Processing parameters influencing energy efficient injection moulding of plastics and rubbers.

Injection moulding is one of the most important processes of plastics and rubber compounds processing. It enables the production of very complex plastics and rubber parts, even parts made of different plastics and rubber compounds, in one cycle. The system for injection moulding of polymers consists of different elements such as the mould, injection moulding machine and device for mould temperature regulation (tempering), and additional elements: dryers, robots, etc. For successful injection moulding, optimisation of moulded part material selection as well as elements of the injection moulding system is necessary. All of the mentioned factors consume signifi cant amounts of energy. The paper presents the analysis of energy consumption in injection moulding systems, as well as the possibilities of energy savings in injection moulding process, starting with material selection, in order to obtain a more energy effi cient process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]