Does anyone know how accurate the mass number is when you run a mass properties on a single part? I have a plastic piece created and would like to know how much material would be required to make that piece. When I run the mass properties report it give me a specific weight of roughly 52 grams. I have set the density of the material to the manufactures specs but I am not sure if that is all that is needed. If I weigh the finished piece I have a large discrepancy between the two. The other problem will be the next piece which is a foam and will expand in the mold cavity. It has a completely different density altogether. Is this even possible?
This is a new area for me.
Thanks.
Chris
My first suggestion would be to make sure the model includes every feature of the actual part. If the final part has small fillets on all edges rather than sharp edges then make sure that is in the model. If there are threads then model the threads instead of using cosmetic threads. Also if the part is injection molded, make sure you account for shrinkage. The manufacturer's spec for density may apply after shrinkage but maybe you are measuring in SW before shrinkage.
Out of curiosity, which mass is higher, SW model or the real part?