Student paper

Rubber al dente – vulcanizing moulded parts to the point and saving energy

Bachelor- or Master thesis

The aim of your work is to make elastomer injection molding more energy-efficient and to demold molded parts to the point.

Topic of the work:

Molded parts made of rubber with a large wall thickness are, for example irreplaceable in damping applications. However, as there is no reliable method for measuring the progress of cross-linking, too much energy is often expended.

The “CureDEA” project is therefore investigating the measurement of the degree of cross-linking in the mold using dielectric analysis (DEA). This means that the heating time can be optimally adapted to the required degree of cross-linking from cycle to cycle, thus avoiding heating times that are either too long or too short. The project therefore makes an efficient contribution to avoiding waste and saving energy.

Stuwi Gummi al dente – Formteile auf den Punkt vulkanisieren und Energie sparen© IKV
Component with inhomogeneous degree of crosslinking due to varying wall thickness

Objective:

The aim of your work is to investigate the influence of pressure and temperature on the ion viscosity measured using a DEA sensor. In this way, you will validate and establish the use of dielectric analysis in elastomer injection molding and contribute to more efficient molded part production. Depending on the scope of the work, you will start with a laboratory test bench and transfer the knowledge gained to the injection molding process.

Your task:

Design of a test bench Design and validation of a test bench
Production of test specimens Correction of pressure and temperature effects
Measurement of pressure and temperature dependence Transfer to practical Moulds
Validation by means of injection molding tests

Your profile:

  • Natural science degree program
  • Experience in plastics technology helpful
  • Knowledge of statistical experimental design
  • Craftsmanship and a practical approach to work
  • Basic knowledge of physics or electrical engineering

If you are interested in writing your thesis at IKV with a practical assignment, please get in touch with me. We agree on the exact scope of content and schedule individually.