Defect Minimization of an Injection Molded Plastic Component Using Conformal Cooling Channels

Abstract

The cooling process is an essential aspect while designing for uniform heat transfer between the mold and the molded part. Improper design and placement of cooling channels result in non-uniform cooling and thus results in differential shrinkage and warpage on the final product. The installation of the channels yet plays a crucial role in the cooling of the part. Conforming channels that are placed at an optimum distance from the part to enhance the cooling process. In this paper, the performance parameters of straight drilled channels are compared with the conformal cooling channels for an electric alarm box. The analysis indicates that the conformal cooling method improved and enhanced the cooling process and reduced the defects like warpage and differential shrinkage by 25.5% and 28.0% respectively.