This paper discusses the differences between two-dimensional models and three-dimensional models of cooling channel layout designs in a plastic injection molding die. To identify the differences, two kinds of three-dimensional numerical models are designed by the design method of cooling channel layout proposed in our previous research.
The results show that, when the cooling channel layout is required so as to rapidly cool down and make temperature distribution of the plastic materials uniform, distinct cooling channel layouts are obtained because of different flow rates of coolant in the cooling channel between them. And also, it is shown that the distance between the cooling channel and cavity in the die is an effective factor to control the temperature distribution of plastic materials. From this result, the cooling channel layout design is implemented in two steps. At first, the distance between the cooling channel and the cavity is decided. The result of the first step is utilized as the initial design of the next step. In the second step, the length of cooling channel is designed. In addition, it is found that the surface area of cooling channel is important to control the temperature distribution of the plastic materials.