Injection Know How

Injection Molding 13 Apr 2023

How Backpressure Optimization Affects Melt Preparation

Backpressure is often the least understood of the settings in an injection molding process, even though it can play a significant role in the final quality of the part. Let’s start with understanding what backpressure is and then learn how to optimize it for a given mold.

best practices 9 Feb 2023

How Important is Minimizing Residence Time in Injection Molding?

Does a focus on the concept of “minimum residence time” distract attention from areas of injection molding that have more of a direct impact on melt quality?

best practices 8 Dec 2022

Understanding Flow Fronts and Defects

Flow-front behavior and corrections are key to solving many common molding problems —what is your process’s flow trying to tell you about your part?

Injection Know How 11 Oct 2022

Melt Preparation Part 1: Melt Temperature Optimization

A homogenous melt is required for consistent part quality, but achieving it requires balancing a number of factors, including barrel usage and temperature as well as screw speed, backpressure and residence time. Learn how to prepare your melt for molding success in this two-part series.

Injection Molding 9 Oct 2022

How to Set Barrel Zone Temps in Injection Molding

Start by picking a target melt temperature, and double-check data sheets for the resin supplier’s recommendations. Now for the rest...

Injection Know How 30 Aug 2022

What is Backpressure and How Should We Calculate It?

Does using an intensification ratio to calculate backpressure result in an accurate reflection of what’s happening in the barrel? Newer machine technologies have us revisiting an old project with fresh eyes.

Injection Molding 25 Jul 2022

What to Do About Weak Weld Lines

Weld or knit lines are perhaps the most common and difficult injection molding defect to eliminate.

best practices 18 Jul 2022

Are Your Sprue or Parts Sticking? Here Are Some Solutions

When a sprue or part sticks, the result of trying to unstick it is often more scratches or undercuts, making the problem worse and the fix more costly. Here’s how to set up a proper procedure for this sticky wicket.