Process and part filling control in micro injection molding

The influence of process parameters on μ-injection molding (μIM) and on μ-injection molded parts has been investigated using Design of Experiments. A mold with a sensor applied at injection location was used to monitor actual injection pressure and to determine the cavity filling time. Flow markers position was measured on the polymer μ-parts to evaluate filling behavior of the polymer melt flowing through μ-features.

Experimental results obtained under different processing conditions were evaluated to correlate the process parameter levels influence on the selected responses. Results showed that the injection speed in one of the most influencing process parameters on the μIM process and on the μ-parts filling.