CAD and CAE Software

Students and researchers in the Department of Plastics Engineering use a range of computer-aided design (CAD) software, computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, and related packages.  

  • University-licensed packages include 
    • SolidWorks - the primary CAD program 
    • Ansys Workbench and Polyflow – which are used for structural, thermal, CFD, and polymer processing analysis.
    • CAMPUSplastics – a material database
    • ASTM Standards – primary testing standards for plastics materials
      A full listing is available on the IT website.
  • Department-specific simulation (CAE) packages for plastics engineering applications are:
    • Autodesk Moldflow – for injection molding
    • Moldex3D – for injection molding and compression molding
    • Ludovic – for twin screw extrusion

UMass Lowell’s vLabs allows students, faculty, and staff to access the University's software anytime from anywhere, including residence halls, libraries, and home. Laptops, home PCs, tablets, and smartphones can be used to access to any tool or application available in an on-campus lab.

Autodesk Simulation Laboratory

computer in simlab

Autodesk Inc., the world's leading supplier of plastics process simulation software and process optimization software/hardware, sponsors the Autodesk Moldflow Process Simulation Laboratory.  This 18-seat computer laboratory, located in Ball Hall, Room 215, is used for both CAD and CAE instruction and for research.

Autodesk Inc. also provides licenses for up-to-date versions of their Autodesk Moldflow simulation packages for injection molding – see Autodesk Moldflow. These packages are available for teaching and research.  

Ancillary equipment in this laboratory includes a 3D printer (Dimension SST 1200 es).

Websites:

Moldex3D Simulation Laboratory

Students working in simulation lab
CoreTech System Co., Ltd. has provided simulation software for injection molding (Moldex3D) since 1995. The Moldex3D Simulation Laboratory is a 19-seat computer laboratory located in Ball Hall, Room 123B. The laboratory is used for CAD and CAE instruction and research. 
Moldex3D provides licenses for up-to-date versions of their full simulation package for injection molding – see Moldex3D.  These licenses are for academic use.
In addition, industry events like the annual Moldex3D Innovation Day and the Moldex3D Cafés, which are held at UMass Lowell, are open to seniors and graduate students. 

Website:

Ludovic

Ludovic, which is available from Sciences Computers Consultants, is a software package for co-rotating twin screw extrusion.  It provides a global analysis and describes the material behavior and energies input along the extrusion process.  

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