Computer Modeling for Injection Molding: Simulation, Optimization, and Control

Chapter 1: Introduction

Huamin Zhou

State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China

This book is primarily concerned with the computer modeling technology in the quality enhancement of polymer injection molding. This chapter outlines the injection molding process, factors that influence the quality of injection-molded products, and computer applications in injection molding.

1.1 Introduction of Injection Molding

The past century has witnessed the rapid expansion of polymers and plastics (the term plastics describes the compound of a polymer with one or more additives) and their incursion into all markets. Although just over a century old, relatively new when compared to other materials, plastics are now among the most widely used materials, surpassing world's consumption of steel, aluminum, rubber, copper, and zinc by weight (and volume, of course), as shown in Figure 1.1.¹ Plastic materials and products cover the entire spectrum of the world economy in a position to benefit by a turnaround in any one of a number of areas: packaging, appliance, transportation, housing, automotive, and many other industries.

Figure 1.1 World consumption of raw materials by weight.

Injection molding is regarded as the most important process used to manufacture plastic products. Today, more than one third of ...