Optimization of injection parameters for mechanical properties of specimens with weld line of polypropylene using Taguchi method

This study optimized effect of injection parameters and weld line on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) moldings. The mold with an insert was designed to create weld line in the experimental specimen. Melt temperature, packing pressure and injection pressure were investigated to study their effects on the mechanical strength of specimens with/without weld lines. Taguchi's L-9 (3(3)) orthogonal array design was employed for the experimental plan. Mechanical properties such as maximum tensile load, extension at break and charpy impact strength (notched) of the specimens were measured. Signal to noise ratio for mechanical properties of PP using Taguchi method was calculated and effect of the injection parameters and weld line on mechanical properties was determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Linear models were also created by using regression analysis. The most important parameter affecting the maximum tensile load and the extension at break (for specimen without/with weld line) was injection pressure and melt temperature, and for charpy impact strength (notched) (without/with weld line) was melt temperature and injection pressure, respectively. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.