Optimization of Pultrusion Processes for an Industrial Application

Two optimization problems are formulated to improve the effectiveness and productivity of pultrusion processes, to preserve the quality of pultruded profiles, and to take into account the ambient industrial shop temperature and requirements of process technologists. To solve these problems, an optimization methodology using designed computer experiments and the response surface technique was developed. The effects of room temperature and curing allowed behind the die exit on the energy consumption and pull speed were investigated. A more accurate and realistic process optimization was achieved by the temperature control strategy with heater switch-on and -off operations. This indirect optimization methodology allowed us to develop interactive technological maps on the basis of an accessible-to-all Excel code for technologists working in industrial shops. As an example, demonstrating the effectiveness of the methodology developed and utilization of the interactive technological map, the optimization of a real pultrusion process, producing two rod profiles with ears simultaneously, is carried out.