Part Defects

Moldflow Design Analysis

 Air traps
Black specks and black streaks
Brittleness
Burn marks
Delamination
Dimensional variation
Discoloration
Fish eyes
Flash
Flow marks
Hesitation
Jetting
Ripples
Short hot
Silver streaks
Sink marks and voids
Weld lines and meld lines
 Air traps

An air trap is air caught inside the mold cavity. It becomes trapped by converging polymer
melt fronts or because it failed to escape via the mold vents, or mold inserts, which also act as
vents. Air-trap locations are usually in areas that fill last. Lack of vents or undersized vents
these last-to-fill areas are a common cause of air traps and the resulting defects.

Another common cause is racetracking (the tendency of polymer melt to flow preferentially in
thicker sections), caused by a large thickness ratio.

Air trap locations

indicated by the air
trap and fill time
simulation results
Problems caused by Air traps

Trapped air will result in voids and bubbles inside the molded part, a shor shot (incomplete fill), or
Surface defects such as blemishes or burn marks

Remedies

Alter the Part Design

Reducing the thickness ratio will minimize the racetracking effect of polymer melt
Black Specks and Black Streaks