Injection Know How
The Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Their Application to Injection Molding
As AI and ML continue to develop, they can eventually play a role in helping molders predict more accurately and, perhaps someday, model very close to the actual process results.
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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?
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Improve Production Rates Via Screw Design — Barrier vs. General Purpose vs. Melt Uniformity
I’m looking for a few good molders to help trial a new screw design, and share data and results for a future article to prove the benefits of a melt uniformity screw.
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The Experience Curve and Well-Trained Process Technicians
Pairing external big picture training with internal job-specific instruction can help your process technicians meet quality expectations as well as production targets.
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Avoiding Common Cosmetic Defects in Molded Parts
Identify familiar flaws and then work to eliminate them with these mold and part design tips, and process considerations.
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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.
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Using Data to Pinpoint Cosmetic Defect Causes in Injection Molded Parts
Taking a step back and identifying the root cause of a cosmetic flaw can help molders focus on what corrective actions need to be taken.
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The Cost of High Employee Turnover in Injection Molding: Why Retention Matters
Starting in molding in 1993 and clocking in for nearly every job on the floor over the intervening decades, I’ve seen all sides of the hiring, training and retention process in the industry. Here are my thoughts on how to keep your most important asset — your people.
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The Importance of Hot Nozzle-Tip Mating Against a Cold Sprue Bushing
Done improperly, the result is a cold slug in the nozzle/sprue and a production stop. But there is a better way.
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Time to Swap Out Those General-Purpose Injection Nozzle Tips
Still the standard in the industry, GP nozzle tips can cause a myriad of problems for molders. There are alternatives out there that should be examined.
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