Observations of Resin Connectors Using an X-Ray CT System

Introduction

Resin connectors are generally formed by injection molding. Injection molding is a typical molding method for plastics. In this method, thermoplastic resin is heated to a temperature at which it softens. Injection pressure is then applied, and the plastic is poured into a metal mold, filling it. The plastic is molded by cooling and hardening it. With injection molding, the obtained molded part may contain internal voids, and the external appearance and size may vary significantly depending on the molding conditions (including injection speed and temperature, and the temperature of the metal mold). Accordingly, X-ray CT systems have conventionally been used to evaluate the molding conditions for injection molding. This article introduces an example of imaging with the inspeXio SMX-100CT X-ray CT system, using a resin connector as a typical sample of injection molded resin. An example of analysis and measurement using the Point Master reverse engineering software will also be introduced.

December 28, 2012 GMT