Effect of process parameter interactions on short shot defect modeling in plastic injection molding

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of interactions of major injection molding process parameters on short shot defects. The factorial design of the experiment and numerical modeling techniques were used. Parameter mains effect and interaction effect sizes were computed, and their significance was tested through ANOVA. It was demonstrated that injection pressure setting and melt temperature were the most influential parameters affecting short shot defects with contributions of 92% and 7% respectively as well as their interactions. The most significant interactions affecting short shot defects involved melt temperature. Knowledge of significant parameter interactions affecting short shot defects could enhance a targeted approach to defect control. The approach and the results presented herein can be adopted in plastic injection molding entities to minimize such defects.