Microcellular Injection Molding analysis

The Microcellular Injection Molding analysis uses a bubble nucleation model to simulate the microcellular foam injection molding process, and thereby predict the filling pattern and weight reduction that can be expected from using this process.

The Microcellular Injection Molding process uses either a physical blowing agent, or a chemical blowing agent (CBA) to trigger foaming inside the mold. A physical blowing agent, such as a supercritical fluid like nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) typically is introduced into the melt. A chemical blowing agent is premixed with the polymer in the pellet and reacts to produce the gas.

The foaming process of gas in the melt can also be triggered using the core-back technique.

In microcellular injection molding, with or without core-back, the pressure can change during the cooling stage, possibly as a result of the change in bubble radius or bubble nucleation density.

Applications

  • Light weight parts for the automotive industry
  • Stable parts for the medical industry
  • Environmentally-friendly parts for the packaging industry
  • Consumer parts

Benefits