Test method development for deformation analysis of injection moulded plastic parts

The characterisation of warpage of injection moulded plastic parts is not standardised and is extremely problematic due to the complex nature of the warping process. This paper presents a novel method for the analysis and measurement of the deformation of injection moulded plastic parts. A specific part with a special mould design was introduced for the characterisation of the effect of different technological parameters and different mould element design on warpage. The applicability of the system was demonstrated via its experimental use. The effects of mould temperature, mould temperature difference, holding pressure and the glass fibre content of the material were investigated using different gate types in the mould. Additionally, new software was developed to evaluate warpage. Based on the results, it was concluded that the deformation of the corner along the edge length can be described by a curve.