• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.407-414
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• 2007

Using the MPI (Moldflow Plastics Insight) software from Moldflow Co., the optimum conditions for producing the upper part of the automobile air cleaner were obtained for 20% talc filled polypropylene (PP). The analysis was carried out to solve the cracking problem between upper and lower parts and the improved process was proposed using the flow balance. The comparative results between the conventional process, CASE-1, with one-pin gate and the new process (CASE-2) comprising two-pin gate system are the followings. In the case of CASE-2, the shorter filling time and reduced cycle time induced an improved production and processibility. In addition, the orientation and volumetric shrinkage are similar to those observed in the lower part, but the assembly, deformation, and physical characteristics are enhanced. The problem induced by the CASE-1 did not originate from the residual stress, but from the difference in the size of the upper part air cleaner after shrinkage. Thus, the orientation problem was expected to improve by optimizing the gate structure.