Numerical simulation in a multiple flow control valve system of polymer melt during injection molding processes

Process control is an important factor for improving the performance and consistency of thermoplastic parts manufactured by injection molding processes. A critical process parameter for manufacturing of high quality plastic parts is cavity pressure. This paper presents a continuation of a numerical based study of flow control utilized during multi-cavity injection molding processes and focuses in more detail on multiple flow control valve systems, since the valves are coupled with one injection source. The capabilities of the current system design are limited by multiple valve interactions, which may produce undesirable effects in regards to flow modulation and pressure distribution in multiple cavities and should be studied further. Understanding the flow modeling details through a single valve system is essential, thereby reducing the computational work involved with a multiple valve system.