Simulation of the micro-injection moulding process: effect of the thermo-rheological status on the morphology

The software package Moldflow Plastics Insights was used to simulate the filling of a micro-cavity by considering precise material data and accurate boundary conditions. Experiments were carried out on an accurately controlled micro-injection moulding machine (formicaPlast) for providing important parameters to verify the simulation results and improve the accuracy of the simulation. Based on the relationship between the cavity pressure and the mould-filling ratio, the heat transfer coefficients can be appropriately determined for different process conditions. Finally, the transient thermo-rheological results were analysed with regard to their influence on the morphology of semi-crystalline (PP) micro-injection moulded parts, which not only give rise to the mechanisms of the morphological formation but also verify the quality of the simulation results.