NRC has special interest in blow molding

Robert DiRaddo, group leader, structural behavior process modeling and optimization, at the NRC’s Industrial Materials Institute describes the Special Interest Group in Blow Molding (SIGBLOW) as a grouping of companies and universities working on modeling and experimental research in blow molding. DiRaddo says at present about 20 companies and three universities are involved in research encompassing extrusion, injection-stretch, multi-layer, sequential and 3-D blow molding.

The IMI has collaborated with its partners in SIGBLOW to develop advanced computer programs to model and predict the blow molding process. DiRaddo notes that the group’s researchers study real process relationships in the development of computer simulation programs.

“Our team consists of multi-expertise process engineers and technicians,” says DiRaddo. The group’s other areas of activity, DiRaddo notes, include materials characterization, process optimization, die and mold flow analysis, optimization of mold design, reduction of cycle time, optimization of part thickness and analysis of part shrinkage, warpage and residual stresses. “Our goal is to enable Canadian companies to become competitive from an R&D standpoint. We’re interested in transferring technology.”

IMI also has similar activities in thermoforming, injection molding, polymer blends and polymer foams.

For more information contact Robert DiRaddo at: robert.diraddo@nrc.ca or circle 170