Effects of Process Parameters on the Skin/Core Distribution in Co-Injection: Experiments and Simulations Using a Simple Geometry

In this work the effect of processing parameters on core breakthrough and material distribution during co-injection in a model mould has been studied. PMMA was used for the skin and ABS for the core. To identify the influences of the core volumetric fraction, its injection rate and temperature and the skin injection temperature a series of computer simulations and experimental tests were performed according to the design of experiments statistical approach. The results of statistical analysis performed on data coming from experiments and simulations are consistent, even if simulations overestimate the ABS content at which the breakthrough takes place.