3D visualization of flow patterns in injection moulded ceramic green parts

Mould filling behaviour affects the green structure of an injection moulded part, since defects can be caused by flow patterns. These defects might be pores, or weak spots such as weld lines. These risks can be minimised by optimising the tool design aiming for a desired flow pattern. Hence, understanding the formation process of specific flow patterns is very important and necessary to characterise. In this paper, a method for visualising flow lines within injection moulded green parts is presented. By introducing an X-ray detectable tracer material, a three dimensional image is produced revealing the flow patterns. Four case studies demonstrate the potential of this method.