Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20150909075338

Cooling simulation of conformal cooling injection mould insert produced by hybrid manufacturing

David Homar ; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Luka Čerče ; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Janez Kopač ; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Cooling of injection moulds manufactured by machining has limitations because cooling channels are formed by conventional straight holes. With additive manufacturing, the cooling channels can be produced in the shape which is adjusted to the cavity and core surface of injection moulds. Those kinds of cooling channels are called the conformal cooling channels. Conformal cooling channels can significantly reduce cycle time of plastic injection moulding process and significantly improve the quality of products. Thus, in this work conformal cooling channels for industrial case study were constructed and analysed. Besides expected tests, cooling simulation has been performed, comparing conventional and proposed cooling technology. Results have been confirmed also by testing prototype with conformal cooling channels, showing significant improvement in reducing cycle time, more than 40 %.

Keywords

additive manufacturing; conformal cooling; cooling simulation; hybrid manufacturing

Hrčak ID:

185499

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/185499

Publication date:

31.7.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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