Influence of Iron-Based Powder Additive on a Shape Accuracy of Injection Moulded Parts

Abstract This paper reviews the effects of iron-based powder on shape accuracy of injection moulded parts. Analysed specimens were produced on a micro injection moulding machine. At first, specimens of pure polypropylene (PP) were manufactured. Then specimens containing 1, 2 and 3 vol. % of iron powder additive were produced using the same process parameters. Subsequently, the samples were scanned using scanned using Zeiss METROTOM CT scanner. Results were analysed via CAE inspection tools. The main aim was to compare the shape and flatness of the scanned specimens to the nominal models. Results showed that iron-based additives of this vol.% had no significant effect on shape accuracy of produced parts. This paper is a partial result of the ongoing research focused on effect of iron and steel-based additives on material, magnetic and mechanical properties of polymers.