Optimization approach for processing design in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert

摘要

The extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert is a kind of novel and advanced plastic processing method which requires rigorous control on processing conditions to ensure the quality and performance of final products. However, it is still difficult to achieve an optimal processing design by using traditional “trial and error” method. An optimization approach for the processing design in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert is proposed based on finite element simulation, back propagation neural network and genetic algorithm in the study. The finite element simulation is conducted to predict polymer melts flow in the extrusion process. The simulated results are extracted for the establishment of neural network. The genetic algorithm is performed for the search of globally optimal design variable with its objective function evaluated by using the established neural network model. The proposed approach is adopted for the optimization of processing conditions in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert. According to the flow balance principle, the uniformity of outlet flow distribution is taken as the optimization objective with a constraint condition on the maximum shear stress. The optimization of two processing parameters including the volume flow rate and the metal insert moving velocity is conducted in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert and the optimization objective is successfully achieved.