Heuristic optimization for gate location in injection molding using Gaussian curvature of NURBS

A gate location is one of most important in injection molding design variables, the flow pattern and fill time of the mold is greatly affected by the gate location, because it influences the manner in which the plastic flows into the mold cavity. This paper deals with a methodology for single gate location optimization for plastic injection molding. The objective of the gate location optimization is to minimize the fill time of injection molded parts, because fill time is a crucial quality issue for manufacturing injection molded parts. Heuristic optimization is an integration of evolutionary result with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software (Autodesk Simulation Moldflow). NURBS function is used as an optimization tool due to minimize fill time result in flow analysis and Gaussian curvature analyzed demonstrates that minimum point of NURBS function. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effect of proposed methods.