Optimization of the injection molding process for the PC/ABS parts by integrating Taguchi approach and CAE simulation

This study was an application of the Taguchi method to optimize injection molding (IM) process parameters of the polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blends. A 4-factor, 3-level injection experiment was conducted using Taguchi L₉ orthogonal array through the statistical design method. The parameters considered were material temperature, injection pressure, holding time, and mold temperature. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was performed to obtain higher shear stress by defining the optimum injection parameters. The Taguchi method showed that injection pressure was the most influential parameter on the shear stress for the PC/ABS blends. The optimal injection parameter levels tested via Taguchi were verified via CAE simulation. SW plastics software was used to predict if the injected part contained injection defects through computation of key parameters such as the easy filling, the flow front central temperature, and the residual stress. The numerical simulation showed no injection defects observed on the injected PC/ABS parts. Therefore, the optimal combination parameters provided injected PC/ABS parts with a better shear stress and no injection defects. Such conditions would enhance the metallization process.