Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Injection Molding Systems

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Irene Ferreira (Author) FEUP; Olivier de Weck (Author) FEUP; Pedro Saraiva (Author) FEUP; José Cabral (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization

Pages: 621-635

ISSN: 1615-147X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 15 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 24 Citations

COMPENDEX

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-85F

DOI: 10.1007/s00158-009-0435-8

Abstract (EN): The design of injection molding systems for plastic parts relies heavily on experience and intuition. Recently, mold makers have been compelled to shorten lead times, reduce costs and improve process performance due to global competition. This paper presents a framework, based on a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) methodology, which tackles the design of an injection mold by integrating the structural, feeding, ejection and heat-exchange sub-systems to achieve significant improvements. To validate it single objective optimization is presented leading to a 42% reduction in cycle time. We also perform multiple objective optimization simultaneously minimizing cycle time, wasted material and pressure drop. Sensitivity analysis shows a large impact of the sprue diameter (>1.5 normalized sensitivity) highlighting the importance of the feeding subsystem on overall quality. The results show substantial improvements resulting in reduced rework and time savings for the entire mold design process.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific