Design concept injection molding

Snap fits are widely used for both temporary and permanent assemblies, principally in injection and blow molded products. Besides being simple and inexpensive, snap fits have superior qualities. Snap fits can be applied to any combination of materials, such as plastic and plastic, metal and plastics, glass and plastics, and others. All types of plastics can be used (Chapter 3, DESIGN CONCEPT, Snap Joint). 

A number of these files may then be grouped together to form the database. In the same concept of a hierarchy of information we may consider one of the key tools for boosting the productivity of design, the library of parts. This tool is a database of geometry, which is recalled and used as quickly as the computer can associate it with the particular design in question. A library of parts is particularly useful when items such as injection molds are to be created from standard components. 

The variety of process variations in resin injection also offers more options in the design of the molds. The most important basic functions are similar in all mold concepts. These include compacting of the reinforced semifinished part and contouring of the components, up to curing and demolding [2,13,14]. 

Prototypes for modular design of plastic-metal hybrid components have resulted in modular front-end component implementation on the 1996 European Ford Focus, the 1999 North American Ford Focus, the 1994 Audi A6, and 1997 Audi A2. The concept utilizes an injection-molded nylon housing overmolded onto a steel frame, which encompasses (he modular front end. Other applications of such technology have been extended to seats, being incorporated into the 1992 Mercedes-Benz Viano seat. 

R. K. Irani, S. Kodiyalam, and D. O. Kazmer, "Runner system balancing for injection molds using approximation concepts and numerical optimization," presented at 18th Annual ASME Design Automation Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, USA, 1992. 

Prior to this course. Plastics Engineering Technology students at Penn State Erie had no opportunity to take a design from concept to an injection molded part, while doing each of the steps therrrselves. 

Designers and processors to produce products at the lowest cost have unconsciously used the basic concept of the FALLO approach. This approach makes one aware that many steps are involved to be successful, all of which must be coordinated and interrelated. It starts with the design that involves specifying the plastic, and specifying the manufacturing process. The specific process (injection, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and so forth) is an important part of the overall scheme and should not be problematic. 

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