Optimization of Residual Stresses in the Surface Regions of Injection Moldings

The present study focused on the optimization of the injection molding process parameters to minimize thermal residual stresses in the surface regions of the polystyrene and high density polyethylene parts. Process parameters such as melt temperature, mold temperature and cooling time were considered as variables and their effects on residual stresses in surface regions of the parts were investigated by utilizing design of experiment (DOE), Taguchi and analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. As a result, the most important parameters for residual stresses in surface regions of the PS and HDPE parts were found melt temperature and mold temperature, respectively.