Abstract: An intelligent molding system (FIG. 2) is provided that makes use of data directly associated with a molding environment or particular mold (50, 52). Accessible data, typically stored locally in an in-mold memory device (76, 78) or input via an HMI (86), identifies parameters germane to mold set-up and machine operation. Upon receiving such data, a machine controller (80) operates to configure a molding machine (10) to an initial set-up defined by the data considered close to an optimal operating condition for the mold. Mold set-up data can include information relating to a fill profile for a molded article that is partitioned into different zones having different thicknesses and geometries. Weighting factors for the various zones compensate for differing cooling and flow characteristics. The memory (76, 78) can also be used to store historical data pertaining to mold operation, settings and alarms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling preforms from an injection molding machine whereby an array of molded articles received from the mold is reconfigured into a single row to assist in downstream auxiliary processing.