Effects of processing parameters on formation of sinkmarks on injection moulded parts

The effects of different processing parameters on sinkmarks, which occur on the surface of injection moulded parts, have been investigated. An L′18 orthogonal array design based on the Taguchi method was conducted to minimise the sinkmarks of injection moulded thermoplastic parts and the relative significance of each processing parameter on the sinkmarks was considered. The polymeric material used was polypropylene and a plate cavity with various ribs was used for moulding. Experiments were carried out on a reciprocating injection moulding machine. After moulding, sinkmarks on the surface of moulded parts were measured using a profile meter. For the factors selected in the main experiments, the size of the gate, the melt temperature, and the width of the rib were found to be the principal parameters affecting sinkmark formation on injection moulded polypropylene. In this way experimental investigation can help in the understanding of the formation mechanism of sinkmarks, so that steps can be taken to optimise the surface quality of moulded parts.