Numerical Simulation of Injection Molding Cooling Process Based on 3D Surface Model

The design of the cooling system of injection molds directly affects both productivity and the quality of the final part. Using the cooling process CAE system to instruct the mold design, the efficiency and quality of design can be improved greatly. At the same time, it is helpful to confirm the cooling system structure and optimize the process conditions. In this paper, the 3D surface model of mold cavity is used to replace the middle-plane model in the simulation by Boundary Element Method, which break the bottleneck of the application of the injection molding simulation softwares base on the middle-plane model. With the improvements of this paper, a practical and commercial simulation software of injection molding cooling process named as HsCAE3D6.0 is developed.

Simulation of casting deformation based on mold surface element method

Deformation of casting during the solidification process has puzzled many engineers and scientists for years. In order to attain the goal of near-net forming by casting, numerical simulation is a powerful tool. Traditional methods compute the thermal stress of both the casting and the mold. This method suffers the problem of massive calculation and failure of convergence. This paper proposes an improved Mold Surface Element Method, the main idea of which is to use the surface elements instead of body elements to express the interactions between the casting and the mold. The proposed method shows a high computation efficiency and provides satisfactory precision for engineering. Two practical casting products were used to verify the proposed method. The simulated results agree well with those observed in practical products. The proposed method is believed to benefit production practice and to provide theoretical guidance.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY FOR INJECTION MOLD PARTING SURFACE BASED ON CASES AND KNOWLEDGE

On the basis of the comprehensive analysis about the automatic generation of the injection mold parting surface, the parting surface design method which introduces knowledge and case-based reasoning （CBR） into the computer-aided design is described by combining with the actual characteristic in injection mold design, and the design process of case-based reasoning method is also given. A case library including the information of parting surface is built with the index of main shape features, The automatic design of the mold parting surface is realized combined with the forward-reasoning method and the similarity solution procedure. The rule knowledge library is also founded including the knowledge, principles and experiences for parting surface design. An example is used to show the validity of the method, and the quality and the efficiency of the mold design are improved.

Microstructure and properties of nano-TiN modified Ti(C,N)-based cermets fabricated by powder injection molding and die pressing

Powder injection molding （PIM） and die pressing were employed to fabricate nano-TiN modified Ti（C,N）- based cermets. The shrinkage behavior, microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the samples with and without nano-TiN addition fabricated by PIM and die pressing were analyzed. It is demonstrated that for either PIM or die pressing, the porosities are obviously reduced, the mechanical properties are significantly improved after adding nano-TiN, and the hard particles are refined; the rim phase thickness obviously becomes thinner, and the number of dimples in fracture also increases. Compared the samples fabricated by die pressing, it is difficult for PIM to obtain dense Ti（C,N）-based cermets. Due to the too much existence of pores and isolated carbon, the mechanical properties of the sintered samples by PIM are inferior to those of the sintered ones by die pressing.

A Qualitative Study of the Influence of Grooved Mold Surface Topography on the Formation of Surface Marks on As-Cast Ingots of Aluminum Alloy 3003

The effects of the wavelength and orientation of machined grooves on a mold surface, casting speed, and melt superheat on the formation of surface marks on as-cast ingots were studied with an immersion casting tester and copper mold chill blocks. The mold surface topographies included a polished smooth surface, and those with machined unidirectional parallel contoured grooves oriented either parallel (vertical) or perpendicular (horizontal) to the casting direction. The unidirectional grooves were 0.232 mm deep with wavelength or spacing between 1 and 15 mm. The casting speed and melt superheat were between 1 and 200 mm/s, and 10 and 50 K, respectively. Two primary types of surface marks were observed on ingots cast with the copper mold with smooth surface topography, namely the finer and closely spaced ripples (Type I), and the widely spaced but coarser laps (Type II). The latter were more prevalent at the higher casting speeds and melt superheats. Qualitatively, formation of both types of surface marks on the as-cast ingots of the aluminum alloy 3003 appeared to be alleviated by increase in casting speed and melt superheat, and by the use of molds with grooved surface topography. In fact, casting with a mold surface with 1 mm spaced grooves that are perpendicular to the casting direction eliminated the formation of surface marks at casting speeds greater than 1 mm/s. It also improved the uniformity of the ingot subsurface microstructure and eliminated the associated subsurface segregation.

Polishing Techniques of Stainless Steel Molding Die for the Slumping Method of Glass Optical Components

In recent years, high precision geometric shape, surface roughness, and cost reduction are required for large glass component molding processes. In this research, the polishing process of stainless steel molding dies used to form thin glass components is investigated. The surface roughness of the polished stainless steel molding die surface is below Rz = 200 nm （P-V） at 15 h polishing with 0.5 % alumina polishing liquid. In the case of polishing process with only the weight of molding die and a polishing pressure of 0.5 kPa, polishing times are approximately 60 h and 20 h, respectively. Final surface roughness polished stainless steel molding die surface with pressure of 0.5 kPa is Rz = 7 nm （P-V）, rms -- 1.6 nm and Ra = 1.4 nm. In a thin glass component manufacturing method, ＂slumping method＂, surface roughness before glass forming is rms = 0.7 nm and Ra = 0.6 nm, and after is rms = 0.7 nm and Ra = 0.6 nm. Therefore, there were no observable changes their surface roughness.

Study on Numerical Simulation of Mold Filling and Heat Transfer in Die Casting Process

A 3-D mathematical model considering turbulence phenomena has been established based on a computational fluid dynamics technique, so called 3-D SOLA-VOF (Solution Algorithm-Volume of Fluid), to simulate the fluid flow of mold filling process of die casting. In addition, the mathematical model for simulating the heat transfer in die casting process has also been established. The computation program has been developed by the authors with the finite difference method (FDM) recently. As verification, the mold filling process of a S-shaped die casting has been simulated and the simulation results coincide with that of the benchmark test. Finally, as a practical application, the gating design of a motorcycle component was modified by the mold filling simulation and the dies design of another motorcycle component was optimized by the heat transfer simulation. All the optimized designs were verified by the production practice.

Simulation of mold filling and prediction of gas entrapment on practical high pressure die castings

Element parameters including volume filled ratio,surface dimensionless distance,and surface filled ratio for DFDM(direct finite difference method)were proposed to describe shape and location of free surfaces in casting mold filling processes.A mathematical model of the filling process was proposed specially considering the mass,momentum and heat transfer in the vicinity of free surfaces.Furthermore,a method for gas entrapment was established by tracking flow of entrapped gas.The model and method were applied to practical ADC1 high pressure die castings.The gas entrapment prediction was compared with the fraction and maximum size of porosities in the different casting parts.The comparison shows validity of the proposed model and method.The study indicates that final porosities in high pressure die castings are dependent on both gas entrapment during mold filling process and pressure transfer within solidification period.

Mold Wear During Die Forging Based on Variance Analysis and Prediction of Die Life

A process parameter optimization method for mold wear during die forging process is proposed and a mold life prediction method based on polynomial fitting is presented,by combining the variance analysis method in the orthogonal test with the finite element simulation test in the forging process.The process parameters with the greatest influence on the mold wear during the die forging process and the optimal solution of the process parameters to minimize the wear depth of the mold are derived.The hot die forging process is taken as an example,and a mold wear correction model for hot forging processes is derived based on the Archard wear model.Finite element simulation analysis of die wear process in hot die forging based on deform software is performed to study the relationship between the wear depth of the mold working surface and the die forging process parameters during hot forging process.The optimized process parameters suitable for hot forging are derived by orthogonal experimental design and analysis of variance.The average wear amount of the mold during the die forging process is derived by calculating the wear depth of a plurality of key nodes on the mold surface.Mold life for the entire production process is predicted based on average mold wear depth and polynomial fitting.

Theoretical modeling of cutting temperature in high-speed end milling process for die/mold machining

A parametric model of cutting temperature generated in end milling process is developed according to the thermal mechanism of end milling as an intermittent operation, which periodically repeats the cycle of heating under cutting and cooling under non-cutting. It shows that cutting speed and the tool-workpiece engagement condition are determinative for tool temperature in the operation. The suggested model was investigated by tests of AlTiN coated endmill machining hardened die steel JIS SKD61, where cutting temperature on the flank face of tool was measured with an optical fiber type radiation thermometer. Experimental results show that the tendency of cutting temperature to increase with cutting speed and engagement angle is intensified with the progressing tool wear.

Low-cycle fatigue behavior of permanent mold cast and die-cast Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys

Fatigue failure is one of the main failure forms of Al-Si-Cu-Mg aluminum alloys. To feature their mechanical aspect of fatigue behavior, the low-cycle fatigue behavior of permanent mold cast and die-cast AI-Si- Cu-Mg alloys at room temperature was investigated. The experimental results show that both permanent mold cast and die-cast AI-Si-Cu-Mg alloys mainly exhibit cyclic strain hardening. At the same total strain amplitude, the diecast AI-Si-Cu-Mg alloy shows higher cyclic deformation resistance and longer fatigue life than does the permanent mold cast AI-Si-Cu-Mg alloy. The relationship between both elastic and plastic strain amplitudes with reversals to failure shows a monotonic linear behavior, and can be described by the Basquin and Coffin-Manson equations, respectively.

Mold Filling and Prevention of Gas Entrapment in High-pressure Die-casting

This paper presents some results of direct observation of mold filling in a specially designed die-casting by X-ray diffraction, including comparison with numerical simulation. Based on such work the authors discuss how to prevent gas entrapment and propose new methods.

A Novel Statistical Analysis for Residual Stress in Injection Molding

Residual stresses can reduce the reliability of plastic injection molding parts. This work is an attempt to model the residual stresses as a function of injection molding parameters. More stress is placed on reducing the number of input factors and to include all possible interactions. For this purpose, two-stage experimentation is suggested: a factor screening stage and Response Surface optimization stage. In screening stage Taguchi 3 level experimental design is used to classify the input parameters as significant and non-significant factors. Eight input variables were classified into 3 non-significant and 5 significant factors using this screening stage. Thus for the Response Surface optimization stage: instead of doing 160 experiments in Central Composite, 56 are only needed after the screening stage in half Central Composite Design. The best subset and regression model fitting tools in addition to model verification using randomly selected input setting were used to select a model for predicting residual stresses with a verified Root Mean Square Error (RSME) of nearly 0.93 MPa.

An improved mathematical model to simulate mold filling process in high pressure die casting using CLSVOF method and CSF model

A 3D mathematical model was proposed to simulate the mold filling process in high-pressure die casting(HPDC) to improve accuracy considering the surface tension. Piecewise liner interface calculation(PLIC) and volume of fluid(VOF) methods were used to construct the pattern of the liquid interface. A coupled levelset and VOF method(CLSVOF) was proposed to capture the interface pattern and obtain its normal vector. A continuum surface force(CSF) model was used to consider the surface tension. Two water analogy experiments were carried out using the proposed model. Simulation and experimental results were analyzed and compared; and the effects of surface tension were also discussed. The simulation results agreed well with the experiments and the simulation accuracy was an improvement on interface geometries, liquid flows, and gas entrapments.

HSM strategy study for hardened die and mold steels manufacturing based on the mechanical and thermal load reduction strategy

The paper discussed cutter-work engagement situation hidden behind the mechanical and thermal load effect on cutting edges during high speed hard machining process. The engagement situation was investigated in great detail using experimental and geometrical analytic measures. Experiments were conducted using A1TiN-coated micro-grain carbide end mill cutters to cut hardened die steel. On the basis, a general high speed hard machining strategy, which aimed at eliminating excessive engagement situation during high-speed machining （HSM） hard machining, was proposed. The strategy includes the procedures to identify prone-to-overload areas where excessive engagement situation occurs and then to create a reliable tool path, which has the effect of cutting load reduction to remove the prone-to-overload areas.

Optimization strategy in end milling process for high speed machining of hardened die/mold steel

An optimization strategy for high speed machining of hardened die/mold steel based on machining feature analysis was studied. It is a further extension of the previously presented study on the thermal mechanism of end milling and constant cutting force control. An objective function concerning machining cost and associated optimization algorithm based on machining time and cutting length calculation was proposed. Constraints to satisfy specific machining strategies when high speed machining the hardened die/mold steel, trochoid tool path pattern in slot end milling to avoid over-heat and feed rate adaptation to avoid over-load, were also discussed. As a case study, the tool selection problem when machining a die part with multiple machining features was investigated.

A Tool Path Re-generation Algorithm for Die & Mold Machining

Facing the challenges of a shorter product design a nd manufacturing lead-time, many mold companies are using 3-D CAD/CAM software s ystems in design and manufacturing. A new product file is often issued to the mo ld design department before it is completely finalized and the design may have t o be iterated many times during the mold design and making processes. In practic e, if a mold has been modified, all the tool paths that cover the modified regio n must be re-generated, no matter how small the modified region may be. With th e available tool path generation systems, if a tool path needs to be re-generat ed, all the cutter location (CL) points must be re-calculated, and none of the original CL points can be re-used. It would require as much time to re-gen erate the modified tool path as in the original case. On the other hand, the mod ified region is usually quite small compared with the entire mold. The complete re-generation process is therefore highly unproductive and time-consuming. This paper proposes an efficient tool path re-generation approach for 3-axis d ie and mold machining. It is assumed in this research that a gouge-free too l path has been generated for the original mold and the same ball end-mill is to be used to generate the tool path for the modified mold. It is shown in th is work that if the boundary of the modified region is interference-free, the a ffected CL points are enclosed by a set of CL points which correspond to the poi nts on the boundary of the modified region. An efficient tool path re-generatio n algorithm was developed in this research. With this algorithm, a closed CL cur ve is first generated from the boundary of the affected region. The CL points fo r the original mold are then analyzed by comparing the x and y values with the b oundary of the affected CL points. If the CL points are not affected by the modi fication, they are output to the new CL file directly. Otherwise, they are remov ed and replaced by the new CL points. The algorithm has been tested using severa l industrial parts, and results show that it is efficient, robust, and the re-g enerated tool path is gouge-free and smooth.

Development of Online Machining and Measurement System in Die and Mold Manufacturing： Concept and Fundamental Experiments

The corrective machining to compensate the resulting errors is usually tried at plural times based on the trial-and-error process when the machining is realized in die and mold manufacturing. This corrective machining has an influence on accuracy and efficiency and is an important factor. The measurement system for measuring the forms of die and mold at all times is essential in order to machine the die and mold with high accuracy and efficiency. However, the problems of management and operation errors are found in compensating process of die and mold machining. In this paper, an online machining and measurement system in die and mold manufacturing is developed in order to overcome these problems. In this online system, 2-axis control system is added to a surface roughness measuring instrument, and both NC machining program and measured data are linked and controlled using a same computer. Therefore, the machining and measurement can be recognized for consistent process, and can be realized on the machine. This system has the advantages such as the high accuracy, low-price, and online convenience and so on. The possibility of practical use of this online system was investigated by fundamental experiments.

基于NX和Moldflow的轮胎罩注塑成型模拟及试验验证

利用NX1851软件,对轮胎罩模型进行物理分析,该制品为大型薄壁制品。在Moldflow2018模流分析软件中,选择3D网格类型,根据实际YUD0热流道系统,构建模拟热流道系统;采用随形冷却的方式,对制品进行冷却。针对模具表面温度、熔体温度、顶出温度、注塑总时间,采用正交试验法进行研究,通过极差分析法,在模具表面温度40熔体温度180℃、顶出温度134尤、注塑总时间55s的情况下,轮胎罩制品的翘曲变形总量最小,为2.95mm。成型后的制品表面光洁,无注塑缺陷,经专用检具检验,得出轮胎罩定位孔等位置度,偏差在允许范围内;整体轮廓与检具间隙在允许范围内;顶端没有发生翘曲。

基于Moldflow的汽车门扶手注塑模具设计

以汽车门扶手的注塑成型为例,介绍了塑件的成型工艺与模具结构设计要点,通过Moldflow软件在优化模具浇注系统的基础上,对塑件注塑过程中的填充时间、填充压力、熔体前峰温度、困气和V/P切换压力进行了合理地预测和分析,得到了一套切实可行的模具结构设计方案。实践表明,模具结构设计合理,工作稳定,实现了塑件的大批量生产。