Paper Title
Optimization of Injection Moulding Process Parameter for Reducing Shrinkage of High Density Polyethylene (Hdpe) Material
Abstract
Injection molding is an important polymer processing operation in the plastic industry. In this process, polymer is
injected into a mold cavity, and solidifies to the shape of the mold. Optimizing the parameters of the injection molding
process is critical to enhance productivity. For process optimization, parameters must operate at optimum levels for
acceptable performance. Taguchi method is one of the methods of optimization, in which orthogonal array is generated
based on experimental design. Optimization of injection molding process parameters will be carried out using high density
polyethylene (HDPE) as the molding material Injection moulding has been a challenging process for many plastic
components manufacturers and researchers to produce plastics products meeting the requirements at very economical cost.
Since there is global competition in injection moulding industry, so using trial and error approach to determine process
parameters for injection moulding is no longer hold good enough. Since plastic is widely used polymer due to its high
production rate, low cost and capability to produce intricate parts with high precision. It is much difficult to set optimal
process parameter levels which may cause defects in articles, such as shrinkage, warpage, line defects. Determining optimal
process parameter setting critically influences productivity, quality and cost of production in plastic injection moulding
(PIM) industry. In this paper optimal injection moulding condition for minimum shrinkage were determined by the DOE
technique of Taguchi methods. The various observation has been taken for material namely HDPE. The determination of
optimal process parameters were based on S/N ratios.
Index Terms - Injection Moulding, DOE, Taguchi Optimization, Design Expert.