Injection Molding
Sequential Gating & Gas Assist Team Up for the First Time
Two fast-growing injection molding techniques—valve-gate sequencing and gas-assist technology—have come together in one application for what is said to be the first time. The part that united the two technologies was a 14 x 30 in. x 120-130 mil computer panel being converted to plastic from metal by Hewlett-Packard Co. in Roseville, Calif. It posed a number of process problems that were best solved by combining the two procedures.
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Rapid Prototyping: Pretty Soon, You Won't Be Able To Get Along Without It
Bigger, faster, more accurate machines and more durable materials threaten to make "RP" indispensable for product and tool development. Molders also find RP models aid accurate price quoting. Next up: ‘rapid manufacturing' of production parts.
Read MoreNew Software Makes 3D CAD Easier To Learn, Use and Afford
You can now can leapfrog the previous obstacles of cost, complexity, and a long learning curve.
Read MoreRapid Tooling Is Ready For Prime Time
Despite the advantage of speedy mold building, rapid-tooling technologies have gained only a toehold in the general moldmaking arena. But that could change as new developments improve dimensional accuracy, durability, and cooling efficiency to compete with traditional methods for making production tools.
Read MoreWhat is Higher Productivity Really Worth?
The math is simple and compelling. A productivity increase of only 20% can double or even triple your profitability. Here's a look at how it works and how to get your company to make the effort.
Read MoreShuttle Mold Ups Output of PET Preforms
PET preform molders can achieve a big jump in productivity without having to invest in special machines with rotating platens.
Read MoreWhere Robots Are Headed
If the big show in Chicago was any indicator, linear servo drives and jointed-arm designs may be the next trends in robots for injection molding.
Read MoreMicrocellular Molding Takes Off
New twist in foam injection molding is revolutionizing the way molders think about lightweighting parts. A microcellular foaming process, called MuCell, reverses the longstanding view that foam molding is limited to large, thick parts. Now it is possible to apply lightweighting to thin walls (0.5-mm) and small parts with critical dimensions.
Read MoreExtrusion News at NPE 2000
At this year’s NPE, new processes to put wood flour into plastic were virtually everywhere—several even start with undried flour.
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