Optimization of Injection Mold Settings and their Impact on the Final Plastic Product (Cup) Quality Thermal Performance

Authors

  • Ogochukwu Chinedum Chukwunedum Department of Industrial & Production Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Chike Pius Nwachukwu Department of Agricultural & Bio-resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Chukwuemeka Obumneme Umobi Department of Agricultural & Bio-resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38035/gijes.v3i3.678

Keywords:

Plastic Cup, Injection Mold Settings, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Tensile Strength, Thermal Performance, Weight

Abstract

Injection molding requires careful optimization of production parameters to achieve high quality plastic products. This research investigates optimizing injection mold settings, namely: mold temperature, injection speed, injection pressure, and cooling time as input parameters and their impact on the final plastic cup quality of thermal performance as the output parameter. Thermal performance refers to the cup's ability to maintain the temperature of hot or cold liquids inside. Thermal performance can be a significant indicator of a plastic cup's quality, particularly influencing its ability to insulate and retain desired temperatures. The aim of this study is to develop an optimal mold setting combinations to improve key cup quality metrics, namely: tensile strength, thermal performance and weight. This study utilizes response surface methodology design of experiments (DOE) with multiple iterative test molding trials varying the selected parameters to achieve the optimized product quality. The molded cup samples are quantitatively evaluated for the target quality attributes. Analysis of variance statistical analysis determined the optimized parameter settings that maximize quality metrics. The results provide guidance for plastic cup manufacturers to optimize their molding operations. This research demonstrates that a systematic DOE approach allows molders to economically determine the ideal production settings for their specific molds and materials to improve quality control. The methods could be applied to other injection molded plastic products to reduce defects.

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Published

2025-11-20

How to Cite

Chukwunedum, O. C., Nwachukwu, C. P., & Umobi, C. O. (2025). Optimization of Injection Mold Settings and their Impact on the Final Plastic Product (Cup) Quality Thermal Performance. Greenation International Journal of Engineering Science, 3(3), 141–158. https://doi.org/10.38035/gijes.v3i3.678

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): (GIJES) Greenation International Journal of Engineering Science (September - November 2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ogochukwu Chinedum Chukwunedum, Chike Pius Nwachukwu, Chukwuemeka Obumneme Umobi

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