Injection molding is a critical manufacturing process for producing high-quality plastic components. This study investigates the optimization of process parameters using SolidWorks Plastics simulations and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 100 simulations were conducted to analyze the effects of variables such as mold temperature, melt temperature, coolant temperature, injection pressure limit, pressure holding time, and pure cooling time. Key insights revealed the impact of thermal and operational dynamics on defect minimization and part quality enhancement. PCA identified two primary components explaining 55.27% of the variance in process parameters. Component 1, representing thermal variables (mold temperature, melt temperature, coolant temperature), emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal thermal conditions for defect reduction and cycle time improvement. Component 2, comprising process dynamics (injection pressure limit, pure cooling time, pressure holding time), highlighted the role of operational stability in ensuring part quality. The study demonstrates how simulation tools, combined with PCA, can enhance decision-making in injection molding by identifying critical process parameters. These findings contribute to improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing defects, paving the way for advancements in computer-aided engineering applications in plastic manufacturing.