Article

Flow Length Measurement of Injection Molded Spirals Using a Flatbed Scanner

Authors: Martin P. Jones (Missouri State University) , Richard N. Callahan (Missouri State University) , Richard D. Bruce (Missouri State University)

Abstract

This paper describes the potential of using flatbed scanners for a wide variety of dimensional measurements critical in the manufacturing of parts. A detailed example is presented on the measurement of thermoplastic spiral specimens. Some researchers use a spiral mold as a benchmark to assess the flow optimization of injection-molded thermoplastics. The spiral’s length is critical in determining optimization algorithms that control the temperature, pressure, and speed of injection. This paper de- scribes a new method developed for the precise measurement of these molded spiral lengths using a common flatbed scanner and AutoCAD software. The researchers compared measurements taken with a flatbed scanner to that of a profile projector through a gage repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) study. Results of the study showed that flatbed scanners can be used to measure objects to an acceptable level of repeatability and reproducibility.

Keywords: manufacturing, metrology, plastics/polymers, quality control

How to Cite: Jones, M. P. , Callahan, R. N. & Bruce, R. D. (2011) “Flow Length Measurement of Injection Molded Spirals Using a Flatbed Scanner”, The Journal of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. 27(1).