Warpage optimisation using virgin and recycled polycarbonates: a case study of front panel housing

Abstract

Plastic product are commonly produced using an injection molding process. A large amount of product can produce within a very short time. One of the defect that often being encountered in the production is warpage. By determine the appropriate parameter setting by using optimisation method, the quality of the moulded part can be improve. The warpage can be minimise but difficult to eliminate. The part can be smaller than the actual size cause by the warpage. Due to this defect will cause the plastic part difficult to be assembled. Considering the increasing application of these thermoplastic materials, the use of recycled polymers has increased too. Environmental issues, the subsequent tendency to save resources and the high costs of polymers have made the recycling an inevitable option. This study provides a scientific knowledge that will be useful to plastic manufacturing industries in injection moulding process especially by using virgin and recycle material. The parameter that being significant from the studied that been review were mostly melt temperature, packing time, cooling time and packing pressure.