Know-How
TOOLING: Venting: A View From the Trenches
Venting is a prime culprit for molding problems, partly because toolmakers and process techs have different ideas of what’s needed.
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EXTRUSION: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Run Your Extruders Dry
At least not for longer than a few minutes. The thin film that’s captured between the screw flights and barrel wall supports the screw and acts as a lubricant. Without it, galling can occur.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Scientific Molding Gone Wrong
Sometimes molders get trained in Scientific Molding only to revert to their old way of doing things as soon problems pop up.
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MATERIALS: The Trouble with Data Sheets
Data sheets are routinely relied upon, yet the data they provide is limited in scope and can lead to incorrect conclusions.
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TOOLING: Clearing Up the Mysteries Of Mold Texture
It’s a subject not widely understood by molders and it affects more than just part appearance.
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Extrusion: What’s the Best Way to Vent?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and they must be evaluated before making a decision.
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Materials: Analyzing Filler Content
The process is considered simple. But things aren’t always as they seem.
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TOOLING: What You Can Do About Mold Buildup
It depends on the materials and additives you use, and the kinds of mold detail, but adequate venting, not overheating the material, and mold coatings are your best defenses.
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EXTRUSION: Are Grooved-Feed Extruders Right for You?
In specific circumstances, this design can increase output and reduce melt temperature. But grooved feed throats are not for every application.
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INJECTION MOLDING: The Trouble with Mismatched Nozzle Tips & Sprue Bushings
It happens more than most molders realize and can cause a host of molding problems. Here’s what to look for and how to fix it.
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