Improving the quality of the molded polymeric parts by reducing the residual stress

The paper presents a method to increase the quality of molded polymeric parts using CAE technology by reducing the residual stresses. In order to find the best parameters of the molding process which lead to a minimum level of the residual stresses several studies were performed. Parts made of polymeric materials may be also simulated in order to minimize the residual stresses. We consider that a high degree of confidence of the simulating software results may be achieved only if they are cross-checked with the results of some experimental studies. Computer Aided Engineering analysis provides insights useful in designing parts, molds and molding processes. Using this method we can obtain information such as polymer melt filling patterns, weld line and air trap locations, required injection pressure and clamp tonnage, fiber orientation, cycle time, the final part shape and deformation and mechanical properties of molded parts. CAE technology helps us save time, money and raw material, as well as cuts scrap, reduces the rejection rate, improves product quality and ensures a smaller time-to-market. It is a useful method to approach most of the molding problems.