Injection Molding: Process Control, Monitoring, and Optimization

Injection molding is the most versatile, flexible, and dynamic plastics production operation. It has been used to manufacture products from practically all thermoplastic polymers, blends, composites, and nanocomposites. A critical aspect for the success of the process depends on understanding and control of the various steps of the injection molding process and the thermo-mechanical history experienced by the polymer throughout the process. Moreover, it is important to understand the impact of this history on the characteristics of the final product. As many of the above interactions and concepts are complex, it is very important to develop a monitoring strategy that permits the identification of the status and responses of the critical process variables. Overall, a successful injection molding process must be coupled to a successful process monitoring, optimization, and control strategy. Injection Molding Process Control, Monitoring, and Optimization represents a major contribution to the science and practice of injection molding by satisfying the critical needs of injection molding machine manufacturers, mold and product designers, and molders. Moreover, the book will be helpful to researchers and teachers in the fields of injection molding and process control.

Dr. Furong Gao received his B.Eng. degree in Automation from the East China Institute of Petroleum in 1985 and M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from McGill University, Canada, in 1989 and 1993, respectively. Currently, he is a Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and a “State Thousand Talents (B)” Professor at the Department of Control Science and Engineering, Zhejaing University, China. Concurrent to his professorial appointment, he serves HKUST also as the Associate Dean of Fok Ying Tung Graduate School, and the Director of the Division of Advanced Manufacturing and Automation.