Analysis of a large injection-molded body using knowledge-based flow process technology

A knowledge-based flow process is presented for large injection-molded body technology (LIMBT). Injection molding of a large body is a difficult technique because of the many factors and their interactions during the molding process. The proposed flow process can support LIMBT through integration of CAE(Computer-Aided Engineering), CAI (Computer-Aided Inspection), and monitoring systems. CAE and DOE (Design of Experiment) are used to construct an optimal mold design in terms of gates and runners and to identify working conditions for the molding process. CAI and monitoring systems with temperature sensors and pressure sensors can be used to inspect the physical molding process and the molded parts. The flow process of a large body is systematically planned and constructed using a knowledge-based flow process with DOE and computer-aided technologies. The proposed flow process is implemented for the molding process of an automobile front bumper fascia.