On June 18th and 19th, 2024, the annual Moldflow User Meeting, CONNECT, took place in Frankfurt—a gathering point for experts in injection molding simulation and users of Moldflow software. Approximately 120 attendees, including Moldflow users, developers from Australia and the U.S., and teams from MFS and PEG, came together to discuss the latest research, tools, and developments in the field of injection molding simulation.
As one of the participants, I was excited to be part of this vibrant and innovation-driven community. In addition to numerous engaging presentations and discussions that sparked new ideas, I had the opportunity to contribute with both a presentation and a workshop.
Intelligent Parameter Optimization in Injection Molding Through Human-Machine Cooperation
At the heart of my participation was my presentation on “Intelligent Parameter Optimization in Injection Molding through Human-Machine Cooperation in Simulation and Reality.” I introduced our project, which developed an innovative solution that makes the optimization process for injection molding parameters more efficient, using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Traditionally, many users in injection molding production rely on trial-and-error methods to find the optimal process settings. While simple to execute, this approach doesn’t always yield the best possible results. Less experienced operators, in particular, often fail to fully capitalize on improvement potential in areas like part quality and cycle time.
Our solution at OSPHIM offers an alternative: an AI-based assistance system that adapts to operator behavior and provides intelligent suggestions for process optimization. In a simulation, we conducted a fully automated optimization that, after just 12 hours, led to an improvement in dimensional accuracy by over 40%. These results highlight the potential for this system to drive groundbreaking improvements not only in simulations but also in real-world production.
This assistance system is directly integrated into our software platform, which is specifically designed for optimizing injection molding processes. For the first time, it enables a seamless connection between simulation data and real production data—a step that has the potential to revolutionize efficiency and precision in process development.
Workshop on Data-Driven Process Setup
In addition to my presentation, I also had the chance to lead a workshop on data-driven process setup. The workshop was a great success—the room was packed, and there was a lively, productive atmosphere. The participants showed significant interest in the concepts presented, leading to intense discussions about the opportunities and challenges of digitalization in injection molding manufacturing.
One of the most exciting takeaways from the workshop was realizing how many companies are already trying to make better use of data but often struggle with the complexity of available technologies. We were able to demonstrate how AI and machine learning can help not only improve processes but also make them easier to manage.
Additionally, I expanded my network, made many new connections, and deepened existing relationships. The openness and exchange within the Moldflow community are truly remarkable, making this event an essential meeting point for anyone working in the field.
Focus on AI in Injection Molding
Along with my presentation and workshop, we also had a small booth right outside the conference room. It was constantly busy, and many attendees took the opportunity to learn more about the potential of AI in injection molding manufacturing. The response was overwhelmingly positive—particularly the concept of human-machine cooperation and the benefits AI offers in optimizing manufacturing processes sparked great interest.
The presented AI-based approach has been used to reduce the warpage on the part significantly – within 12 hours and without any manual interference!
It was exciting to see how far the awareness of AI-powered solutions has already progressed in the industry. At the same time, there were many questions about how exactly these technologies can be integrated into everyday production. We were able to answer many of these questions and hopefully provided some new ideas that could lead to further collaborations in the future.
Impressions from the Conference: A Vibrant Community!
The CONNECT Conference 2024 was an overall success. In addition to the technical insights, it was the personal exchanges that made the event so valuable. Many familiar faces were there, and yet the proportion of new attendees was pleasantly high, at around 25%. It’s always impressive to see how many talented and dedicated professionals are engaging with the latest trends and developments in injection molding technology.
The atmosphere was marked by openness and a shared interest in advancing the industry. It was particularly inspiring to hear perspectives from the Moldflow developers from Australia and the U.S., who presented their latest innovations. The opportunity to speak directly with the developers and ask questions provided valuable insights and opened up new possibilities for future collaborations.
Impressions from the Conference: A Vibrant Community!
The CONNECT Conference was an excellent example of how important exchanges within the Moldflow community are for driving technological advancements. For me, it was a great opportunity to present my work to a broad audience and receive valuable feedback.
A special thanks to the event organizers—the combination of presentations, workshops, and personal interactions was perfectly executed and once again highlighted how dynamic and forward-looking the Moldflow community is.
The date for next year is already set: the 16th CONNECT Conference will likely take place on June 4th and 5th, 2025. I’m already looking forward to attending again to report on the progress and innovations in injection molding simulation—and, of course, to many inspiring conversations and new connections.