Optimization of the L36 mixed-level controllable factors of Taguchi parameter design on the plastic injection molding process for minimizing defects

Abstract

Plastic Injection Molding (PIM) process is an important process in manufacturing to produce plastic products. PIM process is influenced by a variety of parameters that affect the quality characteristics of plastic products. In this paper, we study the characteristics of the controllable parameter in the design of PIM process that are combination of injection temperature, injection pressure, injection speed, mold pressure (clamping force) and holding time simultaneously to produce quality products with a minimize defects. The activity is a part of process in the designing quality products that is a step off-line quality control. The method is the Taguchi parameter design using L36 mixed-level with five factors and level variations. The results is a optimum combination of controllable factor level with 255oC injection temperature, 66 bar injection pressure, 55 bar clamping force, 95 m/s injection speed and 5 seconds holding time to produce products with minimal defect percentage (0%). The benefits of the results is that it can reveal how the behavior and characteristics of the determining factors in the PIM process and its combinations that can minimize the defect of product.