Process Development Strategy: Mold Functionality
An important step in the molding process is preparing the mold for optimal functionality. Every plastic injection mold is unique and requires a tailored set-up strategy. There are several important steps to take prior to beginning the molding process development phase. These include setting up and checking the functionality of the following:
Mold movements will be set up to initiate the molding process development. But fine tuning the mold movements will be optimized during actual process development. Having the initial functionality set allows the process technician to focus on other actual molding process development tasks. Functionality of the peripheral devices, such as the mold temperature controller, chiller, conveyor belt and robot should also be checked prior to starting the process development.
Most modern molding machines have process output screens and graphics to aid the process engineer during process development. The most important graphical outputs are machine injection pressure, cavity pressures, clamp tonnage, screw velocity graphs, and the process time sequence report.
Instrumenting a mold with temperature and pressure transducers is a good technique to understand polymer molding pressure and overall temperature behavior inside the mold cavity. Watch the video to learn more:
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Recording pressure and temperature curves during the molding, understanding the mold drawings, and setting the clamp tonnage are other critical steps in preparing the mold for optimal functionality.
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Kruse Analysis, Inc. has been providing CAE simulation services to the plastic injection molding industry since 1995. By using advanced Moldex3D technology, Kruse helps customers troubleshoot from product design to development, optimize design patterns, shorten time-to-market, and maximize product return on investment (ROI). For more information, visit www.kruseanalysis.com
Kruse Training, Inc. offers a state-of-the-art online knowledge and training solution that use 3D process simulation technology to demonstrate cause and effect of molding behavior. This interactive training program illustrates how "The Circle of Knowledge" between the part designer, mold designer, and process engineers works in the real world of plastic mold and design. For more information, visit www.krusetraining.com