Abstract:
An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects.
Abstract:
A method and a machine that account for changes in material properties of molten plastic material during an injection run. If viscosity of the molten plastic material changes during an injection run, a controller alters a step time of the injection cycle to ensure that molten plastic material completely fills and packs a mold cavity to prevent part flaws such as short shots or flashing.
Abstract:
A injection molding method involves measuring, using at least one external sensor, a change in a parameter of a mold side of a mold cavity, approximating a condition within the mold cavity based on the change in the parameter, such as pressure within the mold cavity or flow front position, and comparing the approximated condition to a trigger point,. If the approximated condition equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor having an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve, and upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor tracks an approximated condition calculated from the change in parameter measurements measured by the at least one external sensor over time. In an embodiment, results of the approximated parameter tracking can be used in conjunction with an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve.
Abstract:
Injection molding at substantially constant pressure yields a substantially controlled injection molding process, even when utilizing a leaking check ring.
Abstract:
A system for forming a plastic article, the system comprising a preform injection molding apparatus, comprising a mold, a plastic melt injection system, a sensor, and a controller, wherein: the first mold portion is made of a material having a thermal conductivity between about 52 watts per meter kelvin and about 385 watts per meter kelvin; the controller is configured to control the injection element to maintain the molten thermoplastic material at a substantially constant melt pressure, during filling of the mold cavities, wherein the substantially constant melt pressure is between about 2.76 megapascals (400 psi) and about 68.95 megapascals (10,000 psi); and the preform injection molding apparatus is designed to have a useful life of between one million and ten million injection molding cycles.
Abstract:
A feed system for an injection molding machine. The feed system includes a first part with a first channel, and a second part with a second channel. The first channel and the second channel together form a molten plastic feed conduit when they are engaged. The first part and the second part are unbonded to one another.
Abstract:
A feed system for an injection molding method and machine includes a first part including a first channel, and a second part including a second channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a molten plastic feed conduit when the first part is located adjacent to the second part. A joint is formed between the first part and the second part along the first channel and the second channel and the joint is one of a sintered joint, a welded joint, and a brazed joint.
Abstract:
A method of forming a preform, which is configured to be subjected to a subsequent forming process, the method comprising: providing a mold with a plurality of mold cavities, wherein the mold is made of a material having a thermal conductivity between about 52 watts per meter Kelvin and about 385 watts per meter Kelvin.
Abstract:
A method and a machine that account for changes in material properties of molten plastic material during an injection run. If viscosity of the molten plastic material changes during an injection run, a controller alters an injection pressure to ensure that molten plastic material fills a mold cavity within a correct amount of time to prevent part flaws such as short shots or flashing.
Abstract:
A method for injection molding overmolded articles includes heating thermoplastic material to a predetermined temperature in an injection molding apparatus. The injection molding apparatus has a mold including a mold cavity. The injection molding apparatus has a useful life of more than about 1 million injection molding cycles and less than about 20 million injection molding cycles. The method further includes positioning a pre-manufactured article in the mold cavity, advancing heated thermoplastic material from the melt holder of the injection molding apparatus into the mold cavity maintaining a substantially constant melt pressure in the proximity of the injection element of at least about 400 pounds per square inch (about 2 MPa) and at most about 10,000 pounds per square inch (about 69 MPa).