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A methodology for the optimal placement of conformal cooling channels in injection molds: 2D transient heat transfer analysis

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Abstract

Fabricating conformal cooling channels (CCCs) is now easier and more economical because of recent advances in additive manufacturing. CCCs offer better cooling performance throughout the injection molding process than typical (straight drilled) channels. The main reason for this is that CCCs can follow the courses of molded objects, whereas regular channels cannot. CCCs can be used to speed up cycle times, decrease thermal strains and warpage, and produce a more uniform temperature distribution. Using computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations, designs that are both effective and economical can be made. The goal of this study is to optimize the design of an injection mold to speed up ejection and improve temperature uniformity. This work developed an optimization approach that improved the position of cooling channels during the mold design stage, enabling the construction of geometrically pre-optimized molds. It is safe to assume that the developed technique is efficient and suitable for the task’s intended objectives.

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Funding

This research was supported by the research grant number POCI-01–0247-FEDER-024516, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, by the Operational Program “Competitiveness and Internationalization,” in the scope of “Portugal 2020.”

H. M. Silva and C. M. A. Vasques gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal, within the scope of the project of the Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability (proMetheus), Ref. UID/05975/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, IPC - Institute for Polymers and Composites, Campus de Azurém, 4800–058, Guimarães, Portugal

    Hugo Miguel Silva, Hugo Luís Rodrigues, João Tiago Noversa, Leandro Fernandes & António José Pontes

  2. proMetheus, Instituto Politécnico de Viana Do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial, Viana Do Castelo, Portugal

    Hugo Miguel Silva & César Miguel de Almeida Vasques

  3. Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

    César Miguel de Almeida Vasques

Authors
  1. Hugo Miguel Silva
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  2. César Miguel de Almeida Vasques
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  3. Hugo Luís Rodrigues
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  4. João Tiago Noversa
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  5. Leandro Fernandes
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  6. António José Pontes
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Correspondence to Hugo Miguel Silva.

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Silva, H.M., de Almeida Vasques, C.M., Rodrigues, H.L. et al. A methodology for the optimal placement of conformal cooling channels in injection molds: 2D transient heat transfer analysis. Int J Adv Manuf Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-024-13474-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-024-13474-2

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