Title: Computer integrated materials processing (CIMP) (new design analysis and simulation capabilities for injection moulded parts)

Authors: G.L. Bata, G. Salloum

Addresses: Industrial Materials Research Institute National Research Council of Canada 75 De Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 6Y4, Canada. ' Industrial Materials Research Institute National Research Council of Canada 75 De Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 6Y4, Canada

Abstract: This article describes the advantages of using an interactive software package based on solid modelling for the design and simulation of injection moulded parts. An expert system assists the user in the decision making process at any time during the development of the part. With the help of interactive graphic menus, supported by a flexible database, the process begins with the solid representation of the part. Interactively, the program allows the user to analyse the filling and the cooling phases as well as the actual behaviour of the mould in order to optimize the design and manufacturing parameters. The supporting database has been developed by taking into account the design and manufacturing guidelines, material characteristics and information on tooling and polymer processing. Then a complete optimisation can be performed during the finite element analysis which is based on the information obtained from the results of the process simulation.

Keywords: computer integrated materials processing; CIMP; expert systems; injection moulding; interactive software packages; mould design; polymer processing; tooling; solid modelling; simulation; optimisation; finite element analysis; FEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1987.036765

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1987 Vol.2 No.2, pp.123 - 136

Published online: 07 Nov 2010 *

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