Estimating energy consumption of injection moulding for environmental-driven mould design. (1st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matarrese, P.; Fontana, A.; Sorlini, M.; Diviani, L.; Specht, I.; Maggi, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 168(2017)
• Page Start: 1505
• Page End: 1512
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01
• Subjects: environment-aware decision making -- Sustainability assessment -- Mould & die -- Injection moulding -- Energy estimation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.07.144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Supporting environmentally-conscious design of moulds is the ultimate objective of the here presented advisory tool. Relying on a careful estimation of the energy used for the injection moulding process, the designer is guided towards the development of green(er) solutions. As shown by literature and through a preliminary LCA screening analysis, most of the environmental impacts of a mould are directly connected to the energy consumed during the injection phase. This paper proposes a guideline for a reliable and sensitive energy estimation of the injection moulding process, taking into account not only the part and the material to be moulded, but also the specifications of the mould, the injection moulding machine and the injection moulding process parameters. The accurate estimation of the energy consumed may radically improve the estimation of the overall environmental impacts of the mould and of the moulded product, and provide a value-added support for eco-driven decision making since the mould design phase. This work aims at contributing to the development of new methodologies to help injection moulding industry to develop more sustainable parts, moulds and processes. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The use phase dominates the environmental impacts with the energy consumed and polymer production as the main contributors. This paper proposes a guideline for a reliable and sensitive energy estimation of the injection moulding process. Energy estimation take into account also the specification of the mould, the machine and the process parameters. The paper presents an advisory tool that is meant to support environmental-conscious design of moulds. This work aims at developing new methodologies to help industry to develop more sustainable parts, moulds and processes.