Design of Injection Mold and Research of Process for Plastic Parts Based on CAE Analysis

The injection molding of plastic parts was simulated and analyzed by MOLDFLOW. Based on the result of mold flow analysis, we can optimize the structure of the mold, select equipment, determine parameters of process, and predict potential defects. The CAE technology could improve mold design ability, shorten plastic parts development cycle, improve the quality of plastic parts, reduce costs, and strengthen competitive power.

The Coding System for Automatic Injection Mold Integrated CAD/CAPP

Based on the Group Technology and according to the function, structure and manufacturing process of the injection mold, a classification and coding system for injection mold is developed specially. The system is mainly centre around the classification, code structure and the way of the coding, by which the information description and transmission between CAD and CAPP becomes unblocked, the mold CAD/CAPP integration and automation in design and process comes true. It is supposed to help reduce the time in process planning, increase plan consistency and efficiency, improve mold quality and minimize the time-to-market for the mold products.

Special Issue on Rapid Prototying

Rapid prototying (RP) technology applies a simple principle, layered fabrication, and enables complex three-dimensional parts to be fabricated without using molds. This composite technology merges material development, basic hardware construction, and software control technology. Depending on how these elements are combined, RP is used in a wide range of applications, enabling mold-free fabrication and the manufacturing of the molds themselves. Studies on RP using metals were conducted to improve mold performance. This special issue focuses on (1) the development of new fabrication technologies, (2) material development for manufacturing high-performance parts, and (3) the application of RP to mold building. Research on layered fabrication now extends to artificial bone, such as biological prostheses, microparts, and high-performance metal parts and molds. Such studies provide numerous approaches to fabrication that cannot be found in conventional methods. We thank the authors for contributing their intriguing papers to this special issue on rapid prototyping.