Analysis of an inductively heated compression molding process

✍ Scribed by Keith Miller; Karthik Ramani

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 247 KB
• Volume: 17
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0730-6679
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2329(199823)17:3<251::aid-adv5>3.0.co;2-r

✦ Synopsis

Compression molding of high viscosity polymeric powders is a characteristically slow processing method. This article analyzes direct induction heating of the compression molding die, instead of heating by conduction via the press platens. Applying heat directly to the die near the polymer, decreases the processing time significantly and, improves process control by reducing thermal mass and response time. Analysis of the electromagnetic field and transient infrared photography resulted in an understanding of the heating pattern of the die. These results were used in a finite element model of the process to predict the temperature history of the die and polymer. The parts made using this process were compared with parts made with conventional processing methods using thin-film tensile testing, density gradient column testing, and microstructural investigation of the degree of consolidation of the powder particles. The methods used to analyze this processing technique and tooling can provide process and mold designers with significant insight.