7. Conclusion

Lightweight polymer injection molding is a promising technique for obtaining lightweight plastic materials in a simple and efficient way. In the automotive sector, obtaining these materials is a key factor in reducing CO ₂ emissions from vehicles through weight reduction. Economic benefits come from reduced cooling times, and therefore cycle times, injection temperature as well as the quantity of material injected.

There are two foaming injection processes, either physical or chemical. In the first, the gas is injected directly into the furnace in a supercritical state, and additional equipment such as a gas storage and distribution unit, injection pumps and a new screw are required. The gases most commonly used are carbon dioxide and nitrogen. With the chemical foaming process, blowing agents contribute to higher material...