Defect Minimization of an Injection Molded Plastic Component Using Conformal Cooling Channels

The cooling process is an essential aspect while designing for uniform heat transfer between the mold and the molded part. Improper design and placement of cooling channels result in non-uniform cooling and thus results in differential shrinkage and warpage on the final product. The installation of the channels yet plays a crucial role in the cooling of the part. Conforming channels that are placed at an optimum distance from the part to enhance the cooling process. In this paper, the performance parameters of straight drilled channels are compared with the conformal cooling channels for an electric alarm box. The analysis indicates that the conformal cooling method improved and enhanced the cooling process and reduced the defects like warpage and differential shrinkage by 25.5% and 28.0% respectively.

Effect of Melt Temperature on Weld Line Strength

This article deals with the influence of the melt temperature on weld line strength in injection-molded plastic parts. A special mold was created for this investigation to make specimens with a central weld line. The experimental material was polypropylene Sabic PP 90910. Its stress at break is around 16 MPa and its melting temperature is between 200°C and 260°C. In general, the presence of weld lines has a negative impact on mechanical properties. This investigation showed that the strength depends on the melt temperature (160–260°C in this case). Strength was measured using mechanical testing. It was found to increase with the melt temperature, up to 210°C. Above 210°C, degradation of the plastic led to decreasing strengths. A melt temperature range of 190–210°C is therefore optimal for this application. Shear forces and friction were found to play a great role, as they raise the melt temperature during molding. This was confirmed by mold-flow analysis. The melt temperature during molding was up to 18% higher than the initial melt temperature. This investigation has important consequences for the plastic industry. It is relevant to evaluations of the polymer matrix strength in composite materials and the strength of 3D printed parts with multiple weld lines.

Spontaneous buckling of thin-walled injection-molded parts

Injection molding technology has a wide range of industrial applications, especially in packaging and casing production. In this paper the spontaneous buckling of thin-walled injection molded plastic parts was described. Theoretical background along with numerical simulation and experimental validation of this phenomenon were presented.

Engineering tumor vasculature on an injection-molded plastic array 3D culture (IMPACT) platform

Recent advances in microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technology have enabled the growth of 3D microphysiological systems for diverse biological studies.

Microfluidics within a well: an injection-molded plastic array 3D culture platform

A versatile injection-molded platform with fast, robust, and simple liquid patterning capable of 3D co-culture experiments.