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

Preface

When Wiley approached me to write a book on injection molding, I indicated that I would be interested in writing a book on the basics and applications of computer models, tools, and simulations in injection molding. This idea was embraced by Wiley, and the result is Computer Modeling for Injection Molding: Simulation, Optimization, and Control.

No one doubts that injection molding is the most important process used in the manufacture of plastic products, which has consumed about 32 wt% of all plastics. Typical injection-molded products can be found everywhere, including automotive parts, household articles, and consumer electronics goods. Owing to growing plastics applications, increasing customer demand, and rapid growth of the global marketplace, quality requirements of injection-molded components have become more stringent, forcing companies in the constant struggle for just-in-time production with a zero-fault quota. Effective quality assurance is therefore very necessary in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.

Computer application has played a crucial role in the quality control of injection molding. In practice, a high quality component can be obtained only when various factors regarding the part and mold designs as well as the material selection and process setup have been considered. The quality of the injection-molded product is thus inherently difficult to predict and/or control without employing sophisticated computer simulation/optimization ...