Characteristic of rapid heating cycle moulding and warpage analysis of products

• Published in: Plastics, rubber & composites Vol. 40; no. 9; pp. 425 - 432
• Main Authors: Li, X-P, Zhao, G-Q, Guan, Y-J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Taylor & Francis 01.11.2011; SAGE Publications; Maney
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Defects; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element method; Gate location; Heating; Injection molding; Injection mould; Injection moulding; Machinery and processing; Mathematical analysis; Molding (process); Moulding; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Rapid heating cycle moulding; Simulation; Technology of polymers; Warpage; Warpage; Rapid heating cycle moulding; Gate location; Injection mould; Experimental test; Warping; Theoretical study; Polymer; Modeling; Finite element method; Manufacturing defect; Injection molding; Numerical simulation; Processing parameter
• ISSN: 1465-8011; 1743-2898
• DOI: 10.1179/174328909X435410

Rapid heating cycle moulding (RHCM) injection method can be used to solve many defects on the surface of the products produced by conventional injection method, such as weld mark, flow mark and so on. In this paper, the process of RHCM technology was presented. By comparing the new technology with the conventional injection method and the products produced by them, the advantages of RHCM technology were demonstrated. However, large warpage of the products was considered as the main defects of this technology. The reasons that caused the warpage of the products were analysed. Through finite element simulation and engineering experiment, the layout of the cold runners in the RHCM mould was optimised in order to decrease the warpage of the part. The results of the experiments and the finite element simulation were very close, proving that the simulation carried out in the paper was right.