Injection molding machine characteristics and Process Optimization analysis

Process Optimization analysis requires as input the characteristics of the specific injection molding machine that will be used to mold the part, including various information on the operating capacity and other physical and operational parameters of the injection molding machine.

This topic describes the specific injection molding machine characteristics required by the Process Optimization analysis and some advice on how to obtain this machine data.

Injection molding machine specification

The Process Optimization analysis calculates the optimum processing parameters based on the material data, mold geometry, and molding machine characteristics. The results of the Process Optimization analysis are based upon information that you supply about your injection molding machine.

Since the Process Optimization analysis optimizes the process for a given machine, you must specify how that injection molding machine works. You can select one of the machines from the supplied injection molding machine database and, if necessary, modify the data to suit your particular machine, or define your own injection molding machine that is then saved in the database.

Information required includes:

• Identification of machine
• Injection unit information
• Screw information
• Clamp unit information
• Controller information

Guidelines

Much of the molding machine data required by the Process Optimization analysis is available directly from the machine manufacturer's data sheet, such as:

• Screw diameter
• Maximum injection pressure
• Maximum clamp force
• Maximum number of velocity steps
• Maximum stroke.

It is recommend that the following critical parameters be verified experimentally, for maximum accuracy:

• Maximum injection velocity
• Machine response time

Caution: Appropriate safety procedures should be adhered to during these experimental tests.