Experimental study on energy consumption in the plasticizing unit of the injection molding machine

In this work the energy needed for reciprocating screw motion and heating of the barrel were examined by changing various parameters of the injection molding process, measuring the process characteristics and calculating the corresponding values of SEC (specific energy consumption). Five thermoplastic polymers were examined. It was found that the optimal condition from the energy consumption point of view to perform the plasticization of thermoplastic polymers on the research position is low value of rotational velocity of the screw. Furthermore, an increase of the SEC value with increasing barrel temperature was shown. It was also found that changes of back pressure do not affect the energy consumption of the plasticizing system of the injection molding machine.