83 / 2016-01-11 14:35:52

Numerical Simulation for Optimization of Plastics Process Parameters of Injection Molding Machine based on Energy Consumption

FEM; orthogonal experiment; energy consumption; injection molding machine

Plastics process parameters during the injection molding influence greatly for the energy consumption of the injection molding machine. This paper focuses on optimization of the plastics process parameters. Firstly, the finite element models of the metering section of the screw and the flow channel were built. Secondly, an orthogonal experiment with three factors was designed. The factors included rotational speed of screw, barrel temperature and back pressure. Thirdly, polycarbonate (PC) was chosen as experimental material and fluid analysis software was used to simulate the plasticizing process according to the orthogonal arrangement scheme. Finally, with the range analysis of the numerical simulation and the shear stress distribution contours, the optimal plasticizing process parameters which make energy consumption minimum were obtained. For the minimum energy consumption, rotational velocity of the screw, barrel temperature and back pressure should be 40r/min, 300oC and 1MPa, respectively.