Title: Cycle time reduction in multi-cavity injection mould through mould flow analysis and runner modification

Authors: S. Jagadeesan; V. Umasankar

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai Campus, Vandalur, Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, 600127, Tamil Nadu, India ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai Campus, Vandalur, Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, 600127, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Productivity in the injection moulding process is driven by the cycle time which is influenced by process parameters, the material being processed and mould design. In mould design, especially the feeding system such as runner and gating, decide the flow of molten polymer material to reach the cavities without any resistance and blockage. The effective usage of software and analysis results in exploring the opportunities for reducing the cycle time. This paper is focusing on analysis and thereafter effect of changes in runner modification and mould flow which resulted in improvement in cycle time and increase in productivity. Investigations on the issues in the existing runner profile and filling pattern of the component during injection moulding and the established process of achieving uniform filling are presented. Filling, packing and cooling analysis were taken for the studies with various parameters while setting the mould in the injection moulding operation.

Keywords: cycle time; mould flow; cavity; filling; packing; cooling time; runner; warpage; optimisation; machine utilisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2022.126330

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2022 Vol.37 No.2, pp.180 - 215

Received: 03 May 2020
Accepted: 13 Jan 2021
Published online: 21 Oct 2022 *

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