Analysis And Application Of Incompatible Matirials Coinjection In-mold Assembly Technology

Using one new advanced multi-shot molding technology called"in-mold assembly (IMA)", IMA products have better quality than the standard injection molding parts does. It also has advantages such as low cost, high production efficiency in mass production, etc. IMA has been widely used in automotive industry, toys, medical instruments, consumer products around world especially in Europe and North America. But it is still a rarely known technology in China with limited application.In this thesis, firstly the contents of IMA have been introduced and reviewed, and it is concluded that IMA is one kind of multi-shot molding technology. Then the development history and overseas applications of IMA are reviewed, which shows the advantages and disadvantages of IMA through comparing with common standard injection molding technologies and explains the range that suits for IMA application. Secondly, detailed analysis and study are conducted on the major elements within incompatible materials co-injection in-mold assembly technology, such as material selection, mold structure, molding process, and so on, in order to illuminate the core problems which need to be considered in design and manufacturingThe article set up a model to analysis clearance between components on IMA technology. It also illuminates the root reason of clearance generating. Several typical mold design templates have then been developed and presented to help the engineers deal with real design tasks, especially involved complicated conditions. Lastly, this thesis has brought up the cost analysis to illuminate the impact of human resource and project target volume on IMA technology chosen.In summary, this thesis has reviewed and studied the work elements and applications of the advanced new co-injection in-mold assembly technology through very detailed analysis of IMA, which the author hopes to set up some procedures and guidelines to the manufacturers who plan to use IMA technology in their production, and facilitate expanding use of IMA technology in the Chinese automotive industry during the current booming stage.