Selecting process parameter in injection molding via simulation optimization

Abstract A simulation optimization method based on design of experiments and adaptive metamodeling techniques is applied in this work to set process parameters in injection molding. The proposed method is used first to select the best processing conditions to injection molding a disposable camera front plate in the presence of either a single performance measure or a composite function of a series of performance measures. Secondly, it is used to select the best injection gate configuration from three different injection scenarios, as well as the values of mold temperature and melt temperature for a real automotive part in order to minimize process variability. The optimization results are discussed in light of the performance of the simulation optimization method.