Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a method of post-mold cooling of a molded article, the molded article having just been molded within mold halves, the method comprising: receiving, in a post-mold device, the molded article; subjecting the molded article to post-mold cooling, the post-mold cooling including: implementing a first post-mold cooling process portion in the post-mold cooling device at a first temperature; and implementing a second post-mold cooling process in the post-mold cooling device portion at a second temperature, said second post-mold cooling temperature being greater than said first post-mold cooling temperature; determining a switch point; triggering at the switch point, a transition from the first post-mold cooling process portion to the second post-mold cooling process portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a post-mold treatment device and post-mold preform receptacle for use therewith for a post-mold treatment of a preform having a bell-shape. More particularly, an upper portion of a receptacle cavity associated with the post-mold preform receptacle is configured to have the same shape as the transition portion of the preform, and the upper portion is further configured to have a transition-fit size with respect to the transition portion of the preform at the instant that the preform is received from the molding cavity of the injection mold.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for operating an injection molding machine. For example, a molding system (100) to manufacture a molded article (103) in a mold-cavity system (200) by using a molding material (101) is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a method of post-mold cooling of a molded article, the molded article having just been molded within mold halves, the method comprising: receiving, in a post-mold device, the molded article; subjecting the molded article to post-mold cooling, the post-mold cooling including: implementing a first post-mold cooling process portion in the post-mold cooling device at a first temperature; and implementing a second post-mold cooling process in the post-mold cooling device portion at a second temperature, said second post-mold cooling temperature being greater than said first post-mold cooling temperature; determining a switch point; triggering at the switch point, a transition from the first post-mold cooling process portion to the second post-mold cooling process portion.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling melt flow through a portion of the melt distribution network. A flow control device is provided. The flow control device comprises a body defining: a mixer configured to be positioned in a conduit for providing a path of flow for melt such that the mixer traverses substantially the whole cross-section of the path of flow; a temperature control portion associated with the mixer for actively controlling temperature of the mixer.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an air dehumidifying sub-system and a method for use in a molding system. For example, the air source device for use with a post-mold treatment device for treating a molded article, the air source device comprising: an air inlet and a refrigerating unit operatively coupled to the air inlet, the refrigerating unit and the air inlet arranged such that air is forced between the air inlet and the refrigerating unit for cooling the air; an air outlet coupled to the refrigerating unit for connecting the refrigerating unit to an air management device of the post-mold treatment device, the air management device configured to direct, in use, cooled air onto a portion of the molded article being treated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a post-mold treatment device and post-mold preform receptacle for use therewith for a post-mold treatment of a preform having a bell-shape. More particularly, an upper portion of a receptacle cavity associated with the post-mold preform receptacle is configured to have the same shape as the transition portion of the preform, and the upper portion is further configured to have a transition-fit size with respect to the transition portion of the preform at the instant that the preform is received from the molding cavity of the injection mold.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling melt flow through a portion of the melt distribution network. A flow control device is provided. The flow control device comprises a body defining: a mixer configured to be positioned in a conduit for providing a path of flow for melt such that the mixer traverses substantially the whole cross-section of the path of flow; a temperature control portion associated with the mixer for actively controlling temperature of the mixer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a method for post-mold treatment of a molded article and an apparatus for implementing the method. For example, a method of post-mold treatment of a molded article is provided. The method can be implemented in a molded article receptacle. The method comprises at a first instance in time, subjecting the molded article to a first type of post-mold treatment; and at a second instance in time, subjecting the molded article to a second type of post-mold treatment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for controlling a fill speed of an injection unit, the method executable in a computing apparatus configured to control a plunger actuator of the injection unit. The method comprises receiving an indication of a mold-cavity-filling parameter, the mold-cavity-filling parameter being indicative of a number of molding cavities of a multi-cavity mold having been filled; responsive to the mold-cavity-filling parameter satisfying a pre-determined threshold, releasing a control signal to the plunger actuator to control speed associated with a plunger of the injection unit from a first filling speed to a second filling speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for controlling a fill speed of an injection unit, the method executable in a computing apparatus configured to control a plunger actuator of the injection unit. The method comprises receiving an indication of a mold-cavity-filling parameter, the mold-cavity-filling parameter being indicative of a number of molding cavities of a multi-cavity mold having been filled; responsive to the mold-cavity-filling parameter satisfying a pre-determined threshold, releasing a control signal to the plunger actuator to control speed associated with a plunger of the injection unit from a first filling speed to a second filling speed.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a method, molding machine, and computer-readable product for post-mold cooling a molded article (2), comprising balancing cooling rates during the post-mold cooling so that the molded article (2) reaches a target exit temperature at a point of time that substantially coincides with a point of time when the molded article (2) is removed from post-mold cooling.

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: Method and apparatus for controlling a vent gap in a mold for an injection molding machine are provided, and include an active material insert configured to be regulate the degree of opening of the vent gap. The active material insert is configured to be actuated in response to signals from a controller, so as to selectively block the opening of the vent gap during the molding process. Wiring structure is coupled to the active material insert, and is configured to carry the actuation signals. Melt flow sensors may also be provided to aid in regulating the vent gap, and may be connected to the controller in order to provide real-time closed loop control over the operation of the vent gap. Preferably, the methods and apparatus are used as part of a system for controlling the flow of melt within a mold cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a method for post-mold treatment of a molded article and an apparatus for implementing the method. For example, a method of post-mold treatment of a molded article is provided. The method can be implemented in a molded article receptacle. The method comprises at a first instance in time, subjecting the molded article to a first type of post-mold treatment; and at a second instance in time, subjecting the molded article to a second type of post-mold treatment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a vent gap in a mold for an injection molding machine are provided, and include an active material insert configured to be regulate the degree of opening of the vent gap. The active material insert is configured to be actuated in response to signals from a controller, so as to selectively block the opening of the vent gap during the molding process. Wiring structure is coupled to the active material insert, and is configured to carry the actuation signals. Melt flow sensors may also be provided to aid in regulating the vent gap, and may be connected to the controller in order to provide real-time closed loop control over the operation of the vent gap. Preferably, the methods and apparatus are used as part of a system for controlling the flow of melt within a mold cavity.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an air dehumidifying sub-system and a method for use in a molding system. For example, the air source device for use with a post-mold treatment device for treating a molded article, the air source device comprising: an air inlet and a refrigerating unit operatively coupled to the air inlet, the refrigerating unit and the air inlet arranged such that air is forced between the air inlet and the refrigerating unit for cooling the air; an air outlet coupled to the refrigerating unit for connecting the refrigerating unit to an air management device of the post-mold treatment device, the air management device configured to direct, in use, cooled air onto a portion of the molded article being treated.

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: Disclosed herein is a flexible cam system for reducing the likelihood of damage and/or premature wear to components of a mold during use. The flexible cam system accommodates poor coordination between components of an injection molding system during movement of the components. The flexible cam system may include a cam and a cam follower. At least one of the cam and cam follower includes a support structure and an engagement member supported by the support structure. The engagement member defines an engagement surface and includes a compliance member that is operatively connected to at least a portion of the engagement surface to accommodate a force on the engagement surface by the other of the cam and cam follower.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a method, molding machine, and computer-readable product for post-mold cooling a molded article (2), comprising balancing cooling rates between portions (2?, 2?, 2??) of the molded article (2).