Abstract: A mold for a composite component having a fillet joint, the mold including a mold body having a cavity within which the component is formed, and an insert mating with the mold body and including a forming surface against which, in use, the fillet of the component fillet joint is formed. The insert may be thermally insulating and highly rigid. A method of forming a composite component having a fillet joint using a mold, the method including forcing a surface of the fillet region of the component to adopt a non constant radius of curvature while the component is inside the mold during the cure process is also provided. Additionally, a method of forming a composite component having a fillet joint that is defined between first and second legs the method including placing the legs of the component in bending during cure of the component is described.

Abstract: An injecting/blowing device includes a mold for injecting a thin-walled hollow preform capable of being transformed into a more voluminous hollow body. The mold includes a counter mold defining a cavity, a cure located in the cavity, and a preform impression located between the counter mold inner surface and the core which will receive the melt, at least two main preferential flow channels or at least two secondary preferential flow channels having a recessed zone at the surface of the core and the inner surface of the cavity. The main flow channels are located only at the impression zone corresponding to the zone for transforming the perform, and in the optional secondary flow channels are flow channels discontinuous from the main flow channel.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composition for metal-texture resin molded articles includes 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a plate-like metallic pigment, 1 to 50 parts by weight of a spherical glassy material and 1 to 50 parts by weight of an ultrafine filamentary material. An injection molding method for producing a metal-texture resin molded article from the synthetic resin composition and a metal-texture resin molded article molded from the synthetic resin composition are also provided.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold, a cavity formed by clamping the first mold and the second mold, and includes a portion where the ratio of a first dimension and a second dimension changes continuously such that a portion where the ratio of the first dimension of a pair of first surfaces, and the second dimension of a pair of second surfaces becomes 1 locates in an intermediate portion of the cavity in a longitudinal direction of the long shape; and a first temperature adjusting circuit that is provided at the first mold and the second mold to adjust a temperature within a range where the second dimension of the second surfaces is greater than the first dimension of the first surfaces such that the temperature of the pair of first surfaces becomes higher than the temperature of the pair of second surfaces.

Abstract: A reduction gear for electric power steering includes a first reduction gear composition for electric power steering containing 95 to 97 parts by weight of polyamide 66 (PA66) among polyamide-based materials, and a second reduction gear composition for electric power steering containing 3 to 5 parts by weight of an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA) among polyolefin-based materials, wherein a weight ratio of the PA66 to the EMAA is 24:1 to 49:1. A method for manufacturing a reduction gear for electric power steering includes adding a first reduction gear composition for electric power steering comprising 95 to 97 parts by weight of PA66 among polyamide-based materials and a second reduction gear composition for electric power steering containing 3 to 5 parts by weight of an EMAA among polyolefin-based materials to a heater having a melting temperature of 250° C. to 260° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a water soluble container, comprising an injection moulded water soluble polymer, in which is present a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition, by injection moulding a thermoplastic material into a mould, wherein before or during the injection moulding process the mould is actively heated, the mould being at an elevated temperature, below the melting point of the thermoplastic material, throughout the injection moulding process.

Abstract: Flow gates 5 capable of protruding and retracting are provided in a cavity 9 of a die 2 to control a resin filling path. The generation of welds or orientation lines in a resin flow pattern is allowed only in an area containing uneven portions outside a design surface but is not allowed in other areas. The area containing welds or orientation lines in a resin flow pattern is covered with a separate component having a design surface, thereby achieving a desired metallic appearance.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for a starch container, comprising: 20 to 60 weight % of an undenatured starch; 5 to 30 weight % of a pulp fiber powder; 0.1 to 2 weight % of a photocatalyst; 0.5 to 5 weight % of a release agent; and 0.01 to 5 weight % of a capsule type blowing agent preparations; and the remainder being a solvent. Also provided is a starch container using the composition. The above-described composition of the present invention may be used not only as a material for a disposable container which has improved blowing property, and which is lightweight and has improved moldability, but also as a material for an eco-friendly starch container having eco-friendly characteristics.

Abstract: A heatsink for use in injection molding, with at least one load-bearing path with a rearward segment, wherein at least a portion of at least one non-load-bearing, dynamic heat-transfer zone of the heatsink is laterally offset from the rearward segment of the load-bearing path.

Abstract: A polyamide composition formed from a low viscosity polyamide-6 and a nucleating agent including an organic material and an inorganic metallic material is provided. Suitable organic materials include organic polymers. Suitable inorganic metallic materials include metal oxides and silicates. Cable ties and methods of molding cable ties from the polyamide composition are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a technology that sufficiently suppresses dimensional change in the usage environment even without applying heat treatment in advance to a resin-molded article constituted of a crystalline thermoplastic resin. A resin composition constituted of a crystalline thermoplastic resin is injection-molded using a mold on the inner surface of which a heat-insulating layer is formed. It is preferable, in the present invention, to use a mold on which a heat-insulating layer is formed, the layer being constituted of porous zirconia formed by spraying method and having a thermal conductivity of 2 W/(m·K) or less and a thickness of no less than 200 ?m. The injection-molded article obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention has a dimensional change rate of 0.2% or less when left for 2 hours in an environment of a mold temperature+20° C. where the mold temperature is that at the time of injection molding and is Tg+30° C. or more and Tg+80° C.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injecting device, a platform, a mold, and two heat insulation assemblies. The injecting device melts plastic and injects molten plastic into the mold. The platform loads and controls the mold and the injecting device. Each of the heat insulation assemblies includes a metallic plate and a pipe member. The pipe member is mounted in the metallic plate for receiving hot liquid to heat the metallic plate. The mold is sandwiched between two metallic plates of the two heat insulation assemblies. One of the metallic plates is mounted between the mold and the injecting device. The other metallic plate is mounted between the mold and the platform.

Abstract: Provided is a RTM method wherein a molding die composed of a temperature control mechanism, which is arranged on at least one of a plurality of dies that form a molding die and adjusts the temperature of the die, and a valve mechanism, which starts and stops supply of a resin in a state of having fluidity to the cavity of the molding die, is used. In the method, a plurality of the valve mechanisms are arranged on the molding die, each of the valve mechanisms is provided with one or a plurality of temperature control systems which adjust the temperature of the valve mechanism, the resin in the state of having fluidity is supplied to the cavity from the valve mechanisms, and a reinforcing fiber base material contained in the cavity is impregnated with the resin.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes.

Abstract: A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A bubbler base or base body for accepting a bubbler tube that has an externally threaded section at one end of the bubbler tube. The bubbler base of this invention can be used to quickly attach the bubbler base already connected to a bubbler tube, without the need to form an internally threaded bore within a bottom clamp plate which is also referred to as a cooling plate and is conventionally known in the molding tool industry. A conventional bubbler tube can be attached to the bubbler base rather than to the bottom clamp plate or the cooling plate. The bubbler base can have an overall spool shape. An O-ring can be used to seal the bubbler base with respect to the bottom clamp plate or the cooling plate.

Abstract: A disk substrate molding apparatus has a disk substrate molding die and a temperature controller. The disk substrate molding die includes a stamper, a first die including a mirror member to which the stamper comes in contact, and a second die including a molding surface which forms a disk-shaped cavity between the molding surface and the stamper. The second die includes a protruding part which protrudes toward the stamper at an outer circumferential part of the molding surface. The temperature controller controls temperature of the second die so that the protruding part exhibits a higher temperature in comparison to a region further toward the inner circumferential side than the protruding part, and controls temperature of the first die so that a region opposite to the protruding part exhibits a lower temperature in comparison to the protruding part in the mirror member.

Abstract: For controlling temperature in the molding of plastics, metal, ceramic, or die-casting, a circulator supporting a molding machine includes a fixed displacement pump driven by an electronic servo motor for volumetric metering of thermal fluid to or from the molding machine. A pre-set or dynamically controlled volume and flow rate profile matches the heating and cooling requirement of a molding machine and process. Volumetric metering may be based on parameters such as time, machine cycle status, temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. Fluid may be circulated through the mold at positive or negative pressure at fixed, variable, or pulsed flow. The supply side in a fluid loop may be restricted so as to cause a pressure drop in or upstream of the mold, die or barrel, and seed bubbles may be injected into the fluid flow to excite vaporization and lowering of the fluid temperature.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injecting device, a platform, a mold, and two heat insulation assemblies. The injecting device melts plastic and injects molten plastic into the mold. The platform loads and controls the mold and the injecting device. Each of the heat insulation assemblies includes a metallic plate and a pipe member. The pipe member is mounted in the metallic plate for receiving hot liquid to heat the metallic plate. The mold is sandwiched between two metallic plates of the two heat insulation assemblies. One of the metallic plates is mounted between the mold and the injecting device. The other metallic plate is mounted between the mold and the platform.

Abstract: A method for injection molding a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and a boron-containing nucleating agent is provided. By selectively controlling certain aspects of the polyarylene sulfide and nucleating agent, as well as the particular manner in which they are combined, the crystallization properties of the resulting thermoplastic composition can be significantly improved. This allows the “cooling time” during a molding cycle to be substantially reduced while still achieving the same degree of crystallization. The cooling time can be represented by the “normalized cooling ratio”, which is determined by dividing the total cooling time by the average thickness of the molded part.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for dosing a fluid formulation containing a medicinal substance into a mould to form a pharmaceutical unit with a volume of 1000 ?I or less, using a peristaltic pump comprising a flexible tube for guiding the fluid formulation to the mould and at least one roller to compress the tube to induce a flow of the fluid formulation through the tube, the method comprising placing a spout of the tube adjacent the mould, displacing the roller over a predetermined length of the tube to dose the fluid formulation in the mould, positioning the spout such that when the dosing is finished, at least the open end of the spout is present in the dosed unit, and after dosing, retracting the spout end out of the dosed unit.

Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polyacetal resin, a metallic pigment, and an ultraviolet light stabilizer is disclosed that exhibits a metallic brilliant appearance. The metallic pigment, the ultraviolet light stabilizer and the polyacetal resin can be mixed in a high intensity mixer prior to being used to mold polymer articles.

Abstract: A method for producing a brake assembly (22) including friction material (24) molded to a backplate (26) using an improved receptacle plate (20) is provided. The backplate (26) includes openings (30) each having an opening diameter (Do). The receptacle plate (20) includes pins (28) extending transversely from a receiving surface (34). The method includes aligning the openings (30) of the backplate (26) with the pins (28) of the receptacle plate (20). Each pin (28) has a pin diameter (Dp) less than the opening diameter (Do) of the aligned opening (30). The friction material (24) is molded to the backplate (26) by heating the friction material (24) and the receptacle plate (20), and forcing the friction material (24) through the openings (30) of the backplate (26). The pins (28) extend into a center portion (32) of the friction material (24) and improve the degree of curing of the friction material (24).

Abstract: An electroformed tooling device is disclosed. The device includes an electroformed tool with electrodeposited metal which has been plated from a structured substrate on a molding side to function as a molding surface and an uneven contour on a non-molding side of the electroformed tool left as a by-product of electroforming. The device also includes a blank base comprising a top surface, a network of thermal management channels, and at least a first opening and a second opening communicating with the network of thermal management channels to allow fluid to flow into the first opening and flow through the network of thermal management channels and flow out the second opening. The top surface further includes an electro-discharge machined contoured surface to mate with the uneven contour on the non-molding side of the electroformed tool. Fluid flowing through the thermal management channels cools or alternately cools and heats the electroformed tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection molding mold device for manufacturing a cabinet for a thin display device that allows the cabinet to be molded with no appearance defects being caused on the front face part, even in a case where bosses and ribs are disposed on the rear face part of the cabinet. The injection molding mold device 1 includes a stationary mold half 10 and a movable mold half 20. In a cavity 40, a face 42 formed in the movable mold half 20 corresponds to a cabinet front face 82 of a front cabinet 80. Further, in the stationary mold half 10, a hot runner 30 is disposed in a predetermined location, and an injection port 32 is disposed in a location corresponding to the lateral face end part of a cabinet lateral face 90.

Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided with a mold forming a cavity into which a resin is injected, a liquid supplying device which supplies a liquid continuously to an internal flow channel of the mold during a preparation period prior to injection of the resin and an injection period in which the resin after the preparation period is injected, an electricity supplying device which supplies electricity to an electric heater arranged on the mold at least during a part of the preparation period, thereby heating the mold, and a controller which carries out a predetermined procedure for making different a temperature of a liquid in the internal flow channel between the preparation period and the injection period.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a resin molded gear, which is to be integrally formed by injection molding, and includes: a tooth portion formed along an outer peripheral surface of a rim; a web extending along an inner peripheral surface of the rim; and a gate portion arranged at a boss, which joins to at least part of the web and is formed on a core portion located at a center axis, the method using a synthetic resin having a melting temperature of Tm° C., the method including: injecting and loading the synthetic resin molten at the melting temperature of Tm° C. into a cavity of a mold for forming the resin molded gear; and setting, when the gate portion is solidified, a thickness center temperature T1 of the web to (Tm?20)° C. or more to (Tm+20)° C. or less and a surface temperature T2 of the tooth portion to (T1?50)° C. or less.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a molding system for creating a molded-in-color panel has a first mold member with a first forming surface for forming a portion of a panel with an exposed surface. The molding system has a second mold member having a second forming surface for forming a concealed portion of the panel. One of the first and second mold members is translatable relative to the other to collectively receive a heated molded-in-color resin to form the panel. The molding system has an injector for injecting molded-in-color resin into the mold. The second forming surface is sufficiently smooth so that the exposed surface of the panel is free of visible flow lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the injection moulding of plastic parts from thermoplastic material. To produce stable plastic parts with a low density, the method comprises the steps: a) Production of thermoplastic melt; b) Adding of a fluid to the thermoplastic melt; c) Mixing of the thermoplastic melt containing the fluid; d) Providing of an injection moulding tool with a cavity, wherein the volume of the cavity of the injection moulding tool is expandable from an initial volume to an end volume; e) Heating of at least a part of the walls of the cavity; f) Injection of the mixture from thermoplastic melt and gas into the cavity, wherein the volume of the cavity takes the initial volume; g) Expansion of the volume of the cavity; h) Cooling of at least a part of the walls (9) of the cavity; i) Demoulding of the injection moulded plastic part after the plastic melt is at least partially solidified.

Abstract: In a mold temperature control circuit of an injection molding device, such a molding cycle is repeated that, prior to injection of a resin, a heating-use medium is returned to molds and heated to a temperature suitable for resin injection, after injection of the resin, the heating-use medium is switched to a cooling-use medium, thereby the cooling-use medium is returned to the molds and cooling is conducted to give a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which the resin is solidified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of injection molding at low, substantially constant melt pressures. Embodiments of the disclosed method now make possible a method of injection molding that is more energy—and cost—effective than conventional high-velocity injection molding processes. Embodiments of the disclosed method surprisingly allow for the filling of a mold cavity at low melt pressure without undesirable premature hardening of the thermoplastic material in the mold cavity and without the need for maintaining a constant temperature or heated mold cavity. Heretofore, it would not have been expected that a constant pressure method could be performed at low pressure without such premature hardening of the thermoplastic material when using an unheated mold cavity or cooled mold cavity.

Abstract: The injection molding method for injecting a resin into a cavity formed within a mold is provided with a heating step in which the temperature of a cavity surface forming the cavity of the mold is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a heat distortion temperature of the resin and an injection step in which after the heating step, during a decrease in temperature of the cavity surface of the mold, the resin is injected into the cavity.

Abstract: A process for production of a heat-resistant hollow article made of a polylactic acid containing resin by using a mold which includes a female mold portion having a concavity, a male mold portion having a convexity and a stripper plate having an edge-forming part. The surface of the mold facing the cavity is heated to a temperature corresponding to a crystallization temperature of the polylactic acid containing resin. The male mold portion and the stripper plate are moved away from the female mold portion when a temperature T(° C.) of the resin detected by an infrared temperature sensor is in the range of T=(t+3.5)±1.5 (t(° C.) is the surface temperature of the mold). Gas is introduced between an inner surface of the hollow article and the male mold portion, and the hollow article is taken out of the mold by advancing the stripper plate toward the hollow article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polylactic acid composite composition, and a polylactic acid composite composition formed thereby. More particularly, there is disclosed a method for manufacturing a polylactic acid composite composition including: melting and blending a composition containing 60-80 wt % of a poly(L-lactic acid) resin, 15-30 wt % of a poly(D-lactic acid) resin and 5-10 wt % of a poly(ethylene-alkyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) resin at 190-195° C.; and injecting the resulting melt in a mold whose surface temperature is 100-110° C. The present invention provides a material having superior heat resistance, impact strength and tensile strength by blending the PLLA resin, the PDLA resin and the poly(ethylene-alkyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) resin at specific proportion, under controlled processing and molding conditions.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold, a cavity formed by clamping the first mold and the second mold, and includes a portion where the ratio of a first dimension and a second dimension changes continuously such that a portion where the ratio of the first dimension of a pair of first surfaces, and the second dimension of a pair of second surfaces becomes 1 locates in an intermediate portion of the cavity in a longitudinal direction of the long shape; and a first temperature adjusting circuit that is provided at the first mold and the second mold to adjust a temperature within a range where the second dimension of the second surfaces is greater than the first dimension of the first surfaces such that the temperature of the pair of first surfaces becomes higher than the temperature of the pair of second surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are a polycarbonate resin composition including, with respect to 100 parts by mass of (A) an aromatic polycarbonate resin, 0.05 to 0.3 part by mass of (B) titanium oxide having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 6 ?m, and (C) 0.005 to 1 part by mass of (C-1) glossy particles having an average particle diameter of 10 ?m or more and less than 60 ?m, and 0.005 to 2.5 parts by mass of (C-2) glossy particles having an average particle diameter of 60 to 300 ?m, a polycarbonate resin molded article obtained by molding the resin composition, and a method of producing a polycarbonate resin molded article characterized by including subjecting the resin composition to injection molding at a mold temperature of 120° C. or more.

Abstract: A sprue bushing includes a head, and a main body. The main body is connected to an end of the head. The main body defines at least one lateral channel. The at least one lateral channel extends through a sidewall of the main body. The sprue bushing defines a sprue and at least two longitudinal channels. The sprue extends through the head and the main body along a center axis of the sprue bushing. The at least two longitudinal channels extend through the head into the main body. One of the at least one lateral channel communicates with two of the at least two longitudinal channels.

Abstract: Methods of making a degradable ball composition comprising a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, or a combination thereof comprising the steps of: forming a thermoplastic mass, and allowing the thermoplastic mass to cool as to form a degradable ball that is introduced in subterranean treatments by a carrier fluid.

Abstract: Composites are described, comprising polyacetal and at least one thermoplastic polyamide elastomer formed by a polyacetal molding which has been partially or completely coated with the thermoplastic polyamide elastomer or onto which one or more moldings composed of the thermoplastic polyamide elastomer have been directly molded. The composites are characterized in that the polyacetal and the thermoplastic polyamide elastomer have been bonded adhesively or cohesively to one another via injection of the polyamide elastomer onto the polyacetal molding, and in that the tensile bond strength between the polyacetal and the thermoplastic polyamide elastomer is at least 0.5 N/mm2. The composites may be used as connectors, as functional components with integrated sealing properties and/or with integrated damping properties, or else as non-slip and easy-grip elements.

Abstract: Injection molding, parts onto a carrier web (34) located between mold halves (18,20). Flow of polymer melt into the mold is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Molding apparatus comprises a moving mold face (20), that can move toward and away from a first mold member (18) (which can be stationary) in which the mold cavity is located, a means (24,25,26,30,32) for moving and/or indexing carrier web between the first mold member and the moving mold face, means (16) to inject polymer melt into the mold cavity, and an ultrasonic system (42) providing ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. The carrier web can transport molded parts to subsequent process steps, such as coating, drying, inspection, curing, assembly or packaging.

Abstract: A method manufactures solid ink sticks by forming a solid ink paste and injecting the paste into a mold having internal cavities. The solid ink paste can be formed by mixing liquid ink and solid ink in a barrel of an injection molding machine. The liquid ink is formed by melting solid ink particulates in the barrel with a heated conveyor and the solid ink particulates are maintained in a solid phase by cooling a portion of the barrel. Movement produced by the heated conveyor mixes the liquid ink and the solid ink in an area between the cooled portion of the barrel and the heated conveyor.

Abstract: A compostable interior panel for use in a vehicle includes an injection molded compostable polymer. A layer is disposed about the compostable polymer and comprises a composting-resistant polymer having a thickness ranging from 10 ?m to 175 ?m. The compostable polymer and the composting-resistant polymer are substantially insoluble in one another when liquid.

Abstract: A synthetic resin composition for metal-texture resin molded articles includes 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a plate-like metallic pigment, 1 to 50 parts by weight of a spherical glassy material and 1 to 50 parts by weight of an ultrafine filamentary material. An injection molding method for producing a metal-texture resin molded article from the synthetic resin composition and a metal-texture resin molded article molded from the synthetic resin composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for injection molding a product having a hydrophobic pattern, which permits mass production of the product having a hydrophobic surface and clear formation of the hydrophobic pattern on the product. The method includes the steps of heating a mold having a stamper with a hydrophobic pattern formed thereon mounted thereto, bringing the mold into close contact with other molds for enclosing an inside of the molds, injecting a predetermined resin material into the inside of the molds, and cooling down the molds, and separating the molds.

Abstract: Tooling assemblies for interfacing with interchangeable molds are provided, each with a tooling body for mounting to a platen of a press of an injection molding machine and for receiving an interchangeable mold block. Interchangeable mold blocks are also provided for forming articles. A series of fasteners fasten each mold block to one of the tooling bodies. Alignment systems are oriented within a perimeter of the mold block to permit expansion of the mold block relative to the tooling body to accommodate varying rates of thermal expansion of the tooling body and the mold block. Methods for assembling a mold, molding an article and interchanging a mold with interchangeable mold blocks are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for managing thermal energy transfer between a mold, die or cavity and a thermal transfer fluid. The thermal energy being exchanged with the mold, die or cavity is calculated in real time as a function of the temperature differential between inlet and outlet fluid temperatures, the volumetric rate of fluid delivery, and known characteristics of the fluid. The rate of thermal energy exchange is controlled by varying the fluid delivery rate in accordance with a desired thermal energy exchange profile.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for molding a solid plastic part utilizing a mold having at least a core portion and a cavity portion which define a mold cavity. With the mold closed, pressurized steam is circulated through the mold cavity to heat the interior surface of the mold cavity. Once the mold cavity surface has reached the desired temperature, the pressurized steam is vented. When the condensate has been sufficiently removed, a fluid plastic is injected into the mold to the mold cavity. A pressurized fluid is introduced in the mold through a port on the mold core portion to bias the part being formed into engagement with the mold cavity. Once the part is cooled sufficiently to be stable, the mold is opened and the part is removed.

Abstract: A shim set comprising at least two shims of different thickness, the shims of the set being integrally formed as a one-piece plastic moulding, the shims of the set being connected in adjacent relationship by a connection which permits an individual shim to be separated from the set but which is flexible to permit a shim while connected to an adjacent shim to be folded over so that the two shims lie in face-to-face relation and thereby form a shim combination of increased thickness.

Abstract: A method of molding a microneedle using a mold apparatus that comprises a mold insert (210)having the negative image of at least one microneedle (12), a compression core (240), and a mold housing configured to allow a reciprocal motion between the mold insert and the compression core. The mold apparatus has an open position and a closed position. The mold apparatus is placed in the closed position and polymeric material is injected into the closed mold apparatus. The injected polymeric material is compressed between the mold insert and the compression core by a reciprocal motion between the compression core and the mold insert. Also, molding methods wherein the mold apparatus has sidewalls having an injection gate (270). Also, molding methods comprising a heated mold insert. Also, molding methods comprising the application of high frequency acoustic energy, such as ultrasonic energy, to the mold apparatus.