Injection Molding

In injection molding, material is fed through a hopper into a barrel where a reciprocating screw mixes and melts the material then injects it into a mold.

Five Ways to Increase Productivity for Injection Molders

Faster setups, automation tools and proper training and support can go a long way.

ESSENTIAL READING

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Tooling Know-How 27 Mar 2024

How To Design Three-Plate Molds – Part 4

There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs — and keep the customer happy.

Injection Know How 6 Nov 2023

Is There a More Accurate Means to Calculate Tonnage?

Molders have long used the projected area of the parts and runner to guesstimate how much tonnage is required to mold a part without flash, but there’s a more precise methodology.

Molds & Tooling 26 Oct 2023

Back to Basics on Mold Venting (Part 2: Shape, Dimensions, Details)

Here’s how to get the most out of your stationary mold vents.

best practices 12 Oct 2023

Back to Basics on Mold Venting (Part 1)

Here’s what you need to know to improve the quality of your parts and to protect your molds.

Tooling 13 Sep 2023

How to Design Three-Plate Molds, Part 1

There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs, and keep the customer happy.

Injection Molding 7 Sep 2023

Hot Runners: How to Maintain Heaters, Thermocouples, and Controls

I conclude this three-part examination of real-world problems and solutions involving hot runners by focusing on heaters, thermocouples, and controls. Part 3 of 3.

New Tinius Olsen VectorExtensometer testing

Latest Injection Molding News And Updates

Injection Molding 23 Apr 2024

Mold Solutions Target Safety, Storage and Productivity

NPE2024: Globeius and its suppliers showcase solutions focused on decreasing downtime, reducing energy consumption, increasing safety and more in an injection mold shop.

Extrusion 12 Apr 2024

Interactive Training for Injection, Extrusion and Other Processes

Paulson has four in-booth stations demonstrating its various training solutions.

NPE 12 Apr 2024

Completely Connected Molding

NPE2024: Medical, inmold labeling, core-back molding and Industry 4.0 technologies on display at Shibaura’s booth.

NPE 12 Apr 2024

Machine Series Debuts for Chen Hsong

NPE2024: Chen Hsong has three injection molding machines in its booth, including 2-platen, hybrid and a next-generation line with improved platen and toggle design.

NPE 12 Apr 2024

Automated Injection Molding Process Adjustments

Shibaura says its S-Concept represents an AI technology capable of making real-time process adjustments.

Packaging 12 Apr 2024

Enhanced Temperature Controls for Hot Runners, Extrusion and Packaging

NPE2024: Athena introduces expanded hot-runner controller with up to 120 zones, plus updated panel-mount “universal” temperature/process control.

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NPE 4 Apr 2024

Absolute Haitian Brings Next Generation of Presses to Orlando

NPE2024: Absolute Haitian says Generation 5 of the servo-hydraulic Haitian and electric Zhafir machines lines emphasize efficiency, performance and intelligence.

Compounding 2 Apr 2024

Processing Megatrends Drive New Product Developments at NPE2024

It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.

Injection Molding 29 Mar 2024

Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers

As more plastics manufacturers step into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights have emerged about how best to approach the digital transformation journey.

Tooling Know-How 27 Mar 2024

How To Design Three-Plate Molds – Part 4

There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs — and keep the customer happy.

best practices 7 Mar 2024

Understanding the Effect of Pressure Losses on Injection Molded Parts

The compressibility of plastics as a class of materials means the pressure punched into the machine control and the pressure the melt experiences at the end of fill within the mold will be very different. What does this difference mean for process consistency and part quality?

plant tour 6 Mar 2024

Back in the Family Business

In its 45th year, Precision Molded Plastics has carved out a technology and market niche, growing not just when opportunities arise but when they make sense, after its leader changed careers to keep the family business from changing hands.

New Micro Twin Screw Feeder NPE2024 - W8183

large tonnage injection molding productivity

FAQ: Injection Molding

What is injection molding?

Plastic injection molding is a cyclical manufacturing process that allows for cost-efficient production of a mass number of identical parts made from either thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

How to Improve Consistency in Injection Molding?

Cushion values in injection molding ultimately are an indication of a part’s quality, especially its dimensions. A consistent cushion will create consistent part dimensions.

How to Get Rid of Bubbles in Injection Molding?

It is important to determine which type of bubble your part has, and what the root cause might be. Determining bubble type will allow you to pinpoint the source and determine your next course of action to eliminate the problem.

How can I improve my injection molding quality and productivity?

Most molders are still relying on “general-purpose” screw designs that go back 30 years. With all of the technical improvements that have been made on machines over that time, nothing has been done to improve melt uniformity. We still use “general-purpose” (GP) screws, which well-known screw designer Bob Dray wisely has called “no-purpose” screws. That is they do not melt plastic uniformly. Processing with a uniformly melted plastic would seem like a high priority, but it has seen little if any attention.