CoreTech System Co. Ltd. has expanded its capabilities to encompass the entire product development life cycle from prototyping and tooling to processing.
CoreTech (S15019) was founded in 1995 in Taiwan by five university professors who developed Moldex3D injection molding simulation software.
The Hsinchu, Taiwan-based company said at NPE2024 it wants to talk with customers about its expanded offerings and the future of the plastics industry, with a special focus on the circular economy.
Plastics News spoke with Harshal Bhogesra, director of sales, about product news and industry trends.
Q. What's new since NPE2018?
Bhogesra: At NPE2018, Moldex3D was primarily known for our advanced simulation and optimization tools for the molding industry. Since then, we've significantly broadened our scope and depth of services.
This year, we are excited to introduce our integrated solutions that cover the entire product life cycle as well as our new platform, Moldex3D Moldiverse. This innovative platform bridges the gap between simulation and actual production, allowing for real-time adjustments and enhanced accuracy in manufacturing processes.
Our clients now benefit from a more holistic approach that enhances efficiency, reduces time to market, and maintains the quality and precision that our simulations are known for.
Q. How does Moldex3D help molders achieve sustainability-related goals?
Bhogesra: Moldex3D's simulation software enables molders to optimize their molding processes, which can lead to significant reductions in material waste.
By accurately predicting the flow, cooling and warpage behavior of materials during the molding process, the software helps in designing more efficient molds that produce less scrap.
Better process parameters mean that machines operate under optimal conditions, minimizing the energy required for heating and cooling.
Moldex3D helps in designing products that are not only structurally sound but also material-efficient. This can include reducing the thickness of parts without compromising their integrity, leading to less material use per part and overall lighter products, which are key aspects in fields like automotive manufacturing, where weight reduction is critical for enhancing fuel efficiency.
By minimizing the number of trial and error cycles needed in the product development phase, Moldex3D helps companies reduce their carbon footprint. Fewer physical prototypes mean less material used and less energy consumed in the testing phase.
Moldex3D can simulate the behavior of recycled materials, helping molders adjust their processes to use more sustainable, recycled plastics effectively. This supports the industry's shift toward more sustainable materials without sacrificing product quality or performance.
Q: CoreTech has done a lot over the years to reach molders, especially the next generation of professionals. Did your strategy change during the pandemic?
Bhogesra: We shifted toward hosting more virtual events and webinars. This allowed us to continue providing training, demonstrations and seminars on our software and industry best practices. It also enabled us to reach a wider audience worldwide, overcoming the limitations of physical events.
We expanded our online training modules and introduced new certification programs. Tailored to accommodate varying schedules and learning paces, these resources are designed to empower users with the flexibility to enhance their skills anytime, anywhere.
We enhanced our suite of digital tools — Moldiverse, Viewer, iSLM, etc. — to facilitate seamless collaboration and support remote working environments.
With an increase in digital content consumption, we amplified our online presence through YouTube, LinkedIn and other platforms. Through engaging tutorials, detailed case studies and informative blogs, we committed to keeping our community well informed and engaged, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
With the absence of in-person meetings and traditional expos, we increased our direct outreach efforts. We focused on understanding and addressing individual customer needs, reinforcing our commitment to their success.
We actively sought feedback through digital platforms to engage with our community, fostering a robust network of professionals who feel supported and valued. This feedback loop helps us continually improve and adapt our offerings to better serve our industry.
Each of these adaptations was guided by our core principle: to serve our community by providing practical, effective solutions that meet their evolving needs.
Q. It looks like there will be a lot of artificial intelligence-related developments at this year's NPE. How can your products fit into that niche?
Bhogesra: We leverage AI to optimize processes, reduce costs and improve output quality through predictive analytics and precise action recommendations.
We are introducing iMolding Hub, which integrates simulation with actual production, enhancing the realism and applicability of our simulations. Key components of the iMolding Hub include machine digital twin, which generates detailed digital replicas for accurate simulations; dynamic response data, which enhances simulations with real-time machine behavior; and characteristics analysis, which provides in-depth analysis of machine capabilities.
Our key services include Mold Tryout Adviser, a beta product that directly applies optimized conditions to reduce trial and production times.
By bridging simulation and manufacturing, we can generate realistic simulations and real-world process conditions. Connecting simulation to production can helps customers optimize shop floor operations and paves the way for automation.