Polymer Injection Molding Characterization and Process Design

Parties Involved:

• Student(s): Anne Palmer
  Faculty Member(s):  Jon Colton
  Industry Member(s):  NSF
   

Brief Project Description:
 

• The goal is to characterize polymer injection molding in support of the molding process design activity, which will enable testing and verification of DFM rules and process designs.
• Three areas will be researched to support fully the use of injection molding in the RTTB.
  1. Mold materials.  The inclusion of reinforcement materials will be studied to enhance the strength, durability, and heat transfer characteristics of SLA-produced inserts.
  2. Relationships between mold conditions and final part properties. To determine any differences in final part properties, we will conduct analyses using software models, then mechanical tests will be compared to each other and the the software's predictions to distinguish any differences.
  3. Design for manufacture rules for component and tool design.  Mold insert properties will be experimentally and mathematically correlated to the physical and geometrical requirements of the plastic part produced.