Real-time diagnosis of micro powder injection molding using integrated ultrasonic sensors.

• Main Authors: Cheng, C-C., Ono, Y., Whiteside, Benjamin R., Brown, Elaine C., Jen, C.K., Coates, Philip D.
• Language: en
• Published: Hanser 2009
• Subjects: Ceramic powder injection moulding; Micromolding; Real-time diagnostics; Miniature ultrasonic sensors; Process efficiency
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10454/4068

no === Real-time diagnostics of ceramic powder injection molding using a commercial micromolding machine was performed using ultrasound. Miniature ultrasonic sensors were integrated onto the mold insert. Melt front, solidification, temperature variation and part detachment of the feedstock inside the mold cavity were observed. It has been demonstrated that ultrasonic velocity in feedstock inside the mold cavity, the ultrasonic contact duration during which the part and mold are in contact, and holding pressure can be used to assist with optimization of injection and cooling parameters to minimize energy consumption and maximize process efficiency.Real-time diagnostics of ceramic powder injection molding using a commercial micromolding machine was performed using ultrasound. Miniature ultrasonic sensors were integrated onto the mold insert. Melt front, solidification, temperature variation and part detachment of the feedstock inside the mold cavity were observed. It has been demonstrated that ultrasonic velocity in feedstock inside the mold cavity, the ultrasonic contact duration during which the part and mold are in contact, and holding pressure can be used to assist with optimization of injection and cooling parameters to minimize energy consumption and maximize process efficiency.