Moldflow Establishes Research Partnership With University of Bradford; Moldflow Plastics Xpert-Based Project Evaluates Innovative Gas-Assisted Injection Molding Techniques

Business Wire, May 15, 2001

Business & High-Tech Editors

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2001

Moldflow Corporation (Nasdaq:MFLO), the world leader in process-wide solutions for optimizing the design and manufacture of plastic products, today announces the creation of a research partnership with United Kingdom-based IRC in Polymer Science & Technology, University of Bradford (www.brad.ac.uk/acad/irc) for the pursuit of innovative techniques for gas assisted injection molding.

The two-year project will research the key variables that control quality and productivity of the gas injection molding process. The program is headed up by Professor Phil Coates and includes Bradford research engineers.

Moldflow's commercially available Moldflow Plastics Xpert(R) (MPX(TM)) product helps process engineers and plant managers take control of the molding process by providing shop-floor solutions to the problems associated with injection molding machine setup, process optimization and production part quality. The injection molding process is a complex mix of machine variables, mold complexity, operator skills, and material properties, and there are increasing pressures to reduce mold setup times and scrap, improve part quality, and maximize the productivity of every injection molding machine. Because of this, it is vitally important to have a system in place that allows the molding process to be setup, optimized and controlled in a way that is:

-- Intuitive, so machine operators can maximize productivity without having to
be experts on every machine/mold combination they run.

-- Systematic, so setting up the machine and optimizing the molding process is
done according to a scientific method that does not rely solely on the skills
of a machine operator.

-- Documentable, to meet the strict quality control reporting requirements that
are commonplace today.

Gas-assist injection molding (GAIM) is an enhancement to the conventional injection molding process. GAIM methods are being adopted rapidly and are starting to be used in part production applications. Examples of parts made with GAIM include automotive parts, such as radiator grilles, exterior automotive moldings and trim support, business machine housings, tabletops, furniture, toys, and appliance parts.

Roland Thomas, Moldflow's vice president of research and development, says, "Manufacturers are facing critical issues when exploring newer processing methodologies, including gas-assisted injection molding, as viable alternatives for manufacturing new products. Many manufacturers either do not have the in-house expertise or new processes in place to perform gas-assisted injection molding. Because MPX is a platform that can be extended to include other manufacturing processes, it reduces many of the complex barriers that traditionally have kept manufacturers from implementing new technology and using it effectively."

Professor Coates adds, "This research is based on real-world manufacturing. In today's workplace, manufacturers need technologies that know how and what to control, as well as which key processing variables result in different effects on end products. Manufacturers around the world often do not possess such detailed knowledge for multivariable processes such as injection molding. Using MPX in this research will help us learn more about this complex problem. Our results will undoubtedly help organizations worldwide become more productive in using gas-assisted injection molding."

The University of Bradford project is one example of how Moldflow is leading the way in the research and commercial application of new technologies. Thomas adds, "We take pride in identifying organizations and institutions that are doing impressive research and partnering with them. Moldflow has established research projects with other distinguished universities and research centers in Australia, Singapore, as well as throughout Europe and the United States."

About Moldflow Corporation

Moldflow (Nasdaq:MFLO) is the world leader in process-wide solutions for optimizing the design and manufacture of plastic products. Moldflow's complete suite of software products provide the tools that allow companies to address plastic part design and manufacturing issues at the earliest possible stage to eliminate problems and costly downtime on the manufacturing floor. As the plastics product design and manufacturing industry becomes increasingly competitive, Moldflow continues to provide solutions that help our customers maximize productivity and profitability. Moldflow has employees worldwide and maintains its corporate headquarters in Wayland, MA. The company has research and development facilities in Australia, the United Kingdom, Wilsonville, OR and Ithaca, NY, material testing laboratories in Australia and Ithaca, NY, and direct sales and marketing offices throughout the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. For more information about Moldflow call 508-358-5848; fax: 508-358-5868.

Note to editors: Moldflow, Moldflow Plastics Xpert and MPX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Moldflow Corporation or its subsidiaries worldwide. All other trademarks are properties of their respective holders.