Precision Injection Molding

One of the key aspects of the production of high precision components is the need to meet extremely tight dimensional tolerances, typically in the submicron range, and maintain these tolerances over the practical lifetimes of the molded articles. In addition, as many of the precision components are utilized in various optoelectronic systems and devices, control of optical and electrical properties is often crucial. The strict control of dimensional and electro-optical properties requires a systematic reexamination of the conventional injection-molding process with special consideration of its impact on the dimensions and electro-optical characteristics of the molded article. This volume examines precision injection molding from different perspectives, covering materials, process and hardware aspects of the technology, with special emphasis on the dimensional integrity and stability of the molded components. Special topics covered in this volume include: dimensional stability of molded plastics, models for warpage development, compact disc molding, process control, crystallization phenomena in injection molding, micro-molding and microfluidics.

"Micro Injection Molding" meets the need for a dedicated book dealing exclusively with micro injection molding and overcoming the challenges of managing and processing polymer materials at ultra-small scales. Micro injection molding is the primary process for the mass production of polymer components with critical dimensions in the sub-millimeter range; however, it is not just a simple downscaling of conventional injection molding, and specific material-process-product interactions must be understood in order to achieve near zero-defect net-shape micro molded products. Micro molding is typically associated with ultra-high accuracy and superior process capabilities. Micro molded products have dimensional tolerances down to the single-digit micrometer range and surface finish with roughness from the sub-micrometer down to a few nanometers range. Micro and nano-structured tool surfaces are reproduced with very high replication fidelity onto the polymer products. Micro injection molding is highly suitable for the manufacture of multifunctional micro components such as micro implants, microfluidic systems, polymer micro optical elements, and micro mechanical systems. This book provides engineers, project managers, researchers, consultants, and other professionals involved in precision polymer processing and micro manufacturing with a comprehensive, up-to-date, and detailed treatment of the main topics related to micro molding, from material and process technology to tooling, to key-enabling technologies, and multimaterial process variations. Contents: • Part 1 – Polymer Materials and Process Micro Technology: micro injection molding machines technology; micro molding process monitoring and control; polymer materials structure and properties in micro injection molding parts; surface replication in micro injection molding • Part 2 – Tooling Technologies for Micro Mold Making: micro machining technologies for micro injection mold making; ultra-precision machining technologies for micro injection mold making; surface treatment of mold tools in micro injection molding • Part 3 – Micro Molding Key-Enabling Technologies: vacuum-assisted micro injection molding; modeling and simulation of micro injection molding; metrological quality assurance in micro injection molding; additive manufacturing for micro tooling and micro part rapid prototyping • Part 4 – Multimaterial Micro Processing: micro powder injection molding; multimaterial micro injection molding

This work focuses on the factors critical to successful injection moulding, including knowledge of plastic materials and how they melt, the importance of mould design, the role of the screw, and the correct use of the controls of an injection moulding machine. It seeks to provide operating personnel with a clear understanding of the basics of injection moulding, resulting in more efficient processing, reduced cycle times, and better part quality with fewer rejects.

Examining processes that affect more than 70 percent of consumer products ranging from computers to medical devices and automobiles, this reference presents the latest research in automated plastic injection and die casting mold design and manufacture. It analyzes many industrial examples and methodologies while focusing on the algorithms, implementation procedures, and system architectures that will lead to a fully automated or semi-automated computer-aided injection mold design system (CADIMDS). This invaluable guide in this challenging area of precision engineering summarizes key findings and innovations from the authors' many years of research on intelligent mold design technologies.

There are few complete technical sources of information available for plastic injection moulders to use relating to automation. This review has been compiled by researching and analysing technical references. It is intended to describe the basics of the technology and to explain how to put the technology to use. The review is supplemented by an indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library.

Economic success in the plastics processing industry depends on the quality, precision, and reliability of its most common tool: the injection mold. Consequently, misjudgments in design and mistakes in the manufacturing of molds can result in grave consequences.

Metal injection molding combines the most useful characteristics of powder metallurgy and plastic injection molding to facilitate the production of small, complex-shaped metal components with outstanding mechanical properties. Handbook of Metal Injection Molding, Second Edition provides an authoritative guide to this important technology and its applications. Building upon the success of the first edition, this new edition includes the latest developments in the field and expands upon specific processing technologies. Part one discusses the fundamentals of the metal injection molding process with chapters on topics such as component design, important powder characteristics, compound manufacture, tooling design, molding optimization, debinding, and sintering. Part two provides a detailed review of quality issues, including feedstock characterisation, modeling and simulation, methods to qualify a MIM process, common defects and carbon content control. Special metal injection molding processes are the focus of part three, which provides comprehensive coverage of micro components, two material/two color structures, and porous metal techniques. Finally, part four explores metal injection molding of particular materials, and has been expanded to include super alloys and precious metals. With its distinguished editor and expert team of international contributors, the Handbook of Metal Injection Molding is an essential guide for all those involved in the high-volume manufacture of small precision parts, across a wide range of high-tech industries such as microelectronics, biomedical and aerospace engineering. Provides an authoritative guide to metal injection molding and its applications Discusses the fundamentals of the metal injection molding processes and covers topics such as component design, important powder characteristics, compound manufacture, tooling design, molding optimization, debinding and sintering Comprehensively examines quality issues, such as feedstock characterization, modeling and simulation, common defects and carbon content control

The all-encompassing guide to total quality process control for injection molding In the same simple, easy-to-understand language that marked the first edition, Total Quality Process Control for Injection Molding, Second Edition lays out a successful plan for producing superior plastic parts using high-quality controls. This updated edition is the first of its kind to zero in on every phase of the injection molding process, the most commonly used plastics manufacturing method, with an all-inclusive strategy for excellence. Beginning with sales and marketing, then moving forward to cover finance, purchasing, design, tooling, manufacturing, assembly, decorating, and shipping, the book thoroughly covers each stage to illustrate how elevated standards across individual departments relate to result in the creation of a top-notch product. This Second Edition: Details ways to improve plastic part design and quality Includes material and process control procedures to monitor quality through the entire manufacturing system Offers detailed information on machinery and equipment and the implementation of quality assurance methods—content that is lacking in similar books Provides problem-analysis techniques and troubleshooting procedures Includes updates that cover Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and TS 16949, which are all critical for quality control; computer-guided process control techniques; and lean manufacturing methods With proven ways to problem-solve, increase performance, and ensure customer satis-faction, this valuable guide offers the vital information today's managers need to plan and implement quality process control—and produce plastic parts that not only meet, but surpass expectations.