Abstract: A plastic molding system comprises: dispensing, pre-shaping and shaping cells and a transport subsystem. The dispensing cell has a station for dispensing a dose of plastic feedstock. The pre-shaping and shaping cells each comprise a plurality of stations for shaping the workpiece into a preform shape and into a final shape, respectively. The transport subsystem advances a workpiece along a selected one of a plurality of process paths to form a molded article. Each of the plurality of process paths is defined by a combination of stations of the dispensing cell, the pre-shaping cell and the shaping cell.

Abstract: A plastic molding system comprises: dispensing, pre-shaping and shaping cells and a transport subsystem. The dispensing cell has a station for dispensing a dose of plastic feedstock. The pre-shaping and shaping cells each comprise a plurality of stations for shaping the workpiece into a preform shape and into a final shape, respectively. The transport subsystem advances a workpiece along a selected one of a plurality of process paths to form a molded article. Each of the plurality of process paths is defined by a combination of stations of the dispensing cell, the pre-shaping cell and the shaping cell.

Abstract: A plastic molding system comprises: dispensing, pre-shaping and shaping cells and a transport subsystem. The dispensing cell has a station for dispensing a dose of plastic feedstock. The pre-shaping and shaping cells each comprise a plurality of stations for shaping the workpiece into a preform shape and into a final shape, respectively. The transport subsystem advances a workpiece along a selected one of a plurality of process paths to form a molded article. Each of the plurality of process paths is defined by a combination of stations of the dispensing cell, the pre-shaping cell and the shaping cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a post-mold system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for conditioning a molded article (130). The post-mold system comprises a retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) having a receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) that is configured to retrieve the molded article (130) from a mold (132) and a conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) is configured to be selectively transferable between the retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and the conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520) includes a first thermal regulator (140, 240, 440) that is configured to thermally regulate the receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) when connected thereto.

Abstract: A melt conditioner is provided. The melt conditioner includes a melt conditioning body having a plurality of melt conditioning channels. The plurality of melt conditioning channels are located upstream of at least one manifold flow channel. Each melt conditioning channel is for conveying, in use a melt sub flow and is dimensioned to provide, in use, a conditioned melt sub flow having a thermal profile that accounts for a downstream geometry of the manifold flow channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a post-mold system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for conditioning a molded article (130). The post-mold system comprises a retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) having a receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) that is configured to retrieve the molded article (130) from a mold (132) and a conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) is configured to be selectively transferrable between the retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and the conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520) includes a first thermal regulator (140, 240, 440) that is configured to thermally regulate the receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) when connected thereto.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer and associated injection molding system for mixing a melt flow. The injection molding system includes: a hot runner assembly having a plurality of splits; an injection unit that delivers a melt flow to the plurality of splits in the hot runner assembly via a melt channel; and a dynamic mixer incorporated into the melt channel upstream from the plurality of splits, wherein the dynamic mixer includes a rotor assembly configured to be rotationally driven by the melt flow, and wherein the rotor assembly is further configured to mix the melt flow passing through the melt channel.

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a runner assembly (102) having: a nozzle assembly (104); and a cooling-insert assembly (106) being positioned proximate to the nozzle assembly (104), the cooling-insert assembly (106) being configured to provide, in use, uniform cooling to the nozzle assembly (104). Several potential advantages may be realized with the above arrangement: (i) improvement of hot runner balance by creating a more uniform temperature on all drops, (ii) reduction of energy usage in the hot runner by giving ability to include insulating features, geometry, or materials between the cooling medium and the hot components, and/or (iii) simplification of design since water lines may now be in line with nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), having a one-piece manifold assembly (102) is provided. The one-piece manifold assembly (102) has: a plurality of inlets (104); and a plurality of outlets (106) spaced apart from the plurality of inlets (104). A plurality of melt channels extend between the plurality of inlets and the plurality of outlets, and each melt channel extends between a single inlet and at least two outlets such that each inlet (104) is in fluid communication with at least two outlets (106).

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a valve-stem assembly (102) being configured to be: (i) intractable with a valve-actuator assembly (202) while the valve-actuator assembly (202) remains connected with a manifold assembly (614), the manifold assembly (614) being supported by a runner system (600) of a molding system (200); and (ii) removable from the runner system (600) while the valve-actuator assembly (610) remains connected with the manifold assembly (614) inside the runner system (600).

Abstract: A mold-tool system is provided which includes a melt distribution device and a melt splitting device configured to interact with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device includes a single inlet and multiple outlets spaced from the single inlet. The outlets are configured for fluid communication with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device further includes a plurality of uninterrupted melt channels, where each melt channel extends from the inlet to an associated one of the outlets.

Abstract: A hot-runner system is provided with a manifold body including a manifold melt channel, and a melt-flow control structure communicating with the manifold melt channel. The melt-flow control structure is integrally formed with the manifold body.

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a nozzle housing (102) having a melt passageway (103) extending from an input end (106) to an output end (108). A valve stem (104) is: (i) slide movable along the melt passageway (103), and (ii) slide supported by the input end (106) and by the output end (108).

Abstract: A hot-runner system is provided with a manifold body including a manifold melt channel, and a melt-flow control structure communicating with the manifold melt channel. The melt-flow control structure is integrally formed with the manifold body.

Abstract: A mold-tool system is provided which includes a melt distribution device and a melt splitting device configured to interact with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device includes a single inlet and multiple outlets spaced from the single inlet. The outlets are configured for fluid communication with the melt distribution device. The melt splitting device further includes a plurality of uninterrupted melt channels, where each melt channel extends from the inlet to an associated one of the outlets.

Abstract: A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a nozzle housing (102) having a melt passageway (103) extending from an input end (106) to an output end (108). A valve stem (104) is: (i) slide movable along the melt passageway (103), and (ii) slide supported by the input end (106) and by the output end (108).

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a back-up device that is configured to provide a structural support, in use, between a manifold and a housing member within a melt distribution apparatus of an injection molding system. The back-up device is associated, in use, with a valve-gate apparatus within a nozzle drop. The back-up device includes a cold-side member formed from a first material and a hot-side member formed from a second material. The first material is more thermally conductive than the second material. The cold-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the housing member and the hot-side member. The hot-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the manifold and the cold-side member. The hot-side member is also configured to prevent the cold-side member from directly contacting the manifold.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a back-up device that is configured to provide a structural support, in use, between a manifold and a housing member within a melt distribution apparatus of an injection molding system. The back-up device is associated, in use, with a valve-gate apparatus within a nozzle drop. The back-up device includes a cold-side member formed from a first material and a hot-side member formed from a second material. The first material is more thermally conductive than the second material. The cold-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the housing member and the hot-side member. The hot-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the manifold and the cold-side member. The hot-side member is also configured to prevent the cold-side member from directly contacting the manifold.

Abstract: A two stage spring pack device comprising a nozzle or back up insulator, surrounded by a first stage spring for applying an initial force, and a plurality of Belleville springs to exert a secondary force against a thermally expanding hot runner manifold in an injection molding system, precludes resin leakage between a manifold and nozzle or between mating manifolds in a cross manifold system. The first stage spring imparts a relatively low initial force against the hot runner components while the system heats up from ambient temperature to prevent plate bowing and component hobbing, until it is fully compressed, at which point a subsequently larger sealing force is exerted by the constant force Belleville springs to prevent leakage between the mating components at operating temperature and injection pressure.