Effect of Weld Line Formation on Morphology and Mechanical Properties for 3D-MID Technology

The topic of this research work was to demonstrate the feasibility of a 3D-MID concept using injection molding technique and investigate the effects of two weld line types on the structure and mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural strength and morphology. In order to obtain more understanding of the bonds between polymer and metals, two different polymer bases of polyphthalamide (PPA) with the same type and amount of filler content were produced by injection molding at the different processing conditions. A mold was designed in such a way that weld and meld line can be produced with different angles by changing as insert inside of the mold. The mechanical properties such as stiffness, tensile strength and flexural strength were determined in tensile and flexural tests, respectively. The results showed in line with the expectation of high reduction on mechanical properties in area where weld/meld lines occurred. The result of tensile test was clearly seen that weld and meld line showed a considerable influence on mechanical properties. The reduction in tensile strength was approximately 58% according to weld line types, whereas in flexural strength was approximately 62%. On the other hand, the effect of the injection times and mold temperatures on the tensile strength were marginal.