Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hot-runner component includes providing a laser assembly, manufacturing a hot-runner component portion of a metallic material, introducing a property enhancing material to the hot-runner component portion, melting the property enhancing material onto the hot-runner component portion using a laser beam emitted from the laser assembly, and solidifying the melted property enhancing material on the hot-runner component portion.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a melt distribution apparatus of a hot runner and a related method for balancing melt flow to a plurality of drops. The melt distribution apparatus includes a plurality of chokes with each choke of the plurality of chokes being associated with a corresponding one of a drop of a plurality of drops. Each choke of the plurality of chokes being configured to contribute, during an injection of a molding material therethrough, a choke melt-pressure loss such that the plurality of chokes contribute an aggregate choke melt-pressure loss that is generally between 10% and 75% of an aggregate hot runner melt-pressure loss.

Abstract: Provided is an injection mold which can reduce the amount of resin that is separated from injection-molded parts and then thrown away. The injection mold includes for an embodiment an extension cylinder coupled to an upper clamp plate and having a nozzle at an end thereof; a nozzle positioner disposed under the nozzle, the nozzle positioner having a nozzle insertion groove adapted to receive the nozzle; a gate-lock-pin holder disposed under the extension cylinder and the nozzle positioner, comprising a gate lock pin which has a first end coupled to a gate molded part and a second end coupled to the gate-lock-pin holder, and adapted to separate the gate molded part from an injection-molded part; a gate stripper plate disposed under the gate-lock-pin holder and adapted to separate the gate molded part from the nozzle; and a cavity plate and a core plate disposed under the gate stripper plate and having a cavity which is shaped like the injection-molded part.

Abstract: An operating device (10) for shut-off needles in injection moulding tools with needle valve nozzles has a displaceable element (20) to which at least two shut-off needles (16) can be fastened and which can be moved between two guide rails (30) mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1). At least two slide elements (50) are arranged between the displaceable element (20) and the guide rails (30) in grooves (40) running obliquely with respect to the first direction (D1) and to the second direction (D2), which convert a movement of the guide rails (30) in the first direction (D1) into a displacement motion of the displaceable element (20) in the second direction (D2).

Abstract: The invention provides a replaceable bushing in the base of a nozzle of a hot runner assembly and provides access through a manifold and a rear plate for removal and replacement of the bushing without having to disassemble the hot runner assembly. According to one embodiment of the invention, an actuator access port is provided for removing the valve pin actuator and a bushing access port is provided for accessing the bushing upon removal of the valve pin actuator, both of which may be removed from a second or rear plate of the injection molding assembly.

Abstract: A molding arrangement is provided for multi-level stack molds wherein mold sets and runners are made up of modular sections interchangeable individually or as larger assemblies for exchanging molds for one part for those for different parts or exchanging runners between hot tip and valve gate designs to accommodate different molding arrangements. The arrangement has discrete melt paths for each mold level, at least some of which extend around rather than through the mold levels and which incorporate readily separable connectors. This enables one set of molds and possibly as well the runners for one mold level to be interchanged without interfering with the mold and runner arrangement for an adjacent level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mould, in which a completely closed cavity can be formed in one operating state, comprising an injector (10) which is at least partially accommodated in the mould (14) and the discharge opening of which opens into the closed cavity. According to the invention, the injector is designed with a material feed duct (30) and a material return duct (34), wherein the two ducts (30, 34) open into a connecting chamber (32) in the region of the tip of the injector (10) and are flow-connected to one another via said connecting chamber (32). In this case, an injector needle (36) can be switched into at least two operating positions, wherein, in one moved-forward operating position, the discharge opening is closed by means of the tip (38) of the injector needle (36) and, in the other, pulled-back operating position, the discharge opening is flow-connected to the connecting chamber, and the injector (10) is therefore open.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: a continuous molding machine, a cam of the continuous molding machine, a post-molding device of the continuous molding machine, a molded article handling device, amongst other things.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injection molding apparatus (10) comprising a main manifold plate (16) fitted with at least several flow ducts (18), further at least two auxiliary manifold plates (22) fitted with several flow ducts (24), said auxiliary manifold plates being configured above and underneath the main manifold plate (16), the flow ducts (24) of the particular auxiliary manifold plates (22) fluidly communicating with those of the main manifold plate (16), further with needle valve nozzles (26) configured in mutually opposite and back-to-back manner and fluidly communicating with the flow ducts (24) of the auxiliary manifold plates (22), where the needle valve nozzles (26) each comprise one valve needle (28) to open/close a nozzle outlet aperture, and further pneumatically or hydraulically actuated plunger units (units (30; 71) driving the valve needles (28), said plunger units being received in at least one separate receiving plate (32; 70) configured between the auxiliary manifold plates (22), a

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material under pressure and at least one nozzle having a nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with the manifold melt channel. The nozzle has an opening that intersects with the nozzle melt channel, the opening having a central axis that is at an angle with respect to a central axis of the nozzle. A nozzle tip is coupled to the nozzle at one end of the opening. A valve pin bushing is coupled to the nozzle at an end of the opening opposite the nozzle tip. A valve pin extends through the opening. A primary actuator is connected to the valve pin. A nozzle locator piece is connected to the nozzle for mating with a side plate to locate the nozzle with respect to the mold gate.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can be positioned between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Abstract: Injection system with closing rod (2) provided with a cleaning device (6, 7, 8) suitable for removing the powder of molten plastic that builds up in the movement areas of the closing rod (2), in particular in the thrust bearing (3), during the normal operation of a molding machine. Advantageously the system according to the invention avoids the limitation of the piston stroke and the subsequent blockage with time and thus also the blockage of the closing rod, considerably reducing the number of maintenance operations and thus increasing the productivity of the molding machine.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 used in injection molding comprises at least one runner 30 within a nozzle casing 20 to convey injection material to be processed. At its lower end, the runner 30 communicates, in flow-transmitting manner, through a nozzle orifice element 40 and an insert 50, with an injection mold cavity constituted by at least one mold insert 12, 13. The insert preferably is made in powder metallurgy form of a wear-resistant material and is configured in limited longitudinally displaceable manner in the nozzle orifice 40 in the lower end of the runner 30. Said insert 50 furthermore constitutes a gate aperture 18. In the embodiment mode of a needle shutoff nozzle 10, a shutoff needle 60 displaceable between an open and a closed position passes through the runner 30 and through the insert 50 which constitutes a centering element wherein an intake cone 54 centers the intrinsic sealing element 65 of the needle 60.

Abstract: A feature of a needle valve nozzle positioned in a hot-runner injection mould and actuated by means of an actuator, where the direction of actuation of the shut-off needle and that of the flow channel in the hot-runner nozzle differ from one another, is that, in the closed position, the shut-off needle (13), as distinct from the actuation device (12), is held in position, in the closed position, exclusively by the cooler mould plate (2) at at least two locations at a distance from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve-gated hot-runner system, having: (i) a back-up sealing arrangement, including: (i) a plurality of radial gaps associated with a valve stem of a valve actuator, and (ii) a cooling system being positioned relative to the plurality of radial gaps, the cooling system being configured to freeze a drool being made to enter, under pressure, into the plurality of radial gaps, so that the drool that becomes frozen substantially reduces flow of the drool along the valve stem and toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: A drive system (10) for shutoff needles in injection molds fitted with needle shutoff nozzles comprises an elevation drive element (20) to which can be affixed at least two shutoff needles (16) of two needle shutoff nozzles, said elevation drive element being displaceable—between two longitudinally supported control rails (30) that can be moved in a first direction (R1)—in a second direction (R2) perpendicular to the first direction (R1), at least two glide elements (50) being configured in grooves (40) oblique to said first and second directions (R1, R2) running between the elevation drive element (20) and the control rails (30), said glide elements converting the first motion of the control rails (30) in the direction (R1) into an elevation motion imparted by the elevation drive element (20) in the second direction (R2).

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a first nozzle having a first nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with a manifold melt channel, and a second nozzle having a second nozzle melt channel in fluid communication with the first nozzle melt channel. A nozzle link is provided between the first nozzle and the second nozzle and includes a nozzle link melt passage for fluidly coupling the first nozzle melt channel and the second nozzle melt channel. The second nozzle includes a plurality of outwardly extending melt passages in fluid communication with the second nozzle melt channel. The outwardly extending melt passages deliver melt to a plurality of mold cavities through a plurality of respective gate seals and mold gates. At least one shut-off valve is disposed within the second nozzle. The shut-off valve is associated with an outwardly extending melt passage and switchable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A stack molding apparatus is disclosed having a stationary mold platen and a movable mold platen defining a parting line. The apparatus has a melt transfer nozzle extending within a well in the stationary mold platen, the melt transfer nozzle defining a melt channel for receiving and transporting a melt stream. The apparatus also includes a melt transfer component having a spigot portion, a melt channel and an aperture in a sealing surface thereof, wherein the melt transfer component is fixedly attached to the stationary mold platen such that the sealing surface defines a portion of the parting line. The spigot portion is slidably fit within the melt channel of the melt transfer nozzle so that the melt channels are in fluid communication. When the stack molding apparatus is brought to an operating temperature, the melt transfer nozzle slides over the spigot portion to accommodate thermal expansion.

Abstract: A hot runner system includes a having a cavity. Melt is fed from a source of melt into the cavity, and a valve isolates melt in the cavity from melt in the source. A plunger within the cavity is driven forward to inject melt in the cavity into a mold cavity at high pressure without significantly increasing the pressure of melt in the source. The plunger optionally functions as both the plunger and the valve by opening and closing communication between the cavity and the manifold as it is rotated.

Abstract: An injection molding system is disclosed having a self-regulating valve for balancing melt flow. The self-regulating valve includes a control rod configured to balance the melt flow rate through a hot runner system. The self-regulating valve reacts to an injection or melt pressure within the hot runner system and a pre-set force provided by an external force device. The self-regulating valve is an open-loop system as it requires neither a measurement of pressure by a sensor nor feedback from a processor in order to regulate the melt flow. The self-regulating valve mechanically reacts to changes in melt pressure on control surfaces thereof by “bobbing” upwards/downwards to decrease/increase the melt flow accordingly. The self-regulating valve compensates for conditions that affect melt pressure, such as an increase/decrease in melt viscosity, changes in melt temperature, and/or mold cavity size without the use of a processing device.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a back plate, a driven pulley connected to the back plate and rotatable with respect to the back plate, a screw connected to the driven pulley to rotate with the driven pulley, a motor having an attached drive pulley, a belt or chain coupling the driven pulley and the drive pulley, a valve pin plate, a nut connected to the valve pin plate and mated with the screw, at least one valve pin connected to the valve pin plate, a manifold fixed with respect to the back plate, and at least one nozzle connected to the manifold. The valve pin extends through the nozzle to control flow of molding material. The screw can be a ball screw and nut can be a ball nut. The screw can have one portion connected to the driven pulley and another portion connected to a mold plate in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an inlet component, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of hoses, each of which is not heated. The hoses are connected between outlets of the inlet component and respective molding material inlets of the nozzles for conveying molding material from the inlet component to the nozzles. Hoses may also be connected between a rail plate and the nozzles for delivering cooling fluid or actuation fluid for an actuator to and from the nozzles. The nozzles may be fastened to a mold plate of the injection molding apparatus, such as by a threaded bushing. A heated insert may at least partially define the mold cavity to heat molding material in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A bushing body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion for extending into a channel. The bushing body has a bore therethrough for receiving a valve pin. A contoured sleeve is fit around the downstream portion of the bushing body for guiding a flow of molding material. A cap piece is coupled to the upstream portion of the bushing body for contacting a back plate.

Abstract: A coinjection molding apparatus includes at least one manifold having a first manifold melt channel and a second manifold melt channel. A hot runner nozzle is located between the manifold and a mold gate. The nozzle has melt channels communicating with the first manifold melt channel and the second manifold melt channel. A valve has a movable valve member for increasing and decreasing flow of melt in one of the melt channels of the nozzle. The valve member receives a pressure force from the melt. An actuator provides a control force to the valve member. The valve member moves in response to a difference between the pressure force and the control force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soap making split mold composed of a set of splits 1A and 1B adapted to be assembled together to form a molding cavity 1C. The split 1A has a larger surface area in its recess 11A defining part of the cavity 1C than the other split 1B does in its recess 11B defining the other part of the cavity 1C. The ratio of the surface area of the recess 11A of the split 1A to that of the recess 11B of the split 1B ranges from 52:48 to 66:34. Otherwise, the split 1A has a larger surface roughness Ra in its recess 11A defining part of the cavity than the other split 1B does in its recess 11B defining the other part of the cavity. The difference of the surface roughness Ra between the recess 11A and that of the recess 11B is 0.1 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism used for multiple gate injection molding machine.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for an injection molding apparatus, such as a hot half or hot runner, includes a first magnetic part for connection to an actuator, a valve pin plate, or the like and a movable second magnetic part for connection to a valve pin. The first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are coupled by a magnetic force. The first magnetic part can be part of the actuator. The second magnetic part can be part of the valve pin. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins.

Abstract: A nozzle is used with a mold formed with a rearwardly open recess having an apex at which opens a gate orifice. The nozzle has a body rearwardly closing the recess. The body is centered on an axis aligned with the orifice and formed with an axially extending central passage adapted to receive a hot melt. The body has a tip spacedly received in the recess and itself formed with at least one radially throughgoing branch passage extending from the central passage and opening into the recess at a location spaced as far as possible from the gate orifice. The tip also is formed with a throughgoing bore axially aligned with the gate orifice. A nozzle pin is axially shiftable in the body by an actuator between an extended position projecting from the bore and fitting into and blocking the gate orifice and a retracted position unblocking the orifice.

Abstract: A flexible plate system for a hot runner assembly includes a backing plate; a manifold plate detachably connected to the backing plate; a manifold positioned between the backing plate and the manifold plate and having at least one nozzle associated therewith; and wherein the manifold plate has at least one plate slot that allows the nozzle to extend through the manifold plate and having at least a first lateral dimension substantially larger than the outside diameter of the nozzle. The manifold plate and the backing plate may be configured to have at least one manifold plate cavity and at least one backing plate cavity to accept at least one nozzle insert and at least one piston cylinder insert respectively, the nozzle insert having a nozzle bore or a plurality of insert slots therethrough for installation of the nozzle, and the piston cylinder insert having a cylinder bore for a piston cylinder.

Abstract: An actuator for a hot runner has a piston and a valve pin holder threadably connected to the piston. The piston can be translated by fluid pressure and rotated by an electric motor. The valve pin holder is rotationally fixed, and therefore moves along the thread when the piston is rotated. A valve pin connected to the valve pin holder moves in response to fluid pressure and also in response to the electric motor rotating the piston.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an injection molding valve configured to prevent the leaking or stringing of injected thermoplastic from the valve. The valve includes a housing having a first bore along a length thereof and a second bore intersecting the first bore. A rotatable member is inserted through the second bore and is in communication with a lever for the actuation thereof. The rotatable member includes a hole therethrough such that when the hole is aligned with the first bore, thermoplastic may travel freely through the first bore. The second bore further includes at least one groove in communication with a port for receiving injected thermoplastic. The injected thermoplastic is hardened to form an seal therein and configured to prevent thermoplastic from leaking out of the valve housing.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a plurality of valve-gated nozzles, each nozzle having a respective valve pin that is actuated by an actuator. A nozzle tip component for taking one of the valve-gated nozzles of the injection molding apparatus out-of service, wherein the nozzle tip component has a surface that grips the respective valve pin to lock the valve pin in an out-of-service position thereby preventing flow of molding material into an associated mold cavity and causing disengagement of the valve pin from the actuator.

Abstract: A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The crossover nozzle system relies on molten plastic pressure within the system to actuate the primary sprue shut-off valve, and thus to open and close the flow of molten plastic to the molds. Therefore, a drool-free valve mechanism is created without needing an external actuation of the shut-off valve like, for instance, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injection manifold having a melt channel. A hot runner injection nozzle includes an axial melt channel extending along a central axis and communicating with the manifold melt channel. The nozzle further includes at least two angled melt channels disposed at an angle to the central axis. At least two nozzle tips are provided, and each includes a nozzle tip melt channel in communication with one of the angled melt channels. An axial valve pin is disposed coaxially with the central axis and is disposed outside of the axial melt channel. Lateral valve pins movable within the nozzle tip melt channels are disposed at an angle to the valve pin. A linkage system connects the lateral valve pins to the axial valve pin. Movement of the axial valve pin is transmitted through the linkage system to the lateral valve pins to open and close communication between the nozzle tip melt channels and the lateral mold gates.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel. The manifold melt channel branches to a plurality of melt channel outlets. A hot runner injection nozzle includes an axial melt channel extending along a central axis and communicating with one of the manifold melt channel outlets. The nozzle further includes at least two angled melt channels disposed at an angle to the central axis. At least two nozzle tips are provided, and each includes a nozzle tip melt channel in communication with one of the angled melt channels. A valve pin is disposed at least partially within the axial melt channel coaxially with the central axis and movable within the axial melt channel. Lateral valve pins movable within the nozzle tip melt channels are disposed at an angle to the valve pin. Linkage elements continuously connect the lateral valve pins to the valve pin.

Abstract: A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus has a mold component that defines a mold cavity and a gate into the mold cavity. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a heater, a tip, a tip retainer, and a nozzle seal piece. The nozzle body defines a nozzle body melt passage therethrough that is adapted to receive melt from a melt source. The heater is thermally connected to the nozzle body for heating melt in the nozzle body. The tip defines a tip melt passage therethrough that is downstream from the nozzle body melt passage, and that is adapted to be upstream from the gate. The tip retainer is removably connected with respect to the nozzle body. The nozzle seal piece is connected with respect to the nozzle body. The material of nozzle seal piece has a thermal conductivity that is less than at least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip and the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection-molding equipment nozzle (10; 80) comprising a nozzle casing (14) wherein is subtended at least one flow duct (20) for a flowable feed material, further a nozzle mouth (24; 84) which extends the flow duct and is mounted on the nozzle casing (14), said nozzle mouth subtending a discharge aperture for said flowable feed material, further flow-enhancing elements (60; 88) running through the flow duct (20) being integrated into the nozzle mouth (24; 84) to thoroughly mix the flowable feed material.

Abstract: A shutoff nozzle body and valve assembly operative to reduce molten plastic resin drool when the nozzle body is separated from the mold or runner system. The apparatus includes a porting system that shuts off the flow of resin through the sprue plunger of the valve nozzle body before the valve body seals on the valve seat so as to permit any resin that is within the sprue passages to drain out through the sprue plunger into the mold cavity or runner system before the sprue tip completely withdraws from the mold or runner system thereby eliminating drool.

Abstract: One or more nozzles define separate nozzle channels. The nozzles are coupled to a manifold, so that each of the nozzle channels communicates with a different mold gate. A molding material distribution insert is coupled to the manifold and has a body defining a distribution channel and a plurality of drop channels equal in number to the nozzle channels. The distribution channel is an open distribution channel formed on an outer surface of the body and enclosed by the manifold. The drop channels intersect the distribution channel and exit the body at a different one of the nozzle channels. A valve pin bushing can extend into the drop channels. Valve pins can extend from actuators, through the valve pin bushing and the drop channels, and to the mold gates. A valve pin holder can be coupled to the actuator and coupled to heads of the valve pins.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for an injection unit is provided, having a valve body, defining a melt channel for a working fluid. At least one end cap is mounted to the valve body, the valve body and the at least one end cap cooperatively defining a valve seat intersecting the melt channel in a generally traverse direction, the valve seat having a wider portion and a narrower portion. A spool defines an orifice, the spool being rotatably mounted within the valve seat, and is movable between an open position where the orifice is aligned with the melt channel and a closed position where the orifice is misaligned with the melt channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve-gated hot-runner system, having: (i) a back-up sealing arrangement, including: (i) a plurality of radial gaps associated with a valve stem of a valve actuator, and (ii) a cooling system being positioned relative to the plurality of radial gaps, the cooling system being configured to freeze a drool being made to enter, under pressure, into the plurality of radial gaps, so that the drool that becomes frozen substantially reduces flow of the drool along the valve stem and toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material through an injection molding flow channel leading to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising: a pin having a longitudinal length and a diameter slidably mounted in an aperture in a housing that is adapted for back and forth axial movement of the pin through the flow channel; the pin having a protrusion at a selected position along its length, the protrusion having an upstream end and a downstream end and a maximum diameter circumferential surface intermediate the upstream and downstream ends; the channel having an interior surface area portion which is complementary to the maximum diameter circumferential surface of the protrusion of the pin; the pin being slidable to a position within the channel such that the maximum diameter circumferential surface of the protrusion is matable with the complementary interior surface portion of the channel to stop flow of the fluid material.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly for regulating a flow of molten material into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve that can be positioned between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve gate assembly further includes an actuating system operatively cooperating with the valve to move the valve and infinitely position the valve between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device (10) for shut-off needles in injection molds having needle valve nozzles. The actuating device has at least one lifting element (20), to which at least two shut-off needles (16) may be fixed, and at least one actuating element (30) which is mounted so that it is longitudinally displaceable in a first direction (R1) and which is coupled to the lifting element (20) in such a way that a motion of the actuating element (30) along the first direction (R1) is converted to a motion of the lifting element (20) in a second direction (R2) transverse to the first direction (R1). In order to guide the sliding mechanism in a precise and consistently reliable manner, according to the invention the actuating element (30), which is slid in a guide unit (90) along the first direction (R1), is provided with an additional force-guided element (50).

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus, such as a hot runner or hot half, includes a manifold having a manifold channel and a nozzle having a nozzle channel. The nozzle is coupled to the manifold, and the manifold channel and the nozzle channel are in communication to define a flow channel. A valve pin bushing has a flow restrictor disposed in the flow channel on an upstream side of the valve pin bushing. A moveable valve pin extends through a bore of the valve pin bushing.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream actuator, the actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to a sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a v

Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided, including a nozzle assembly having a channel for conveying a fluid. At least one cavity insert is removably mounted within a cavity plate, the at least one cavity insert defining a mold cavity, and a first portion of a gate for communicating the fluid between the nozzle assembly and the mold cavity. A gate insert defines a receptacle for the nozzle assembly, and further defining a second portion of the gate. The gate insert is floatably retained between the nozzle assembly and the at least one cavity insert. Preferably, the gate insert is retained by a gate insert plate that is disposed between the cavity plate and the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus having a nozzle which includes a first nozzle body segment, a second nozzle body segment, and a thermal barrier coupled between the nozzle body segments. The first nozzle body segment, the thermal barrier, and the second nozzle body segment define a melt channel through the nozzle for delivering a melt stream from a manifold channel of a manifold to a mold cavity. The thermal barrier substantially limits the heat flow from one nozzle body segment to the other, to thereby control the heat distribution along the melt channel.

Abstract: The valve pin adjustment system is provided for use in valve gated injection molding applications which enables adjustments to the positioning of the valve pin without necessitating removal of the clamping plates and valve assembly components, including valve pins. A piston associated with the valve pin includes a cylindrical body having first and second co-axially aligned internally threaded bores of respective first and second diameters. Preferably, the threads formed in the first and second bores are of the opposite hand. First and second externally-threaded cylindrical valve pin positioning members are respectively received in the first and second bores. Each of the positioning members includes a head portion and a tip portion. The tip of the second positioning member is in contact with the head of the first positioning member to lock the first positioning member in place, and the tip of the first positioning member is in contact with a head portion on the valve pin to locate the valve pin.

Abstract: In-line valve-gated nozzles for a single or multiple cavity applications wherein a valve-gated hot runner nozzle has a melt channel uniformly heated along the entire path. The valve pin is driven by an actuation device that is located adjacent to the nozzle to regulate the flow of melt. The actuation device has a linear motion and applies a uniform axial pressure on to the valve pin. This valve-gated nozzle can be linked directly to a machine nozzle, to an injection manifold or to a stack mold.