Design and Experimental Assessment of Variable-Geometry Dies for Polymer Extrusion

This paper presents a design methodology and experimental assessment of variable-geometry dies that enable the extrusion of plastic parts with a nonconstant cross section. These shape-changing dies can produce complex plastic components at higher manufacturing speeds and with lower tooling costs than injection molding. Planar, rigid-body, shape-changing mechanism synthesis techniques are used to create the links that comprise the variable-geometry die exit orifice. Mechanical design guidelines for production-worthy dies are proposed. Several dies were designed and constructed to provide significant changes in the cross-sectional shape and area of extruded parts. Experiments were conducted in a production environment. An analysis of the repeatability of the cross-sectional profiles along the length of the part is presented.