An Optimization of Shrinkage in Injection Molding Parts by Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

This research paper is about an optimization of shrinkage in injection molding part by using the Taguchi Method. The part chosen was from a company which had a critical issue of shrinkage on one of the parts produced. The approach of Taguchi method is applied for the optimization of selected process parameters such as the mold temperature, melt temperature, packing pressure, packing time, and cooling time. For this purpose, Moldflow Plastic Insight (MPI) software was used for the simulation of injection molding process. The number of simulation was based on the three levels of L27 Taguchi Orthogonal Array (OA). The Minitab software was used to analyze the result where the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to see the most significant factors contributing to shrinkage. The confirmation test shows the best combination of process parameters using the Taguchi approach to minimize the shrinkage on the part.