Simulation of micro-injection molding

• Main Authors: Ali, Mohammad Yeakub, Hung, N. P., Yuan, S.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2000
• Subjects: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery; TS Manufactures
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/27303/1/068_MTA_2000_Singapore_535-540.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/27303/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Two challenges in micro-injection molding process were the modification of conventional injection molding machine and simulation of the molding process. This paper simulates the micro-injection molding process using a conventional software. Successful simulation was performed for the micro-injection molding of polycarbonate micro-components with sub-millimeter dimensions. The micro-cavities, keeping along with a macro-cavity, were filled completely under non-variothermal process conditions. The percentage weight of the melt flow and average flow length were found proportional to the filling time. A sudden drop of melt temperature and a high concentration of shear stress were observed at the entrances of all micro-cavities. The melt flow velocity inside the micro-cavity was much lower than any other places of the cavity. Air traps were identified in each of the micro-cavities.