Know-How
Injection Molding: How to Set Barrel Zone Temps
Start by picking a target melt temperature, and double-check data sheets for the resin supplier’s recommendations. Now for the rest...
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A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 3: Unintended Consequences
Processors are often expected to compensate for ill-advised decisions made earlier in the product-development process. In the case of shrinkage, one of the most common ‘fixes’ is to simply reduce the mold temperature.
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Tooling: Tunnel Gates for Processors, Part 2
What you need to know to overcome problems out on the production floor.
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Injection Molding: Melting Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline Plastics
Understanding the differences in how each melts is crucial to obtaining melt uniformity.
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A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 2: Crystallinity
Process conditions help determine the difference between the maximum degree of crystallinity that can be achieved in a polymer and the degree that is present in a molded part.
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Injection Molding: Nozzle Heaters & Thermocouples: A Case of Wiring Done Wrong
Incorrect placement of wires for these components frustrates molders and costs them money to boot.
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A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 1: Molecular Weight
Many processors don’t realize that preserving material characteristics is crucial to product success and failure. The focus here is on molecular weight.
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How Sprue Pullers Help Prevent Molding Issues: Part 2
A vital secondary function of sprue pullers is to act as a cold well to trap solidified material left in the machine-nozzle tip.
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Extrusion: How Hopper Crammers Can Help Feeding
A crammer can assist the flow of certain polymers into the extruder. But the design is not universal and very material dependent. Here’s what you need to know.
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Injection Molding: New Mold Trial—Will It Run 24/7?
Use this nine-step process to make sure you’ll be making good parts after a successful trial. But even then, be prepared for some hiccups.
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