Identification of Controlling Parameters on Thermal Deformation of Mobile Device by Injection Molding Process

Abstract

Injection molding process is a widely used manufacturing technique to massively produce the components of mobile device with various sizes and complicated geometries. However, the final part quality, especially dimension or geometry, referring to the original design specifications is not often acceptable due to various reasons. This study aims at developing the numerical model to predict the final part quality and subsequently identifying the critical reasons for existing problems. moldflow and abaqus software have been simultaneously used to simulate the injection molding process and thermal deformation arising after ejection step from the mold. In order to validate the model, the deformation predicted by the developed model was compared with experimental results, and both results showed good agreement. We also carried out design of experiment (DOE) to investigate the effect of various processing parameters that affect the final deformation of injection molded product. The developed model and information derived from DOE are expected to provide useful resources to the initial stage of mobile device design.