Optimization of Injection Molding Process for Contour Distortions of Polypropylene Composite Components via Design of Experiments Method

Abstract

This study analyzes the contour distortions of polypropylene (PP) composite components, which are applied to the interior coffer of automobiles. The specimens are prepared under different injection molding conditions by varying the parameters, namely, melting temperature, injection speed, and injection pressure via three computer-controlled progressive strokes. The contour distortions are adopted as the quality targets. Experiments of sixteen experimental runs are based on an orthogonal array table, and apply the design of experiments (DOE) method to determine an optimal parameter setting. In this study, regression models are developed, and the models can be utilized to predict the contour distortions at each location under different injection molding conditions.