Project: Injection Moulding using Inductive Tool Surface Heating Technology
The objective of this project is to put at the disposal of the plastic injection market a brand new technology that increases the application field and the possibilities of this molding technology. Thus by adapting a fast technology of surface heating of the molds by electromagnetic induction, the behavior of these materials and the molded parts are modified towards the ease of molding and a superior quality of parts._x000D_This work will offer new perspectives with plastic injection: New possibilities of part designs (thin parts or parts including thin reinforcements), broaden the range of useable material with plastic injection (technical material reinforced by fibre injection or, injection of very viscous materials...), Improved quality of the parts (abolishing welding lines.)_x000D__x000D_This technology will be a competitive alternative offered to everyone currently using the RHCM (Rapid Heat Cycle Molding) technology which is also a tool heating process, but more specifically new possibilities are offered to those who have encountered specific problems relating to the part filling and material flow during the injection phases._x000D__x000D_The goals of these 2 processes are to increase the temperature of the tools during the filling phase then quickly cooling the tools until removal of the part. The fundamental differences between the process developed by RocTool and RHCM lie in the heating system. In the case of RHCM, the heating process is based on thermal diffusion, whereas the RocTool process is direct surface heating obtained by an inductive element which surrounds the mold. CO difference will then be related to the process efficiency and possibilities and also to its running cost. In fact RocTool technology is much more opened than the RHCM one in term of thermal possibilities (temperature level, heating rate,...)_x000D__x000D__x000D__x000D_The project will be divided into 5 different themes: _x000D__x000D_1. Adaptation and optimization of surface heating by induction within a mold. _x000D_2. Tool design with the integration of inductive elements. _x000D_3. Calculations and Simulations (Tool thermal analysis with regards to electromagnetic phenomenon. Rheological simulation including calculated thermal maps)_x000D_4. Impact on parts design _x000D_5. Integration of the technology in a traditional injection environment with process control_x000D__x000D__x000D_The consortium will be made up of 3 companies each bringing their know how_x000D__x000D_1. ROCTOOL will be the leader of the project and will bring its portfolio of patents on the process of surface heating of molds by induction, as well as its know how in the fast molding process _x000D_2. EFD will be the expert in charge of the electromagnetic phenomena studies concerned and also responsible for the manufacture of an inductive generator prototype dedicated to Plastic Injection._x000D_3. Pôle Européen de Plasturgie will bring its expertise and laboratory experience, in particular with regards to the molding by plastic injection study and trials._x000D_
| Acronym | IM-ITSHT (Reference Number: 4344) |
| Duration | 01/05/2008 - 30/04/2010 |
| Project Topic | This project relates to the adaptation and optimization of the innovative process of surface heating by induction called Cage System®, to the industry of thermoplastics injection moulding. This work offers new plastic perspectives with plastic injection |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
Mastery of technology: implementation of various equipments, equipment choice based on parts and molds, setting up the generator and the press to achieve the required power with good impedance_x000D_Inventory of major improvements in technology: appearance (removing sink marks and weld lines, attenuation of fibers on the surface), mechanical properties (drastic reduction of internal stress, improved Young's modulus, better impact strength ...), dimensional stability... |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 1 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | EFD ASA | Partner | Norway |
| 3 | Pole Européen de Plasturgie | Partner | France |
| 3 | ROCTOOL SA | Coordinator | France |