Optimization of shrinkage on thick plate plastic part by using glowworm swarm optimization (GSO)

Complex form of manufactured plastic parts can be achieved with the utility of industrial injection molding processes. The process have its weaknesses where shrinkage and warpage are found to be major defects. There are various optimization algorithms that can be employed to overcome the issue of shrinkage. One of it is Glowworm Swarm Optimization (GSO) which can be utilized to identify the optimal processing parameters setting to minimize shrinkages. A Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) part was tested with the processing parameters of packing pressure, cooling time, melting temperature and mold temperature. The Autodesk Moldflow Insight (AMI) simulation recommended shrinkage value are 1.95% in x direction and 1.85% in the y direction. GSO approach demonstrated a reduction in shrinkage percentage in both x direction and y direction and the results were 1.84% and 1.70% respectively, thus indicating GSO’s ability in minimizing the shrinkage can be employed in injection molding industries.