Project objectives

Technological objectives (TO)

TO1		Shorten the time from part design to actual possible manufacturing by introducing design guidelines for thermoformed parts.
TO2		Easy to use, predictive mould design software tool for thermoforming based on, and connected to, a dedicated Production Simulation software tool.
TO3		Optimal thermoforming parameter settings based on an optimized product & predictive mould design.

These objectives will enable "First Time Righ" production and a throughput time reduction of 40% is expected as the trial and error approach will become obsolete. Due to this reduction it is expected that the engineering, mould making and production costs will be reduced with 35%.

Scientific objectives (SO)

In order to achieve the Technological Objectives two Scientific Objectives have to be met:

SO1		Modelling theory of behaviour of thermoforming materials.
SO2		Developing algorithms for predictive mould design generation based on modelling theory, and connection to a Production Simulation software tool.

From these results the guidelines can be defined, the predictive mould design software tool can be developed and the connection to the dedicated Production Simulation software tool can be made. This will enable:

• The proposition of optimal thermoform process parameter settings,
• The output of a digitally described "ideal-thermoform-mould" by linking to Production Simulation software,
• A link with modern CAD/CAM-CNC machining technology for mould manufacturing.

1. A modeling theory of thermoforming materials has to be developed before design guidelines, a predictive mould design software tool and optimal thermoforming parameters become available.
2. When design guidelines, a predictive mould design software tool and optimal thermoforming parameter become available, throughput times and cost can be drastically reduced.
3. When throughput times and costs are drastically reduced, competition can be fought effectively.