Methodology to Analyze the Influence of Microcellular Injection Molding on Mechanical Properties with Samples Obtained Directly of An Industrial Component

Abstract

Microcellular injection molding is a process that offers numerous benefits thanks to the internal structure generated, thus many applications are being arising in different fields, especially home appliance. In spite of it, when changing the manufacturing process of a component from conventional injection molding to microcellular injection molding, it is necessary to ensure the mechanical properties of the component. In this paper a study of the mechanical behavior of samples obtained directly from a manufactured component both by conventional injection molding and microcellular injection molding is carried out. This kind of samples take into account the process conditions under the final component is processed and the influence of these conditions on the mechanical properties. For this purpose special devices have been developed taking into account the characteristics of the component and the samples obtained. An X-ray 3D computed tomography is also carried out to validate the internal structure of the microcellular injection molded component. Tensile properties are reduced between 20–22% regarding flow direction when using microcellular injection molding. Impact properties are reduced up to 27%. However, flexural properties reduction for samples processed by microcellular injection is only 6.8%, so microcellular injection molding arises as a very suitable process for components working under this kind of load. Molding and impact tests are carried out by using specially developed devices.