A Design Optimization Methodology applied to conformal cooling channels in injection molds: 2D Transient Heat Transfer Analysis

The primary goal of this research is to enhance the design of an injection mold through the strategic repositioning of cooling channels. This optimization is intended to minimize ejection time and enhance temperature uniformity within the mold. The ANSYS Finite Element Method (FEM) software was employed to perform two-dimensional (2D) transient thermal simulations, while the MATLAB software was utilized for optimization reasons. The effectiveness of the method in maximizing the design of conformal cooling channels (CCCs) in injection molds was determined. The objective function value of the optimized model exhibits significant improvement when compared to the baseline model. The usefulness of enhancing the configuration of channels within an injection machine mold has been established through the utilization of a comprehensive strategy that involves parameterization, modeling, and optimization. The methodology demonstrates the potential for generalizability. Hence, it finds extensive application in several industrial sectors, particularly in the domain of injection molding machines, with the primary objective of augmenting the overall quality of the manufactured component.