4M Knowledge base - papers

G. Tosello (a), A. Schoth (b), H.N. Hansen (a)

(a) Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Produktionstorvet, Building 427S, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
(b) Laboratory for Process Technology, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, George-Koehler-Allee 103,79110 Freiburg, Germany

Abstract

In polymer micro manufacturing technology, software simulation tools adapted from conventional injection moulding can provide useful assistance for the optimization of moulding tools, mould inserts, micro component design, and process parameters. Conventional implementation methods of simulation are not suitable for micro injection (μIM) application and are limiting the possibility to extend the use of existing packages for the modelling and the simulation of polymer micro parts. Different strategies optimized for the set-up the simulation of a miniaturized part with micro features are presented. Model design and mesh issues are discussed, as well as dynamic implementation of the flow constrains for the creation of an effective interface between the machine and the polymer flow in the simulation software. The results of the different methods are evaluated by means of a quantitative study which compares the simulated results and the actual micro injection moulding experiments.