Redesigning and Topology Optimization of Fixed Platen for the Injection Molding Machine

Abstract

The fixed platen is an integral part of an injection molding machine. The force applied on the platen's face during mold clamping leads to its concave deformation, as well as uneven loading due to tie bars at its corners, causing reliability issues for injection machine manufacturers. In the current research, this problem was solved by redesigning the fixed platen of the 110-tonnage injection molding machine using topology optimization and fatigue analysis. In this work, Creo software is used to perform the 3D modeling of the fixed platen of an injection molding machine and then analysis for stress, deformation, and fatigue life of the fixed platen is done using ANSYS workbench 2021 R1. The static analysis was carried out, and the results were compared with the maximum principal stress and the permitted limit. The results from the fatigue analysis are used to identify the fatigue life and safety factor. Topology optimization was conducted to reduce the weight of the platen and, hence, the cost of the machine, as the clamp unit constitutes 70% of the machine's weight. The design was changed within the allowed ranges based on the results of the static analysis, fatigue analysis, and topology optimization. With all the modifications weight of the fixed platen is reduced by 12%.