Modular Technological Inserts for Injection Molding Machines

摘要

Injection molding process yields many possibilities to create innovative plastic part solutions. Multi component injection molding evolved as one of those technologies, injecting two or more plastic melts next to or within each other within one cycle. The broadening of the field of application of injection molding machines is made possible by the use of intermediate plates with individually suitable "modular technological inserts". The intermediate plate is then mounted to the platen of the injection molding machine between mold and machine. Thereby it is possible that all kinds of platens include the intermediate plates, that is the fixed and the lose platen as well as so called middle platens used in turning plate technology or cube technology. One group of modular inserts make those hot runners which include shut off and control functions to separate or join melt flows from different injection units into one cavity. So these modules make for the sequential or the simultaneous injection of melts necessary to for example produce parts yielding a skin/core structure. Ongoing research aims at modules which allow for the storage of melts while maintaining the pressure within the melt as well as the merging with additional material or even to apply additional energy like for example ultrasound. In conclusion the discourse will point out the possibilities given by this technology concerning cost savings in terms of giving an alternative for the purchase of costly special machinery as well as material savings. In that account projects which already were realized will be shown ranging from production facilities to equipment for research laboratories.