Validation Analysis of a Plastic Shrinkage Process after an Injection Molding Operation

Abstract

A validation process is essential during the start up of a new mold to ensure that the product will fulfill the function for which it was created. One common problem for production is finding the right parameters to achieve product specifications and optimum functionality. As part of this validation process a Shrinkage Study were performed in order to adjust original parameters on the machine after some functionality problems came up. The purpose of this study is to analyze through a variance experiment how molded products are subject to change in dimensions and shapes during their first 28 days of production. The results obtained by this study were used to re-adjust some parameters on the injection molding machine in order to achieve product functions stability, and release time before going to the next point of use. Key Terms - Dimensional Stability, Injection Molding, Shrinkage Study, Validation Process.