The simulation software SIGMA is a joint research project of leading industrial companies and Kunststofftechnik Paderborn. The program is used to simulate compounding and processing operations on co-rotating twin screw extruders. The annual user meeting took place on February 23. Here, Kunststofftechnik Paderborn presented the new SIGMA version to the project partners. In contrast to previous user meetings, this year's event was held digitally.
The new version 13.0 is characterized by a further increase in user-friendliness and the implementation of new functions. This includes an overhaul of the user interface and the introduction of new auger elements. Furthermore, SIGMA now includes a rating system that supports the user in creating a suitable plant configuration. Furthermore, the extended SIGMA3D interface and the new features of the Extrud3D module were presented to the participants. This work has enabled the automated post-processing of three-dimensional flow simulations to be further expanded. In addition, the team presented recent investigation results of material degradation in co-rotating twin screw extruders.
In the further course of the project phase, the user-friendliness of SIGMA will be continuously enhanced by a constant revision and the development of further functions. This concerns in particular the further development of the element evaluation towards a wizard for plant configuration. The investigation of material degradation and the implementation of additional functions regarding three-dimensional numerical flow simulations are also further advanced. Through the exchange with the participating project partners, additional suggestions for the further course of the project could be collected.
Company representatives from BASF, Brückner Maschinenbau, Covestro Deutschland, Evonik Industries, KraussMaffei Extrusion, Leistritz Extrusionstechnik and Reifenhäuser Extrusion Systems were present.