Investigation on the effects of processing parameters on shrinkage behaviour and tensile properties of injection moulded plastic gear via the Taguchi method

Controlling numerous processing parameters and sustaining the optimal performance of multiple quality characteristics give a great challenge to manufacturer to produce a high-quality product with low operating cost. It was quite tricky to find the optimal combination parameters if used unsystematic techniques such as trial and error method. In this study, the Taguchi method was adopted to identify the significant processing parameters affected the shrinkage and tensile properties of plastic gears. The effectiveness of Taguchi's OA in reducing the number of experiment was studied and the results were analysed by ANOVA. Through the analysis, six parameters; melting temperature, mould temperature, packing pressure, packing time, cooling time and injection pressure, were carried out as significant parameters that influence dimensional stability and mechanical properties of plastic moulded gear. The findings showed that the Taguchi method is a systematic and straight forward approach that can be used in obtaining the significant processing parameters particularly in plastic gear manufacturing. © 2017 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.