A study of rib geometry for gas-assisted injection molding

Large, thin, plate‐shaped parts usually are strengthened with structural ribs. Ribs also serve as gas channels with gas‐assisted technology. The layout and geometry of these gas‐channel ribs are critical to the gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM) process. In this study, the effects of rib geometry, including aspect ratio and fillet geometry, on the GAIM process are investigated. Experimental results indicate that increasing the rib width widens the allowable operation range and thus improves the moldability. Adding fillets to the rib corner significantly enhances the moldability. Adding fillets also reduces the loss of rigidity due to void formation in the rib. A curved fillet improves moldability and rigidity more than one that is straight.