately predicted.

[0008] In addition, US2018 / 181694A1 describes a method for optimizing a process optimization system for a molding machine, the method comprising setting setting data by a user on an actual molding machine, obtaining a first value of at least one descriptive variable of the molding process based on the setting data set and / or based on periodically performing a molding process, and obtaining a second value of at least one descriptive variable based on data from the process optimization system. According to a predetermined distinction criterion, it is checked whether the first value and the second value are different from each other. If the check shows that the first value and the second value are different from each other, the process optimization system is modified so that when the process optimization system is applied to the molding machine and / or the molding process, what is substantially generated is the first value of the descriptive variable instead of the second value of the descriptive variable.

[0009] There are several technical challenges when designing a molding process for manufacturing a component. Typically, at each stage of the development process, input from technical experts (such as, for example, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science or physics) is required, for example, to construct and interpret models, simulations and calculations. In addition, these methods and systems require complex calculations and intensive computing capabilities. These methods and systems typically require large amounts of data storage and computing capacity and technical expertise that is not usually available. Therefore, typically, performing these methods is very time-consuming and complex.

[0010] Issues to be resolved

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide apparatus and methods that address the above-mentioned technical challenges of designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component. Specifically, methods, systems, computer programs and products that improve the process of designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component should be proposed compared to methods, systems and apparatus known in the art. Summary of the invention

[0012] This problem is solved by the method, system, computer program and product of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims, which can be realized individually or in any arbitrary combination.

[0013] As used hereinafter, the terms "having", "including" or "comprising" or any of their arbitrary grammatical variants are used in a non-exclusive manner. Therefore, these terms can refer to the situation where there are no other features in the entity described in this context except the features introduced by these terms, and can also refer to the situation where one or more other features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A includes B" and "A contains B" can refer to the situation where there are no other elements in A except the presence of B (that is, the situation where A is only and exclusively composed of B), and can also refer to the situation where there are one or more other elements in entity A in addition to the presence of B (such as element C, element C and D or even more elements).

[0014] In addition, it should be noted that the term "at least one", "one or more" or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may exist once or more than once will typically be used only once when introducing the corresponding feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the corresponding feature or element, the expression "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, although in fact the corresponding feature or element may exist once or more than once.

[0015] In addition, as used hereinafter, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without limiting the possibility of substitution. Therefore, the features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As the skilled person will recognize, the present invention can be implemented by using alternative features. Similarly, the features introduced by "in one embodiment of the present invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any limitation on alternative embodiments of the present invention, without any limitation on the scope of the present invention, and without any limitation on the possibility of combining the features introduced in this way with other optional features or non-optional features of the present invention.

[0016] In a first aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component is disclosed. The computer-implemented method may also be referred to as a method, a design method, or a designed method. The computer-implemented method comprises the following steps which may be performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. In addition, one or more than one or even all of the steps may be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, the method steps may be performed in a temporally overlapping manner or even in parallel. The method may also include additional method steps which are not listed.

[0017] The computer-implemented method comprises the following steps:

[0018] a) retrieving three-dimensional geometric data describing a candidate shape of a mold cavity;

[0019] b) Analyzing the geometric data, the analysis includes:

[0020] b1. Analyzing the geometry of the mold cavity by automatically scanning the geometric data for a plurality of predetermined standards; and

[0021] b2. Simulating the use of the mold cavity by at least one of the following:

[0022] - a computer implemented simulation of filling a mold cavity with a melt of at least one material;

[0023] -Computer-implemented simulation of parts manufactured using the mold cavity;

[0024] c) automatically interpreting at least one analysis result generated in step b) by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification; and

[0025] d) outputting at least one interpretation result generated in step c), the interpretation result describing at least one property of one or both of a molding process and a part design using the candidate shape of the mold cavity.

[0026] The computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component can be performed completely or partially on a network (such as, on one or more computing devices in the network, for example, on a network platform). In particular, as an embodiment, at least steps a), b) and c) of the design method can be performed on the network. As an embodiment, the design method can be configured to be performed completely online (such as, on the network).

[0027] The term "computer-implemented" as used herein is a broad term that should be given the ordinary and common meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process that is fully or partially implemented using a data processing device (such as, a data processing device including at least one processor). Thus, the term "computer" may generally refer to a device or a combination or network of devices having at least one data processing device (such as, having at least one processor). Additionally, a computer may include one or more other components, such as at least one of a data storage device, an electronic interface, or a human-computer interface.

[0028] The term "processor" used herein is a broad term, and the term should be given a common and general meaning for ordinary technicians in the field, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any logic circuit configured to perform the basic operations of a computer or system and / or a device generally configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, the processor can be configured to process the basic instructions that drive the computer or system. As an embodiment, the processor may include at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating point unit (FPU) (such as a mathematical coprocessor or a digital coprocessor), a plurality of registers (specifically configured to provide operands to the ALU and store the results of the operation register), and a memory (such as L1 and L2 buffer). In particular, the processor can be a multi-core processor. In particular, the processor can be or can include a central processing unit (CPU). Additionally or alternatively, the processor can be or can include a microprocessor, so specifically, the elements of the processor can be contained in a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. Additionally or alternatively, the processor can be or can include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0029] As used herein, the term "design" is a broad term that should be given the ordinary and common meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the process of planning and / or specifying an object or process. As an example, the process of designing may include developing or defining a molding process.

[0030] As used herein, the term "molding process" is a broad term that should be given the common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process or procedure for forming at least one material into an arbitrary form or shape. As an example, the molding process may include injection molding. In particular, the form or shape may be transferred to at least one material by a mold.

[0031] The term "mold" as used herein is a broad term, and the term should be given a common and general meaning for ordinary technicians in the field, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but not limited to, a die or mold (e.g., a mold providing a model or frame). In particular, as used herein, a mold can refer to any die and / or a mold including at least one cavity (such as, at least one mold of a given structure and / or cutout). Specifically, the mold can be used in a molding process (such as, injection molding), wherein a melt of at least one material can be injected into at least one cavity of the mold. For simplicity, in this article, the terms "mold" and "mold cavity" can be used interchangeably. As an embodiment, a mold with at least one cavity can be used in a molding process for shaping a material. In particular, the melt of the material injected into the mold cavity can be given a negative shape and / or a negative geometry of the cavity. Specifically, the mold can be used to manufacture at least one component, wherein the manufactured component can have a negative shape and / or a negative shape of the mold cavity. For simplicity, the terms "mold" and "mold cavity" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0032] The molding process can be configured to manufacture at least one component. The term "component" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the ordinary and common meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any part or element. In particular, a component may be or may include a component of any machine or device. For example, a component may have, at least in part, the negative shape of a mold or mold cavity used in a molding process for manufacturing the component. Therefore, a "molding process for manufacturing at least one component" may be or may refer to a process for creating a given form of a component.

[0033] The term "retrieval" as used herein is a broad term that should be given the common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process by which a system (specifically, a computer system) generates data and / or obtains data from any data source (such as from a data storage device, from a network, or from another computer or computer system). Specifically, retrieval may occur via at least one computer interface (such as, via a port (such as, a serial or parallel port)). Retrieval may include several sub-steps, such as (e.g., by using a processor) obtaining one or more primary information items and generating secondary information by utilizing the primary information (such as, by applying one or more algorithms to the primary information).

[0034] The term "geometric data" used herein is a broad term, and should be given a common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, information about the three-dimensional form or shape of any object or element. Specifically, geometric data (such as information about the three-dimensional shape) may exist in a computer-readable form (such as in a computer-compatible data set form, specifically in a digital data set form). As an embodiment, the geometric data may be or may include computer-aided design data (CAD data). Specifically, the three-dimensional geometric data may be or may include CAD data describing the form or shape of an object or element. Therefore, in particular, "geometric data describing the candidate shape of a mold cavity" may be information about the possible form and / or shape of at least one object or element formed by using a mold, and / or information about the possible form and / or shape of a mold cavity. Therefore, in particular, the geometric data retrieved in step a) may specifically be or may include information about the negative form and / or negative shape of a mold (e.g., a mold used in a molding process).

[0035] The term "candidate shape" as used herein is a broad term and should be given a common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any starting form or shape. In particular, the candidate shape may be or may include the starting geometry of the mold (specifically, the starting geometry of the mold used in the molding process). Thus, the candidate shape may, for example, be the starting geometry of the mold used in the method for designing a molding process. In particular, the candidate shape may be or may include the initial geometry and / or morphology of the mold cavity. For example, the candidate shape may be or may include the geometry or morphology of the mold used in the molding process for manufacturing at least one component.

[0036] The term "scanning" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any process or procedure for inspecting any object or data. Thus, scanning geometric data may be or may include a process or procedure for inspecting or evaluating geometric data. The scanning may be performed automatically in particular. The scanning may be performed autonomously by a computer or a computer network. Thus, the term "automatically" may specifically refer to a computer or a computer network performing a process. Therefore, the term "automatic scanning" may, for example, be or may include a process or procedure for a computer (such as autonomously) performing a scan. For example, the process of automatic scanning may be performed without external intervention (such as without intervention or input from a technical expert or user).

[0037] Specifically, the geometric data can be scanned for a plurality of predetermined standards. The term "standard" as used herein is a broad term, and the term should be given a common and general meaning for a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a characteristic or specification used to evaluate or assess any object or element. In particular, a standard can be or can include at least one reference characteristic or attribute, and the characteristic of an object or element is compared with the at least one reference characteristic or attribute. Specifically, a standard can be a characteristic or specification for manufacturing a component. Therefore, as an embodiment, a standard can be or can include at least one characteristic (such as a reference characteristic), and geometric data (such as geometric data describing a candidate shape of a mold) is scanned for the at least one characteristic. When a mold cavity having a morphology or shape as defined by geometric data is used, the standard can be used, for example, to determine the manufacturability of a component.

[0038] Computer-implemented simulation of a component manufactured using a mold and / or a mold cavity may specifically refer to a computer-implemented simulation of at least one property or characteristic of the component, such as the behavior of the component under the influence of external tension applied to the component, e.g. mechanical strength and / or stress analysis. In particular, the material behavior under load, stress or strain may be simulated.

[0039] The material (specifically, for example, a material used in a molding process for manufacturing a component) may for example be or may include a plastic material. The term "plastic material" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the ordinary and common meaning for a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but not be limited to, any thermoplastic material, thermosetting material or elastomeric material. In particular, the plastic material may be a mixture of substances including monomers and / or polymers. In particular, the plastic material may be or may include a thermoplastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the plastic material may be or may include a thermosetting material. Additionally or alternatively, the plastic material may include an elastomeric material.

[0040] The computer-implemented simulation of filling a mold cavity with a melt of at least one material may specifically refer to a computer-implemented simulation of manufacturing a component. Thus, during the manufacturing of the component, the material may specifically be in a molten state. Alternatively, in the computer-implemented simulation of a component manufactured using a mold, the simulated material may be in a hardened state or a solidified state.

[0041] The analysis of the geometrical data in step b) may result in at least one analysis result, such as an output of at least one computer-implemented simulation.

[0042] In step c), at least one analysis result generated in step b) may be automatically interpreted, such as by using a computer or a computer network. As an embodiment, in step c), at least one interpretation result may be automatically discerned from the analysis result. In particular, at least one interpretation result may be generated by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification.

[0043] As used herein, the term "target specification" is a broad term that should be given the ordinary and common meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a characteristic or property that is intended to exist in any object or component. The target specification may, for example, be or may include at least one property or characteristic that a component is intended to have and / or exhibit.

[0044] The term "interpretation result" as used herein is a broad term, which should be given a common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any result or conclusion obtained from a calculation and / or investigation. In particular, the interpretation result may refer to the result or conclusion of an interpretation (such as the automatic interpretation in step c)). The interpretation result may specifically be or may include information in a computer-readable form, such as digital information.

[0045] As used herein, the term "output" is a broad term that should be given the common and general meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the process of making information available to another system, data storage, person, or entity. As an embodiment, the output may occur via one or more interfaces (such as a computer interface or a human-computer interface). As an embodiment, the output may occur in one or more of a computer-readable format, a visible format, or an audible format.

[0046] The method may further include:

[0047] e) Retrieving at least one material to be used in the molding process.

[0048] In particular, material (in particular plastic material) to be used for a molding process (eg a molding process for manufacturing a component) may be retrieved in step e). For example, step e) may be performed before step b).

[0049] Step e) may specifically include at least the following two sub-steps:

[0050] e1. Retrieve at least one target attribute of at least one of: material; component; manufacturing machine used to manufacture the component; and

[0051] e2. Automatically select at least one material from a database based on target properties.

[0052] Step e) (specifically step e2.) may, for example, include a process using at least one artificial intelligence. Specifically, step e2. may include the use of at least one neural network. Thus, by using artificial intelligence (such as a neural network, etc.), it is possible to specifically retrieve the material to be used for the molding process. As an embodiment, the neural network may be trained by using training data containing target properties and materials suitable for these target properties. The training data may, for example, be collected by a technical expert and / or may be data of prior experience.

[0053] In particular, step b1. may include determining at least one of the following in the geometric data: an undercut for the intended demolding of the part from the mold; a draft angle for the intended demolding of the part from the mold; thin areas; mass accumulation; wall thickness distribution; the ratio of base wall thickness, rib thickness and base wall thickness; and manufacturability of the mold for the intended demolding of the part from the mold (e.g., from a mold cavity).

[0054] In particular, step b1. may comprise determining at least one measured variable in the geometrical data. In addition, step c) may comprise, for example, comparing the at least one measured variable with a threshold value of at least one target specification.

[0055] As an embodiment, at least one measured variable can be selected from the group consisting of: length, specifically, the maximum flow length of the melt of at least one material; angle, specifically, the angle between the mold surface and the expected demolding direction; thickness, specifically, the extension in at least one direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the melt of at least one material.

[0056] Additionally, step c) may specifically include identifying critical geometrical properties of the candidate shape of the mould.Thus, in step c), critical geometrical properties of the candidate shape (such as, for example, reverse undercuts, mass build-up etc.) may be identified.

[0057] In particular, step c) may include a process using at least one artificial intelligence (in particular, at least one neural network). Thus, by using artificial intelligence (eg, neural network, etc.), at least one analysis result generated in step b) may be automatically interpreted, for example.

[0058] Step b2. may specifically include determining at least one of the following: weld line; flow length; thin area; mass accumulation; shear stress; shrinkage; filling pressure; clamping force required to close the mold; cycle time; filling time; load limit, specifically, the load limit that causes elastic deformation of the component, in particular the load limit that causes plastic deformation of the component.

[0059] In particular, step b2. may comprise determining at least one simulation variable. In addition, step c) may comprise comparing at least one simulation variable with at least one simulation threshold variable of the target specification. In particular, at least one simulation variable may be a property selected from the group consisting of: a property of a melt of at least one material used to fill the mold, in particular the viscosity of the melt of at least one material, the temperature of the melt of at least one material; a property of the mold, in particular the temperature of the mold and the pressure inside the mold; a flow path length; a filling time to completely fill the mold with the melt of at least one material; a property of at least one material of the component, in particular hardness, robustness, more particularly structural robustness, elasticity and plasticity.

[0060] Additionally, the method may include:

[0061] f) pre-processing the geometric data retrieved in step a) by discretizing the geometric data into a grid containing a finite number of grid elements.

[0062] Step f) may be performed before performing step b). In particular, step f) may also include file repair of defective parts of the geometric data. Thus, defective parts of the geometric data (such as holes in the surface, overlapping or unconnected areas, incomplete volumes, etc.) may be repaired in step f).

[0063] In particular, the three-dimensional geometric data may be CAD data. Specifically, the three-dimensional geometric data may be CAD data that geometrically describes a candidate shape of the mold.

[0064] At least one interpretation result generated in step c) may specifically include at least one recommended information item. The term "recommended information item" used herein is a broad term, and the term should be given a common and general meaning for ordinary technicians in the field, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any piece of data containing a suggestion or proposal. In particular, an information item may be or may include data or information about a suggestion or proposal for a candidate shape. Therefore, in particular, a recommended information item may be or may include at least one suggestion or recommendation for one or more characteristics of a molding process for manufacturing at least one component. In particular, at least one recommended information item may include at least one recommendation selected from the group consisting of: material suitability, geometric shape suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability.

[0065] The method may further include outputting at least one automatic report. Specifically, the method may further include outputting at least one automatic report including at least one recommended information item.

[0066] In particular, step d) may include outputting at least one recommended information item in at least one automatic report. Specifically, step d) may include making the at least one recommended information item available to another system, data storage, person or entity, for example via at least one interface. As an embodiment, the output of step d) may be or may include making the interpretation result, such as an automatic report containing the at least one recommended information item, available to a user.

[0067] In particular, for example, the output of at least one automatic report in step d) may include providing guidance on one or more of the following: material suitability, geometry suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability. Specifically, the output of the interpretation results (such as, the recommended information in the automatic report) can be configured to provide guidance (such as, a learning tool) to, for example, a user. Therefore, as an embodiment, at least one possible method or solution can be provided to prevent problems when using a mold cavity for manufacturing at least one component (specifically, in view of the analysis results generated in step b)), such as possible difficulties that may negatively affect the manufacturability of at least one component.

[0068] As an embodiment, in step d), at least one recommended information item may be provided, specifically for the purpose of enabling a user to recognize and / or resolve possible failures and / or difficulties with the mold cavity (such as one or more of difficulties involving materials, difficulties involving geometry, and difficulties involving manufacturing parameters).

[0069] Additionally, the method may include:

[0070] g) retrieving at least one analytical information item from at least one interpretation result generated in step c) and using the at least one analytical information item in an automatic learning process.

[0071] In particular, the at least one analysis information item may include information on at least one of: a response to at least one interpretation result and a material selected to be used for the molding process.

[0072] In addition, the method may include using at least one requesting computer and at least one processing computer. In particular, the processing computer may retrieve the three-dimensional geometric data from the requesting computer. In addition, the processing computer may perform at least steps b)-c) of the method and output the interpretation result in step d) to the requesting computer.

[0073] Specifically, the requesting computer and the processing computer can communicate via at least one network interface. The term "network interface" used herein is a broad term, and the term should be given a common and general meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art, without being limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any item or element that forms a boundary configured to transmit information, which can be accessed via a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Additionally or alternatively, the network interface can be configured to transfer information from the requesting computer to the processing computer and / or to transfer information from the processing computer to the requesting computer, such as sending, receiving and / or exchanging information. The network interface can specifically provide a device for transmitting or exchanging information. In particular, the network interface can provide a transmission connection for online data. The network interface can include at least one network platform. The network platform can be configured to receive a request, such as at least one request from the requesting computer.

[0074] As an embodiment, a user may initiate the transmission of three-dimensional geometric data from a requesting computer to a processing computer. In particular, three-dimensional geometric data (such as three-dimensional geometric data of a candidate shape of a mold cavity, and / or three-dimensional geometric data of a shape of a component to be manufactured using the mold) may be transmitted from the requesting computer to the processing computer, for example, via at least one network interface, such as via at least one network platform.

[0075] The method may further include:

[0076] h) Outputting the interpretation result generated in step c) to at least one other computing device.

[0077] In particular, the computing device may be configured to convert the interpretation result into at least one process parameter, wherein the process parameter may be, for example, a parameter of a manufacturing process.

[0078] The computing device may be, for example, a computing device of a collaborator or a partner. Specifically, the computing device may be a computing device of a partner selected from the group consisting of: a tool maker, a mold designer, a mechanical engineer, an injection molder, a material supplier.

[0079] Step h) may also include identifying matching collaborators or collaborators. Specifically, matching collaborators or collaborators may be identified by comparing the interpretation results (particularly the interpretation results generated in step c)) with any database or list containing multiple solvers of possible problems obtained or determined for the interpretation results. Specifically, the database may be or may include information about multiple collaborators or collaborators, such as the identities and expertise of many companies and / or businesses.

[0080] In another aspect of the invention, a design system for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component is disclosed. The design system includes at least one processor configured to perform the steps of a computer-implemented method (e.g., a design method) for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, as described above or as described in further detail below. Therefore, for possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the description of the design method as disclosed in the first aspect of the invention.

[0081] In particular, the design system may include at least one processing computer and at least one requesting computer, wherein the processing computer may be specifically configured to retrieve three-dimensional geometric data from the requesting computer, execute at least steps b) to c) of the design method, and output the interpretation results in step d) of the design method to the requesting computer.

[0082] The design system (particularly, the processing computer) may include at least one or both of a data storage or memory for storing a database (particularly, a material database or a collaborator database). In particular, the data storage or memory may be selected from the group consisting of: an internal data storage (e.g., an internal drive or memory); an external data storage (e.g., an external drive and an external data server (such as a cloud server)); a portable data storage.

[0083] The design system may also include at least one network interface for transmitting information from the requesting computer to the processing computer or from the processing computer to the requesting computer. The network interface may include one or both of a wireless network interface and a wired network interface, such as for communicating with a computer network such as the World Wide Web.

[0084] The design system may specifically be or may include a client-server system. In particular, the client-server system may be configured to divide tasks or workloads between at least one server (specifically, a provider of at least one resource or service) and at least one client or client computer (such as, at least one service requester) requesting at least one service. In particular, in this document, at least one server may be a processing computer. Specifically, at least one processing computer may be selected from the group consisting of: a server; a network server (e.g., configured to provide a network platform). The requesting computer may be a client and / or a client computer. Specifically, the requesting computer may be at least one personal computer or a computing device of a user.

[0085] In detail, the design system may include processing computers (such as, a plurality of servers), wherein the servers may be partially or may include network servers. Therefore, as an embodiment, the design system may include a plurality of servers running at least partially in a cloud or network. The design system may specifically be or may include a complex system of one or more processing computers, one or more requesting computers. Therefore, the design system may be or may include a complex interaction between one or more processing computers (such as, at least one back-end server), one or more requesting computers (such as, at least one front-end server or computer (specifically, a network front end)) and one or more computer-implemented simulations.

[0086] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program is disclosed. The computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or computer system to perform a computer-implemented method of designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, such as a design method, as described above or as described in further detail below. Therefore, for possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the description of the design method as disclosed in the first aspect of the invention.

[0087] Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or in a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" may specifically refer to a non-transitory data storage device, such as a hardware storage medium on which computer-executable instructions are stored. A computer-readable data carrier or storage medium may specifically be or may include a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0088] Also disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or computer system to perform a computer-implemented method of designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, such as a design method, as described above or as described in further detail below. Therefore, for possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made again to the description of the design method as disclosed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0089] In particular, a computer program product may include a program code device stored on a computer-readable data carrier, so that when the program is run on a computer or a computer network, one or more design methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein are performed. As used herein, a computer program product refers to a program as a trading product. The product usually exists in any format (such as, in a file format (paper format)), or exists on a computer-readable data carrier. Specifically, a computer program product can be distributed in a data network.

[0090] Also disclosed and proposed herein is a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or computer system to perform a computer-implemented method of designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, such as a design method, as described above or as described in further detail below. Therefore, for possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made again to the description of the design method as disclosed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0091] The methods, systems and programs of the present invention have many advantages over methods, systems and programs known in the art. In particular, the methods, systems and programs as disclosed herein can improve the performance of design molding processes compared to devices, methods and systems known in the art. In particular, processing or design time can be significantly reduced by the present invention. In addition, compared to prior art design methods, the present invention may require less computing power and may show and / or have reduced complexity, particularly due to avoiding invalid operations in the normal workflow of designing and manufacturing plastic parts.

[0092] The summary does not exclude other possible implementations, the following implementations can be envisaged:

[0093] Embodiment 1. A computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, the method comprising:

[0094] a) retrieving three-dimensional geometric data describing a candidate shape of a mold cavity;

[0095] b) Analyzing the geometric data, the analysis includes:

[0096] b1. Analyzing the geometry of the mold cavity by automatically scanning the geometric data for a plurality of predetermined standards; and

[0097] b2. Simulating the use of the mold cavity by at least one of the following:

[0098] - a computer implemented simulation of filling a mold cavity with a melt of at least one material;

[0099] -Computer-implemented simulation of parts manufactured using the mold cavity;

[0100] c) automatically interpreting at least one analysis result generated in step b) by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification; and

[0101] d) outputting at least one interpretation result generated in step c), the interpretation result describing at least one property of one or both of a molding process and a part design using the candidate shape of the mold cavity.

[0102] Embodiment 2. The method according to the previous embodiment, wherein the method further comprises:

[0103] e) Retrieving at least one material to be used in the molding process.

[0104] Embodiment 3. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein step e) is performed before step b).

[0105] Embodiment 4. The method according to any one of the previous two embodiments, wherein step e) comprises:

[0106] e1. Retrieve at least one target attribute of at least one of: material; component; manufacturing machine used to manufacture the component; and

[0107] e2. Automatically select at least one material from a database based on target properties.

[0108] Embodiment 5. A method according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein step e) (specifically, step e2.) includes a process using at least one artificial intelligence (specifically, at least one neural network).

[0109] Embodiment 6. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step b1. includes determining in the geometric data at least one of: an undercut for the intended demolding of the part from the mold; a draft angle for the intended demolding of the part from the mold; thin areas; mass accumulation; wall thickness distribution; the ratio of base wall thickness, rib thickness and base wall thickness; and manufacturability of the mold for the intended demolding of the part from the mold.

[0110] Embodiment 7. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein step b1. comprises determining at least one measurement variable in the geometric data, and wherein step c) comprises comparing at least one measurement variable with at least one threshold value of a target specification.

[0111] Embodiment 8. A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein at least one measured variable is selected from the group consisting of: length, specifically the maximum flow length of the melt of at least one material; angle, specifically the angle between the mold surface and the expected demolding direction; thickness, specifically the extension in at least one direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the melt of at least one material.

[0112] Embodiment 9. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein step c) comprises identifying critical geometric properties of the candidate shape of the mold.

[0113] Embodiment 10. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein step c) comprises using at least one artificial intelligence process, specifically at least one neural network.

[0114] Embodiment 11. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step b2. includes determining at least one of the following: a weld line; a flow length; a thin area; mass accumulation; shear stress; shrinkage; filling pressure; a clamping force required to close the mold; a cycle time; a filling time; a load limit, specifically a load limit that causes elastic deformation of the component, in particular a load limit that causes plastic deformation of the component.

[0115] Embodiment 12. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step b2. includes determining at least one simulation variable, and wherein step c) includes comparing at least one simulation variable with at least one simulation threshold variable of a target specification.

[0116] Embodiment 13. A method according to the previous embodiment, wherein at least one simulation variable is a property selected from the group consisting of: properties of the melt of at least one material used to fill the mold, specifically, the viscosity of the melt of at least one material, the temperature of the melt of at least one material; properties of the mold, specifically, the temperature of the mold and the pressure inside the mold; flow path length; filling time to completely fill the mold with the melt of at least one material; properties of at least one material of the component, specifically, hardness, robustness, more specifically structural robustness, elasticity and plasticity.

[0117] Embodiment 14. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0118] f) pre-processing the geometric data retrieved in step a) by discretizing the geometric data into a grid containing a finite number of grid elements.

[0119] Embodiment 15. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein step f) is performed before performing step b).

[0120] Embodiment 16. A method according to any one of the first two embodiments, wherein step f) further comprises file repair of defective parts of the geometric data.

[0121] Embodiment 17. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the three-dimensional geometric data is CAD data that geometrically describes a candidate shape of the mold.

[0122] Embodiment 18. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one interpretation result generated in step c) includes at least one recommended information item.

[0123] Embodiment 19. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at least one recommended information item comprises at least one recommended information item selected from the group consisting of: material suitability, geometric shape suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability.

[0124] Embodiment 20. A method according to any of the first two embodiments, wherein the method further comprises outputting at least one automatic report, wherein the automatic report comprises at least one recommended information item.

[0125] Embodiment 21. A method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein step d) comprises outputting at least one automatic report.

[0126] Embodiment 22. A method according to any of the first two embodiments, wherein output of at least one report includes providing guidance on one or more of material suitability, geometry suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability.

[0127] Embodiment 23. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0128] g) retrieving at least one analytical information item from at least one interpretation result generated in step c) and using the at least one analytical information item in an automatic learning process.

[0129] Embodiment 24. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at least one item of analytical information comprises information on at least one of: a reaction to at least one interpretation result and a selection of a material to be used for the molding process.

[0130] Embodiment 25. A method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method includes using at least one requesting computer and at least one processing computer, wherein the processing computer retrieves three-dimensional geometric data from the requesting computer, performs at least steps b)-c), and outputs the interpretation results in step d) to the requesting computer.

[0131] Embodiment 26. A method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the requesting computer and the processing computer communicate via at least one network interface.

[0132] Embodiment 27. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0133] h) Outputting the interpretation result generated in step c) to at least one other computing device.

[0134] Embodiment 28. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the computing device is configured to convert the interpretation result into at least one process parameter, wherein the process parameter is a parameter of the manufacturing process.

[0135] Embodiment 29. A method according to any one of the first two embodiments, wherein the computing device is a computing device of a collaborator or a partner, specifically, it can be a computing device of a partner selected from the group consisting of: tool manufacturers, mold designers, mechanical engineers, injection molders, material suppliers.

[0136] Embodiment 30. A method according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein step h) further comprises identifying matching collaborators or partners.

[0137] Embodiment 31. A design system for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component, the design system comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0138] Embodiment 32. A design system according to the previous embodiment, wherein the design system includes at least one processing computer and at least one requesting computer, wherein the processing computer is configured to retrieve three-dimensional geometric data from the requesting computer, perform at least steps b)-c), and output the interpretation results in step d) to the requesting computer.

[0139] Embodiment 33. A design system according to any of the first two embodiments, wherein the design system (specifically, a processing computer) includes at least one or both of a data storage or memory for storing a database (specifically, a material database or a collaborator database).

[0140] Embodiment 34. A design system according to the previous embodiment, wherein the data storage or memory is selected from the group consisting of: internal data storage (e.g., internal drive or memory); external data storage (e.g., external drive and external data server (such as, cloud server)); portable data storage.

[0141] Embodiment 35. A design system according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein the design system also includes at least one network interface, and the at least one network interface is used to transmit information from the requesting computer to the processing computer or from the processing computer to the requesting computer. One or both.

[0142] Embodiment 36. A design system according to any one of the first five embodiments, wherein the design system is a client-server system, wherein at least one processing computer is selected from the group consisting of: a server; a network server.

[0143] Embodiment 37. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or the computer system to perform a method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to methods.

[0144] Embodiment 38. A computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or the computer system to perform a method according to any one of the preceding method-related embodiments.

[0145] Embodiment 39. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer or a computer system, cause the computer or the computer system to perform a method according to any of the preceding method-related embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0146] Other optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of the embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Here, as the technician will appreciate, the corresponding optional features can be implemented in a separate manner and in any arbitrary feasible combination. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiment. The embodiments are schematically described in the accompanying drawings. Here, the same reference numerals in these drawings refer to the same or functionally similar elements.

[0147] In the attached picture:

[0148] Figure 1 : shows a portion of an embodiment of three-dimensional geometric data describing a mold cavity and candidate shapes of a part manufactured using the mold cavity;

[0149] Figure 2 : An embodiment of the design system is shown in a three-dimensional diagram; and

[0150] Figures 3 to 9 : A flow chart illustrating various embodiments of a computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0151] exist Figure 1 , one embodiment of three-dimensional geometric data 110 describing a candidate shape of a mold cavity 112 is partially illustrated in a perspective view. Figure 1 A part 114 manufactured using mold cavity 112 is shown.

[0152] exist Figure 2 , an embodiment of a design system 116 for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component 114 is illustrated in a perspective view. Figures 3 to 9 , the design system 116 includes at least one processor 118 configured to execute a computer-implemented method 120 for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component 114. The design system 116 may also include at least one processing computer 122 and at least one requesting computer 124. Specifically, the processing computer 122 may be configured to retrieve the three-dimensional geometric data 110 from the requesting computer 124. In addition, the processing computer 122 may be configured to output the interpretation results generated in the computer-implemented method 120 to the requesting computer 124. In particular, the processing computer 122 may include a memory 126 for storing a database (such as a material database or a partner database). As an embodiment, the design system 116 may include at least one network interface 128 for one or both of transmitting information from the requesting computer 124 to the processing computer 122 and transmitting information from the processing computer 122 to the requesting computer 124.

[0153] In particular, the requesting computer 124 of the design system 116 may be or may include at least one front-end or front-end computer, such as at least one client computer. As an embodiment, the requesting computer 124 may be configured to illustrate the interpretation result of step d) of the design method to the user.

[0154] The processing computer 122 of the design system 116 may, for example, be or may include at least one backend or backend computer, such as at least one server, for example at least one of at least one network server, for example configured to provide a network platform. In particular, the processing computer 122 may be configured to process the three-dimensional geometric data 110. In detail, in order to process the three-dimensional geometric data 110, the processing computer 122 may utilize at least one application program interface (API) to perform steps b) to c) of the design method.

[0155] exist Figures 3 to 9 In the flowchart of different embodiments of a computer-implemented method 120 for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component 114 is illustrated. The computer-implemented method 120 for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component 114 (specifically, the design method 120) includes the following steps, which can be performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. Two or more of the method steps can be performed simultaneously, in whole or in part. It is also possible to perform one method step, more than one method step, or even all method steps of the method steps once or repeatedly. The method may include additional method steps that are not listed in this document. The method steps of the design method 120 are as follows:

[0156] Step a) (indicated by reference numeral 130) retrieves three-dimensional geometric data 110 describing a candidate shape of the mold cavity 112;

[0157] Step b) (indicated by reference numeral 132) analyses the geometrical data 110, the analysis comprising:

[0158] Step b1. (indicated by reference numeral 134) analyzing the geometry of the mold cavity 112 by automatically scanning the geometric data 110 according to a plurality of predetermined standards; and

[0159] Step b2. (denoted by reference numeral 136) simulating the use of the mold cavity 112 by at least one of the following:

[0160] - a computer-implemented simulation (referenced 138 ) of filling the mold cavity 112 with a melt of at least one material; and

[0161] - a computer-implemented simulation (indicated by reference numeral 140 ) of a part 114 manufactured using the mold cavity 112 ;

[0162] Step c) (indicated by reference numeral 142) automatically interprets at least one analysis result generated in step b) by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification; and

[0163] Step d) (indicated by reference numeral 144) outputs at least one interpretation result generated in step c) that describes at least one property of one or both of a molding process and a part design using the candidate shape of the mold cavity 112.

[0164] As an embodiment, the geometry of the mold cavity 112 analyzed in step b1.134 may be or may include at least one geometric data of a part (such as a plastic part), for example, at least one geometric shape of part 114, wherein the geometry of the mold cavity 112 may specifically be or may include a negative geometry of part 114 (such as an opposite geometry).

[0165] In particular, as in Figure 3 As illustrated in , step b2.136 of the design method 120 may include only the first sub-step b2.138 of simulating the use of the mold cavity 112 by means of a computer-implemented simulation of filling the mold cavity 112 with a melt of at least one material. Figure 4 As illustrated in , step b2.136 of the design method 120 may include only the second sub-step b2.140 of simulating the use of the mold cavity 112 by means of a computer-implemented simulation of the component 114 manufactured using the mold cavity 112. Alternatively, as Figure 5 As illustrated in , step b2 . 136 of the design method 120 may include a first sub-step 138 and a second sub-step 140 .

[0166] For example, Figures 6 to 9 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the design method 120 may further include a step e) (indicated by reference numeral 146), namely retrieving at least one material to be used for the molding process, wherein step e) 146 may be performed before step b) 132. In particular, step e) may include:

[0167] e1. (denoted by reference numeral 148) retrieving at least one target attribute of at least one of: material; component 114; a manufacturing machine used to manufacture component 114; and

[0168] e2. (Indicated by reference numeral 150) Automatically selecting at least one material from a database according to target properties.

[0169] In particular, step e2.150 may comprise the use of at least one artificial intelligence process (in particular at least one neural network).

[0170] In addition, the design method 120 may include a step f) (indicated by reference numeral 152), namely pre-processing the geometric data 110 retrieved in step a) 130 by discretizing the geometric data 110 into a grid containing a finite number of grid elements. Specifically, step f) may also include file repair of defective parts of the geometric data 110. In particular, for example, Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG. , step f) may be performed before step b).

[0171] Specifically, the design method 120 may also include, for example, Figures 7 to 9 In the other methods illustrated in , at least one automatic report 154 is output. In particular, the automatic report may include at least one recommended information item, for example, including the interpretation result generated in step c) 142.

[0172] In addition, for example, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the design method 120 may include step g) (indicated by reference numeral 156), namely retrieving at least one analysis information item from at least one interpretation result generated in step c) 142 and using the at least one analysis information item in the automatic learning process. As an example, Fig. 9 As illustrated by the arrow pointing from step e) 146 to step g) 156 , the automatic learning process may further utilize the information of the material retrieved in step e) 146 .

[0173] Specifically, the design method 120 may include using at least one requesting computer 124 and at least one processing computer 122. Specifically, the processing computer 122 may retrieve the three-dimensional geometric data 110 from the requesting computer 124. In addition, the processing computer 122 may perform at least step b) 132 and step c) 142, and may further output the interpretation result in step d) 144 to the requesting computer 124. Specifically, as Figure 2 As illustrated in , the processing computer 122 and the requesting computer 124 may communicate via at least one network interface 128 .

[0174] For example, Figures 7 to 9 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the design method 120 may further include step h) (denoted by reference numeral 158), namely outputting the interpretation result generated in step c) to at least one other computing device. In particular, step h) 158 may further include (for example, Fig. 9 ) identifying matching collaborators and partners 160, such as tool manufacturers, mold designers, mechanical engineers, injection molders, material suppliers. As an example, Fig. 9As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the design method 120 may include performing step h) 158 twice. In particular, the interpretation result generated in step c) is output to a computing device, and the computing device may be configured to convert the interpretation result into at least one process parameter. Fig. 9 As illustrated in , the design method 120 may include (as an additional step) converting the interpretation result into at least one process parameter 159. After performing step 159, the design method 120 may also include a transmission step 161, wherein the process parameter may be transmitted to a suitable manufacturing machine. After performing step 161, the design method 120 may also include evaluating (e.g., such as a component) manufacturing results 163.

[0175] As other steps, the design method 120 may include a registration step 162 and a subsequent login step 164. For example, Fig. 9 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the registration step 162 and the login step 164 may be performed before performing step a). Fig. 9 As exemplarily illustrated by the arrow from the login step 164 to step h) 158, the matching collaborators and partners must also be registered and logged in.

[0176] Reference numerals list

[0177] 110 Geometry data

[0178] 112 mold cavity

[0179] 114 Parts

[0180] 116 Design System

[0181] 118 Processor

[0182] 120 Computer-implemented method for designing a molding process

[0183] 122 Processing Computer

[0184] 124 Request Computer

[0185] 126 Memory

[0186] 128 network interfaces

[0187] 130 Step a)

[0188] 132 Step b)

[0189] 134 Step b1.

[0190] 136 Step b2.

[0191] 138 b2. The first substep

[0192] 140 b2. The second substep

[0193] 142 Step c)

[0194] 144 Step d)

[0195] 146 Step e)

[0196] 148 Step e1.

[0197] 150 Step e2.

[0198] 152 Step f)

[0199] 154 Output at least one automatic report

[0200] 156 Step g)

[0201] 158 Step h)

[0202] 159 Convert the interpretation result into at least one process parameter

[0203] 160 Identify matching collaborators and collaborators

[0204] 161 Transmission Steps

[0205] 162 Registration Steps

[0206] 163 Evaluating Manufacturing Results

[0207] 164 Login Steps

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component (114), the method comprising: include: a) retrieving three-dimensional geometric data (110) describing a candidate shape of a mold cavity (112); b) analyzing the geometric data (110), the analysis comprising: b1. Analyzing the geometry of the mold cavity (112) by automatically scanning the geometric data (110) for a plurality of predetermined standards; and b2. Simulating the use of the mold cavity (112) by at least one of the following: - a computer-implemented simulation of filling a mold cavity (112) with a melt of at least one material; - a computer-implemented simulation of a part (114) manufactured using the mold cavity (112); c) automatically interpreting at least one analysis result generated in step b) by conforming the analysis result to at least one target specification; d) outputting at least one interpretation result generated in step c), the interpretation result describing at least one property of one or both of a molding process and a part design using the candidate shape of the mold cavity (112); and f) pre-processing the geometric data (110) retrieved in step a) by discretizing the geometric data (110) into a grid containing a finite number of grid elements, wherein step f) is performed before performing step b), wherein step f) further comprises file repair of defective parts of the geometric data (110).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises include: e) retrieving at least one material to be used in the molding process, Step e) is performed before step b).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein step e) include: e1. Retrieve at least one target attribute of at least one of: material; Component (114); a manufacturing machine for manufacturing a component (114); and e2. Automatically select at least one material from a database based on target properties.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step b1. comprises determining at least one measured variable in the geometric data (110), and wherein step c) comprises comparing the at least one measured variable with at least one threshold value of a target specification.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one measured variable is selected from the group consisting of: length; angle; thickness.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein step c) comprises identifying critical geometric attributes of a candidate shape of the mold cavity (112), wherein step c) comprises using at least one artificial intelligence process.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step b2. comprises determining at least one simulation variable, wherein step c) comprises comparing the at least one simulation variable with at least one simulation threshold variable of a target specification.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one simulation variable is a property selected from the group consisting of: a property of a melt of at least one material used to fill the mold; a property of the mold; a flow path length; a fill time to completely fill the mold with the melt of at least one material; a property of at least one material of the part.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one interpretation result generated in step c) includes at least one recommendation information item, wherein at least one recommendation information item includes at least one recommendation selected from the group consisting of: material suitability, geometric shape suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises outputting at least one automatic report, wherein the automatic report comprises at least one recommended information item.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein step d) comprises outputting at least one automatic report.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein output of the at least one automated report includes providing guidance on one or more of material suitability, geometry suitability, and manufacturing parameter suitability.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises include: g) retrieving at least one analytical information item from at least one interpretation result generated in step c) and using the at least one analytical information item in an automatic learning process.

14. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes using at least one requesting computer (124) and at least one processing computer (122), wherein the processing computer (122) retrieves three-dimensional geometric data (110) from the requesting computer (124), performs at least steps b)-c), and outputs the interpretation result in step d) to the requesting computer (124), wherein the requesting computer (124) and the processing computer (122) communicate via at least one network interface (128).

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises include: h) Outputting the interpretation result generated in step c) to at least one other computing device.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein the property of the melt of the at least one material used to fill the mold is the temperature of the melt of the at least one material used to fill the mold.

17. A design system (116) for designing a molding process for manufacturing at least one component (114), the design system (116) comprising at least one processor (118) configured to perform the steps of the method according to any of the preceding claims.

18. The design system (116) of claim 17, wherein the design system (116) comprises at least one processing computer (122) and at least one requesting computer (124), wherein the processing computer (122) is configured to retrieve the three-dimensional geometric data (110) from the requesting computer (124), perform at least steps b)-c), and output the interpretation result in step d) to the requesting computer (124).

19. The design system (116) of claim 18, wherein the design system (116) further comprises at least one network interface (128) for transmitting information from a requesting computer (124) to a processing computer (122) or from a processing computer (122) to a requesting computer (124), or both.

20. The design system (116) of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the design system is a client-server system, wherein at least one processing computer (122) is a server.

21. The design system (116) of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the design system is a client-server system, wherein at least one processing computer (122) is at least one network server.

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