Bi-Objective Optimization Design of Heterogeneous Injection Mold Cooling Systems

Abstract

This paper presents a two-step methodology for the bi-objective optimization design of heterogeneous injection mold cooling systems to achieve simultaneously fast and uniform cooling. During the first step, a single fundamental mold material selected from the material database is assumed, optimal cooling channels size, location, and coolant flow rate are obtained through a gradient-based optimization method. Based on the optimal results from the first step, the second step further reduces cooling time and increases temperature distribution uniformity at ejection by finding sensitive areas and distributing both fundamental and secondary materials in these areas through a genetic algorithm. A Finite Element Method with the Jacobi Conjugate Gradient scheme is utilized to perform the cyclic and transient cooling simulation. Two illustrations for the optimal methodology are provided.