Induced network-based transfer learning in injection molding for process modelling and optimization with artificial neural networks

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 112, pp. 3501–3513

Abstract

Abstract The necessity of an abundance of training data commonly hinders the broad use of machine learning in the plastics processing industry. Induced network-based transfer learning is used to reduce the necessary amount of injection molding process data for the training of an artificial neural network in order to conduct a data-driven machine parameter optimization for injection molding processes. As base learners, source models for the injection molding process of 59 different parts are fitted to process data. A different process for another part is chosen as the target process on which transfer learning is applied. The models learn the relationship between 6 machine setting parameters and the part weight as quality parameter. The considered machine parameters are the injection flow rate, holding pressure time, holding pressure, cooling time, melt temperature, and cavity wall temperature. For the right source domain, only 4 sample points of the new process need to be generated to train a model of the injection molding process with a degree of determinationR2of 0.9 or and higher. Significant differences in the transferability of the source models can be seen between different part geometries: The source models of injection molding processes for similar parts to the part of the target process achieve the best results. The transfer learning technique has the potential to raise the relevance of AI methods for process optimization in the plastics processing industry significantly.

Authors 2

1. Yannik Lockner corresponding Aachen Institute for Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University, Seffenter Weg 201, 52074, Aachen, Germany

2. Christian Hopmann Aachen Institute for Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Plastics Processing in Industry and Craft at RWTH Aachen University, Seffenter Weg 201, 52074, Aachen, Germany