Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a machine base extending lengthwise along a machine axis. The base has a platen support portion extending along a first axial portion of the base, and an injection unit support portion extending along a second axial portion of the base. The machine further includes a platen supported by the platen support portion for carrying a mold half apparatus. The machine further includes a first injection unit supported by the injection unit support portion for discharging a first melt through the platen into a first mold inlet of the mold half apparatus, and a second injection unit supported by the injection unit support portion for discharging a second melt around the platen into a second mold inlet of the mold half apparatus.

Abstract: A static mixer for an injection molding machine comprises a plate having an inlet face, an axially opposed outlet face, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A plurality of bores extend through the plate from the inlet face to the outlet face. Each bore extends along a bore axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The inlet face comprises an inlet face peripheral portion and an inlet face central portion. The outlet face comprises an outlet face peripheral portion, and an outlet face central portion. A core extends longitudinally between the inlet face central portion and the outlet face central portion.

Abstract: A static mixer for an injection molding machine comprises a plate having an inlet face, an axially opposed outlet face, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A plurality of bores extend through the plate from the inlet face to the outlet face. Each bore extends along a bore axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The inlet face comprises an inlet face peripheral portion and an inlet face central portion. The outlet face comprises an outlet face peripheral portion, and an outlet face central portion. A core extends longitudinally between the inlet face central portion and the outlet face central portion.

Abstract: An injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a nozzle for dispensing melt to a mold, and a valve housing having a first port in fluid communication with the nozzle. The valve housing has a second port and a third port. A plasticizing barrel is in fluid communication with the second port. A shooting pot is in fluid communication the third port. A valve closure member is mounted in the valve housing. The valve closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and in fluid isolation of the second port, and a second position in which the second port is in fluid communication with the third port and in fluid isolation of the first port. When in at least one of the first and second positions, fluid communication is provided between the respective ports through a gap provided between an outer surface of the closure member and an inner surface of the valve housing.

Abstract: An injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a nozzle for dispensing melt to a mold, and a valve housing having a first port in fluid communication with the nozzle. The valve housing has a second port and a third port. A plasticizing barrel is in fluid communication with the second port. A shooting pot is in fluid communication the third port. A valve closure member is mounted in the valve housing. The valve closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and in fluid isolation of the second port, and a second position in which the second port is in fluid communication with the third port and in fluid isolation of the first port. When in at least one of the first and second positions, fluid communication is provided between the respective ports through a gap provided between an outer surface of the closure member and an inner surface of the valve housing.

Abstract: An injection unit includes a cylinder casing comprising an inner cylindrical surface extending along an axis, and a piston housed in the casing and translatable along the axis between an advanced and a retracted position. The piston includes a piston radial surface in facing relation to the inner cylindrical surface, and the piston radial surface has a measurement detection feature. A probe is fixed relative to the cylinder casing, the probe communicating with the measurement detection feature when the piston is in and moving between the advanced and retracted positions to measure the translation of the piston.

Abstract: An injection unit includes a cylinder casing comprising an inner cylindrical surface extending along an axis, and a piston housed in the casing and translatable along the axis between an advanced and a retracted position. The piston includes a piston radial surface in facing relation to the inner cylindrical surface, and the piston radial surface has a measurement detection feature. A probe is fixed relative to the cylinder casing, the probe communicating with the measurement detection feature when the piston is in and moving between the advanced and retracted positions to measure the translation of the piston.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a base, a platen mounted to the base for supporting a mold portion and a linear support fixed to the base. A retainer is coupled to the linear support and is translatable relative to the linear support along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an advanced position. The injection molding machine also includes an injection unit slidably supported on the linear support and coupled to the retainer. The injection unit is pivotable relative to the retainer and translatable with the retainer relative to the linear support. The injection unit includes a bearing surface resting directly upon the linear support for transferring weight of the injection unit thereto.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a base, a platen mounted to the base for supporting a mold portion and a linear support fixed to the base. A retainer is coupled to the linear support and is translatable relative to the linear support along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an advanced position. The injection molding machine also includes an injection unit slidably supported on the linear support and coupled to the retainer. The injection unit is pivotable relative to the retainer and translatable with the retainer relative to the linear support. The injection unit includes a bearing surface resting directly upon the linear support for transferring weight of the injection unit thereto.