Thinning Injection Molded Computer Walls

Abstract

The design of computer housings is dependent on three requirements—structural properties, cosmetics, and cost. The first and minimum structural requirement for computer housing is stiffness. The stiffness of the computer is a measure of its ability to withstand the loads it is subjected to without a noticeable change in shape. The stiffness of the housing is a combination of its geometric stiffness and material stiffness of its plastic. Another important structural property of computer housing is its load-bearing capacity. This is of particular importance for detailed design features such as snaps and bosses. The load a feature can bear is proportional to its material yield strength and cross-sectional area. Impact strength is another important structural property in computer housings as they are often subjected to intentional or unintentional physical blows from their human masters. Designers enhance the ruggedness of the boxes by selecting materials with high impact strengths. The cosmetics or appearance of computer housing may also be affected by thinning its nominal wall if it increases the occurrence of sinkmarks or weldlines.