Optimization of Micro Metal Injection Molding with Multiple Performance Characteristics using Grey Relational Grade
Mohd H.I. Ibrahim*[a,b], Norhamidi Muhamad [b], Abu B. Sulong [b], Khairur R. Jamaludin [c], Nor H.* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: mdhalim@uthm.edu.my
Volume: Vol.38 No.2 (APRIL 2011)
Research Article
DOI:
Received: 22 April 2010, Revised: -, Accepted: 7 December 2010, Published: -
Citation: Ibrahim M.H., Muhamad N., Sulong A.B., Jamaludin K.R. and H. N., Optimization of Micro Metal Injection Molding with Multiple Performance Characteristics using Grey Relational Grade, Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2011; 38(2): 231-241.
Abstract
Micro metal injection molding (μMIM) which is a variant of MIM is a promising process towards near net-shape of metallic micro components of complex geometry. In this paper, μMIM is applied to produce 316L stainless steel micro components. Due to highly stringent characteristic of μMIM properties, the study has been emphasized on optimization of process parameter. Here, Taguchi method associated with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) will be implemented as it represents novel approach towards investigation of multiple performance characteristics. Basic idea of GRA is to find a grey relational grade (GRG) which can be used for the optimization conversion from multi objectives case which are density and strength to a single objective case. After considering the form ‘the larger the better’, results show that the injection time(D) is the most significant followed by injection pressure(A), holding time(E), mold temperature(C) and injection temperature(B). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also employed to strengthen the significant of each parameter involved in this study. Keywords: micro metal injection molding, optimization, Grey relational analysis(GRA), Taguchi method, design of experiment(DOE), analysis of variance(ANOVA).