Midland, Michigan – More details are emerging about Dow's AI system for polyurethane formulations. The system relies on artificial intelligence to devise formulas based on Dow raw materials to customer specifications.
Dow confirmed that initial development work was confined to flexible and rigid formulations, but added that it eventually plans to expand its reach into other types of formulation.
Addressing a question on data privacy, Dow said that the tool is designed to let users explore the properties of its formulations, and to match those with the customer's requirements. 'There is not an expectation that customers provide this information directly through the tool,' the company added.
Dow said it has not simulated foaming on machinery from different manufacturers. It is currently researching how foam flow models in different tooling geometries, and plans to pilot this capability with specific customer requirements in the future.
Initially, the tool will be for prediction and not for formulation control on the fly on a production machine. It will include additives and components from other suppliers because, the company said, Dow products and proprietary systems often include components from other suppliers.
