Injection molding technology is widely utilized across various industries for its ability to fabricate complex-shaped components with exceptional dimensional accuracy. However, challenges related to injection quality often arise, necessitating innovative approaches for improvement. This study investigates the influence of surface roughness on the efficiency of conformal cooling channels produced using additive manufacturing technologies, specifically Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM). Through a combination of experimental measurements, including surface roughness analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and cooling system flow analysis, this study elucidates the impact of surface roughness on coolant flow dynamics and pressure distribution within the cooling channels. The results reveal significant differences in surface roughness between DMLS and ADAM technologies, with corresponding effects on coolant flow behavior. Following that fact, this study shows that when cooling channels’ surface roughness is lowered up to 90%, the reduction in coolant media pressure is lowered by 0.033 MPa. Regression models are developed to quantitatively describe the relationship between surface roughness and key parameters, such as coolant pressure, Reynolds number, and flow velocity. Practical implications for the optimization of injection molding cooling systems are discussed, highlighting the importance of informed decision making in technology selection and post-processing techniques. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of surface roughness in injection molding processes and provides valuable insights for enhancing cooling system efficiency and product quality.

This study investigates the challenges and potential of conventional injection molding for producing thick-walled optical components. The research primarily focuses on optimizing process parameters and mold design to enhance product quality. The methods include software simulations and experimental validation using polycarbonate test samples (optical lenses). Significant parameters such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection pressure, and packing pressure were varied to assess their impact on geometric accuracy and visual properties. The results show that lower melt temperatures and higher mold temperatures significantly reduce the occurrence of dimensional defects. Additionally, the design of the gate system was found to be crucial in minimizing defects and ensuring uniform material flow. Effective packing pressure was essential in reducing volumetric shrinkage and sink marks. Furthermore, we monitored the deviation between the predicted and actual defects relative to the thickness of the sample wall. After optimization, the occurrence of obvious defects was eliminated across all sample thicknesses (lenses), and the impact of the critical defect, the sink mark on the planar side of the lens, was minimized. These findings demonstrate the substantial potential of conventional injection molding to produce high-quality thick-walled parts when these parameters are precisely controlled. This study provides valuable insights for the efficient design and manufacturing of optical components, addressing the growing demand for high-performance thick-walled plastic products.

Rubber blends based on styrene–butadiene rubber, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber and a combination of both rubbers were cured with different sulfur and peroxide curing systems. In sulfur curing systems, two type of accelerators, namely tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and combinations of both accelerators were used. In peroxide curing systems, dicumyl peroxide, and a combination of dicumyl peroxide with zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate, respectively, were applied. The work was aimed at investigating the effect of curing systems composition as well as the type of rubber or rubber combinations on the curing process, cross-link density and physical–mechanical properties of vulcanizates. The dynamic mechanical properties of the selected vulcanizates were examined too. The results revealed a correlation between the cross-link density and physical–mechanical properties. Similarly, there was a certain correlation between the cross-linking degree and glass transition temperature. The tensile strength of vulcanizates based on rubber combinations was higher when compared to that based on pure rubbers, which points out the fact that in rubber combinations, not only are the features of both elastomers combined, but improvement in the tensile characteristics can also be achieved. When compared to vulcanizates cured with dicumyl peroxide, materials cured with a sulfur system exhibited higher tensile strength. With the application of co-agents in peroxide vulcanization, the tensile strength overcame the tensile behavior of sulfur-cured vulcanizates.

The modification of polymer materials’ useful properties can be applicable in many industrial areas due to the ability to make commodity and technical plastics (plastics that offer many benefits, such as processability, by injection molding) useful in more demanding applications. In the case of injection-molded parts, one of the most suitable methods for modification appears to be high-energy irradiation, which is currently used primarily for the modification of mechanical and thermal properties. However, well-chosen doses can effectively modify the properties of the surface layer as well. The purpose of this study is to provide a complex description of high-energy radiation’s (β radiation) influence on the useful properties of injection-molded parts made from common polymers. The results indicate that β radiation initiates the cross-linking process in material and leads to improved mechanical properties. Besides the cross-linking process, the material also experiences oxidation, which influences the properties of the surface layer. Based on the measured results, the main outputs of this study are appropriately designed regression models that determine the optimal dose of radiation.

This research investigates the adaptation of conventional injection-molding techniques for producing thick-walled polycarbonate optical components, specifically targeting their application in automotive light guides. With the automotive industry’s growing demand for reliable yet cost-efficient optical products, the study examines how traditional injection-molding processes can be refined to enhance dimensional accuracy and reduce defects. Simulations and experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of critical process parameters, such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection pressure, and gate design, on the overall quality of the final components. The results show that by carefully optimizing these parameters, it is possible to significantly reduce common defects like warpage, surface imperfections, and dimensional instability. This research highlights the potential of existing molding techniques to meet high industry standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness, offering valuable guidance for manufacturers aiming to produce high-quality optical components for demanding applications like automotive lighting.

The MM Science Journal, published since 2008, is a world respected scientific journal. The journal, published in English, is double peer reviewed and competitive in distributing knowledge among domestic and international academics and professionals. Full texts are available on-line on the journal...