International Polymer Processing, Vol.13, No.4, 398-405, 1998
Consistency and flexibility of multi cavity melt control
The qualify of injection mouled products is determined by a complex coupling between polymer properties, mould geometry, and process dynamics. To increase the flexibility and consistency of the injection moulding process, a method was devised to simultaneously control cavity pressure at multiple locations in a mould. This control was achieved by installing multiple dynamic valve stems into the feed system of a hot runner manifold, each of which can control polymer flow. This system was used in a commercial application with four gates to deliver consistent product qualify and provide manufacturing-stage flexibility. Across all eleven measured dimensions, the process capability index Cp increased between 50 and 400%. Also, multiple dimensions could be independently and simultaneously adjusted by locally controlling material shrinkage.
Keywords:PRESSURE