Injection moulding parameters influence on weight quality of complex parts by means of DOE application: Case study. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: López, A.; Aisa, J.; Martinez, A.; Mercado, D.
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 90(2016)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Injection moulding -- DOE -- Complex part -- Integrated hinge; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2016.04.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: Influence of injection parameters on weight and part quality are studied. DOE method has been applied to obtain injection cycle conclusions. A special geometry with integrated hinge has been selected for the analysis. DOE method can lead to wrong conclusions if complex geometry is studied. Complex geometries and processes need deeper study and careful DOE application. Abstract: Injection moulding is a very popular plastic transformation process to produce complex parts, since a mould is capable to reproduce different shapes, and also due to its economic advantages for large series. However, defects can appear into the pieces, leading to reject them in the quality control. In order to control these defects, it is necessary to know the influence of the injection parameters on the quality of the part. Several researchers applied Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to injection process, with good results for test or lab specimens, but many industrial parts usually have more complex geometries or singularities. This paper introduces a case study focused on the application of DOE in a complex part because it has an integrated hinge. In this case study, the weight and pressure curves (hydraulic and specific) are analysed depending on the variation of process parameters. The authors would show that the analysis has found a strong influence of the geometry on the results which sometimes are different to the expected ones. In authors' opinion, the use of this procedure it still is a challenge, and this example could assist future attempts to create new expert systems in injection moulding.