Variable Mold Temperature for Improving Surface Quality of Microcellular Injection Molded Parts Using Induction Heating Technology

摘要

In this study, a variable mold temperature method via induction heating combined with water cooling was used to improve surface quality of microcellular parts. It was found that the surface roughness can decreases from 25 μm to 6.5 μm when mold surface temperature increases from 100°C to 160°C. The flow marks of gas bubbles on the part surface can be removed completely at mold temperature of 160°C. When the mold temperature over a critical value about 180°C, the surface roughness can reach a saturated value about 5 μm. Compared to conventional water heating with initial In 60°C mold temperature, surface roughness can be greatly improved by about 80% without a significant increase in cycle time.