Gas Assisted Injection Molding of an Industrial Part: 3D Simulation Provides Virtual Molding Trials

Abstract

Abstract Techniques developed for three-dimensional simulation of gas assisted injection molding of thermoplastics are here extended to a complex industrial application, a car door handle, providing uniquely detailed insights into the molding process. Handling of the three stages of the process – plastic filling, and primary and secondary gas penetration – is described in terms of the boundary and initial conditions applied. Predictions for plastic filling patterns are compared successfully with molding results, and provide detailed forewarning of potential problems due to weld surfaces and air-traps. Particular emphasis is placed on accurate modeling of secondary gas penetration, which is also validated against practical results. A further novel feature is the export of an STL model of the gas core, providing a CAD model of the finished molding for subsequent in-service analysis.