Know-How
Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break...and How to Prevent It, Part 1
In part one of this four-part series, we focus on the molding machine and the ejection system as culprits.
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Injection Molding: Fill Based on Volume, Not Weight
Most parts should be 90-99% full after first-stage—by volume not weight. Here’s why that’s important and how to make a first-stage-only part.
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A Processor's Most Important Job, Part 7: Reviewing Crystallinity
There are several process-related issues that influence crystallinity besides cooling rate. Let’s examine a few.
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Extrusion: A Simple Way to Evaluate Your Screw Performance, Part 2
A hand-held calculator and some basic equations can help determine whether your screw is up to snuff.
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Injection Molding: Safety First—Know the Compatibility of Different Resins
Certain materials don’t play well together when mixed. So it’s best not to. Here are some guidelines.
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Tooling: Clamp Pressure & Cavity Land Area, Part 2
What you need to know to prevent flashing and mold damage.
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Extrusion: A Simple Way to Evaluate Extruder Screws
While there’s lots of data that influences screw design, processors usually don’t have access to it. So instead, try calculating drag flow to see if your screw is working properly.
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Injection Molding: Process Documentation Is Crucial to Making ‘Identical’ Parts
Use a machine/mold setup sheet to document plastic parameters and use them on any acceptable machine into which the mold is placed.
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A Processor's Most Important Job, Part 6: Long-Term Effects
The importance of mold temperature to the development of the desired polymer crystalline structure becomes absolutely crucial in the case of high-performance materials.
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Tooling: Clamp Pressure and Cavity Land Area
What you need to know to prevent flashing and mold damage.
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