Abstract: A system is disclosed for micro-molding articles. The system melts and pre-pressurizes thermoplastic material to a first level, within a plasticizing barrel. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to a second level, within a hot runner. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to an ultra-cavity packing pressure within a valve gate nozzle.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for micro-molding articles. The method comprises melting and pre-pressurizing thermoplastic material to a first level, within a plasticizing barrel. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to a second level, within a hot runner. The melt pressure of the thermoplastic material is manipulated to an ultra-cavity packing pressure within a valve gate nozzle.

Abstract: An injection molding machine nozzle capable of suppressing stringiness caused by unsolidified resin in the case where a mold is released in a short time and reducing a cycle time, is provided. An injection molding machine nozzle (10) includes a nozzle hole to eject molten resin from a hot runner (12). The injection molding machine nozzle (10) includes a nozzle tip (16) made of a material having higher heat conductivity than that of the hot runner (12) and including a nozzle hole (16B) communicating with a most downstream side of a resin flow path of the hot runner (12). The nozzle tip (16) is joined to the hot runner (12) through a heat insulation member (14).

Abstract: An injection tool for the production of components by an injection-molding method, the injection tool including several cavities for shaping one respective product, an injection nozzle for injecting plastic materials for each cavity, and an actuating device. The injection nozzle has an injection channel which can be closed by a nozzle needle in order to control the injection process. The actuating device is arranged to move the nozzle needle in an axial direction between a first end position and a second end position, with an adjustable stop being provided which defines the first end position.

Abstract: A mold includes a top portion, and an edge ring having a ring-shape. The edge ring is underlying and connected to edges of the top portion. The edge ring includes air vents. The edge ring further encircles the inner space under the top portion of the mold. A plurality of injection ports is connected to the inner space of the mold. The plurality of injection ports is substantially aligned to a straight line crossing a center of the top portion of the mold. The plurality of injection ports has different sizes.

Abstract: An edge-gated injection molding apparatus is disclosed for distributing a melt stream to a plurality of mold cavities aligned on opposing sides of an injection manifold assembly. The injection manifold assembly includes melt outlets aligned on opposing sides thereof with a nozzle seal in fluid communication with each melt outlet for transferring the melt stream to a corresponding mold cavity. A sliding relationship between each nozzle seal and its respective melt outlet while the nozzle seal is securely held relative to the mold gate permits misalignment between the nozzle seal and its respective melt outlet in the cold condition without causing stress on the nozzle seal. Under operating conditions, the sliding relationship permits subsequent alignment between the nozzle seal and its respective melt outlet. The nozzle seal has a two-piece gate seal with components thereof threadably coupled to each other such that relative rotation therebetween applies a sealing preload.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured for positioning a runner system, and includes a retainer, a number of flanges, and a number of bearing assemblies. The retainer includes a supporting surface. The flanges extend substantially perpendicularly upward from the supporting surface. The flanges cooperatively define a cavity for receiving the runner system. The bearing assemblies are configured for inserting through the flanges to tightly abut against the runner system in the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side gate nozzle assembly (108) having a nozzle body (210) and at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) wherein the nozzle body (210) and the at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) are slidably engaged to each other.

Abstract: An injection nozzle that can be used in an injection blow molding system without use of an external heat source comprises a two-piece structure broadly including a structural outer body for coupling the nozzle to a resin manifold and a thermally conductive insert. At least a portion of an axial length of the insert has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a coinciding coaxial portion of the outer body, such that the differences in the inner and outer diameters present an insulating air gap along at least a portion of the nozzle length. A sufficient operating temperature for hot melt resin can then be obtained without use of the external heat source.

Abstract: An injection nozzle that can be used in an injection blow molding system without use of an external heat source comprises a two-piece structure broadly including a structural outer body for coupling the nozzle to a resin manifold and a thermally conductive insert. At least a portion of an axial length of the insert has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a coinciding coaxial portion of the outer body, such that the differences in the inner and outer diameters present an insulating air gap along at least a portion of the nozzle length. A sufficient operating temperature for hot melt resin can then be obtained without use of the external heat source.

Abstract: An injection molding system is disclosed that includes a hot runner manifold for providing a melt stream of moldable material to at least one hot runner nozzle that is in fluid communication with one or more mold cavities via at least one injection manifold disposed proximate a downstream end of the nozzle. The at least one injection manifold has a substantially U-shape with at least one mold cavity being disposed between opposing arm segments thereof. Each mold cavity is fed by a pair of nozzle seals, wherein one of the pair of nozzle seals extends inwardly from one of the opposing arm segments while the other of the pair of nozzle seals extends inwardly from the other of the opposing arm segments for directing a melt stream into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A runnerless nozzle for an injection molding apparatus includes a bracing component having an internal space and a lateral bore, a nozzle tip extending from the internal space through the lateral bore of the bracing component, and a securing component installable in the internal spaced of the bracing component. At least one of the bracing component and the securing component defines a lateral channel in communication with and upstream channel for delivering molding material to the nozzle tip. The securing component includes an angled surface for wedging a likewise angled surface of the nozzle tip to engage the nozzle tip with the bracing component when the securing component is installed in the bracing component.

Abstract: A method for tolerance compensation in an overlap joint between a first and a second body section of adjacent fuselage rings includes introducing a plurality of holes into a first body section corresponding to a pattern of rivets; arranging the first and second body section in an overlapping configuration so as to form an overlap; injecting a filler mass through the plurality of holes into a gap formed in the overlap; and hardening the filler mass.

Abstract: A color changing apparatus of an injection molding hot runner die which is simple in construction and easily capable of changing colors for molding products without removing and replacing a hot runner. In the apparatus, a passage for supplying a melted resin to a molding die, a divided type hot runner block is provided with hot runners each for exclusive use of each of molding colors, sprues and nozzles being in communication with the hot runners. A moving device is provided for moving the molding die, which is united with the divided type hot runner block, along with the divided type hot runner block. A positioning device is adapted to place the molding die in position in a state where either of the sprues of the divided type hot runner block is moved by the moving device to a position opposed to an injection nozzle for injecting the melted resin.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed having a single level manifold that utilizes a melt splitter. The manifold defines an inlet and a plurality of outlets with at least one upstream melt channel and a plurality of downstream melt channels that are situated between the inlet and the plurality of outlets. The upstream melt channel branches into the plurality of downstream melt channels with the upstream melt channel and each of the downstream melt channels longitudinally extending in the same plane. The melt splitter is at least partially positioned within the upstream melt channel where the upstream melt channel intersects with the plurality of downstream melt channels. The melt splitter divides a melt flow received from the upstream melt channel into substantially equal volumes and then directs each of the substantially equal volumes into a respective one of the plurality of downstream melt channels.

Abstract: A cam and cam follower apparatus translates linear cam bar movement to perpendicular valve stem actuation in an injection molding system. The cam bars reciprocate up and down on linear bearing rails such that an actuation plate, fitted with a plurality of valve stems, is cycled normal to the direction of the cam bar movement via cam followers traveling within cam slots in the cam bars. The cam slots in the cam bars are profiled such that the cam followers affect the speed and force at which the valve stems travel while at the same time reducing frictional effects and their associated power requirement. The cam followers of the valve stem actuation plate travel in cam slots in the cam bars from a valve stem forward position, to a valve stem retracted position and ultimately, the entire actuation plate may be removed from the cam bars for maintenance via open ended slots in the cam bars.

Abstract: A nozzle body defines an upstream channel. A downstream bracing portion has a lateral bore. A nozzle tip extends laterally through the lateral bore of the bracing portion and has a sealing surface for engaging a gate component that defines a mold gate. The runnerless nozzle further includes a securing component inserted into the bracing portion to hold the nozzle tip against the bracing portion. The bracing portion or the securing component defines a lateral channel in communication with the upstream channel for delivering molding material to the nozzle tip. The nozzle tip can be removed by removing the securing component.

Abstract: A nozzle body defines an upstream channel. A downstream bracing portion has a lateral bore. A nozzle tip extends laterally through the lateral bore of the bracing portion and has a sealing surface for engaging a gate component that defines a mold gate. The runnerless nozzle further includes a securing component inserted into the bracing portion to hold the nozzle tip against the bracing portion. The bracing portion or the securing component defines a lateral channel in communication with the upstream channel for delivering molding material to the nozzle tip. The nozzle tip can be removed by removing the securing component.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a detergent bar, the bar comprises a first distinct zone comprising a first component and at least a second distinct zone comprising a second component. In an injection step, the first and second components are injected into the mould cavity via nozzle means having a first orifice through which the first component is injected. The second component is injected through a second orifice of the nozzle means. The first and second components solidify in the cavity to form the bar. The interface between the zones may be non-planar and/or such that the zones cannot be separated by a unidirectional cut. The first and second zones may respectively comprise detergent and a benefit agent. The first and second zones may differ in texture.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided with a die having a hot nozzle, and a manifold formed by a hot runner. A communication passage that is in communication with the cavity is provided in the die, a concave portion defined at an end portion of the die, and the hot nozzle includes a nozzle body of a cylindrical shape that is inserted in the communication passage, and a flange portion that is formed at an end side of the nozzle body and is exposed outside of the communication passage, in which a band heater that heats the nozzle body is inserted between the communication passage and the nozzle body, and a ring heater that heats this flange is inserted in the concave portion and between the communication passage and the flange.

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: An injection molding nozzle comprises a material feed pipe subtending a flow duct communicating flow-wise with at least one nozzle tip. Each tip points transversely to axial direction A of the nozzle and is held by a manifold. The manifold is pluggable/insertable into the material feed pipe and includes a neck and a base. A manifold duct system is subtended in the manifold. A main duct extending the flow duct is in the neck and the base comprises a deflection site and at least one manifold duct. The manifold duct runs radially to axial direction A. The nozzle tip is affixed in a seating unit fitted with a central recess. Radial boreholes running transversely to axial direction A fit into the seating unit and receive plugged-in nozzle tips. The central recess receives the base, the nozzle tip being secured by the base to and in the seating unit.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting hot plastics material into an injection mold has an actuator section forming an actuator chamber and a nozzle member connected to the actuator section and extending to a nozzle tip having an injection aperture. The nozzle member includes an injection passage system for conducting the hot plastics material to the injection aperture. An elongate valve pin extends through a guide passage in the nozzle member and is movable between open and closed positions. A piston is connected to this pin, is slidably mounted in the actuator chamber and moves the valve pin between the open and closed positions. The piston and actuator section are machined to close tolerances so as to form a micro-gap between the wall of the piston and the wall of the chamber thereby avoiding fluid seals. The actuator is able to operate at temperatures ranging between 200 and 400° C.

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: The present invention relates to an injection molding nozzle (10) for injection molding equipment, comprising at least two processing-material feed pipes (20) each subtending a flow duct (30) passing a fluid processing material. Each pipe (20) supports circumferentially a heater (40) and comprises a terminal nozzle tip (32) which is fitted with at least one discharge aperture (34) for said fluid material. Several nozzle tips (32) pass through separate, tightly adjacent recesses (60) receiving the processing-material feed pipes (20) that are received in a common housing (50) and exhibit uniform heat transfer and temperature distribution characteristics, making possible even minute cavity spacings.

Abstract: A tensile stress is applied to solidified resin. The tensile stress is so small that the solidified resin formed in the sprue by solidification of molding material does not break and is so large that the solidified resin formed in the sprue is separated from the inner surface of the sprue due to a reduction in the diameter of the cross sectional area thereof. For the application of such a tensile stress, the runner stripper plate holding the solidified resin is moved away from the nozzle and sprue bushing. This state is maintained for a predetermined time to separate the solidified resin from the inner surface of the sprue.

Abstract: A method for tolerance compensation in an overlap joint between a first and a second body section of adjacent fuselage rings includes introducing a plurality of holes into a first body section corresponding to a pattern of rivets; arranging the first and second body section in an overlapping configuration so as to form an overlap; injecting a filler mass through the plurality of holes into a gap formed in the overlap; and hardening the filler mass.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source. A nozzle having a nozzle channel is coupled to the manifold for receiving the melt stream from the manifold melt channel. The nozzle includes a heater. A mold cavity is in communication with the nozzle channel, the mold cavity for receiving the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate. A temperature sensor is disposed at the manifold for use in adjusting the heater of the nozzle or for use in adjusting a heater of an inlet body.

Abstract: A nozzle body defines an upstream channel. A downstream bracing portion has a lateral bore. A nozzle tip extends laterally through the lateral bore of the bracing portion and has a sealing surface for engaging a gate component that defines a mold gate. The runnerless nozzle further includes a securing component inserted into the bracing portion to hold the nozzle tip against the bracing portion. The bracing portion or the securing component defines a lateral channel in communication with the upstream channel for delivering molding material to the nozzle tip. The nozzle tip can be removed by removing the securing component.

Abstract: A device for processing elastomers or thermoplastics has a distribution system that is disposed between a plasticizing unit and an injection-molding die for distribution of the material plasticized in the plasticizing unit. At least one nozzle is disposed on the distribution system, by way of which nozzle the plasticized elastomer can be injected into the cavity of the injection molding die. The at least one nozzle is attached outside the center on a rotating insert, in each instance, which insert is disposed in a recess in the distribution system.

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: Disclosed is a mold carrier having: a first external surface and a second external surface being located opposite the first external surface, arranged to mount, in use, respective mold halves; a main hot runner channel; first and second hot runner nozzles in a back-to-back configuration, the first and second hot runner nozzles having bases and connected to the main hot runner channel to receive, in use, molten plastic therefrom, the first and second hot runner nozzles each having a substantially planar sealing surface configured to provide an interface, in use, to a substantially planar interface surface in the respective mold halves; and springs operatively mounted between the nozzle bases and nozzles to spring-load the nozzles against the mold halves for improved sealing sprue bushings being received in the mold halves; and mold locating rings being received by the first external surface and the second external surface, the mold locating rings being configured to locate and position the mold halves relative

Abstract: A hot runner nozzle heater system is provided with a layered heater in communication with a two-wire controller, wherein a resistive layer of the layered heater is both a heater element and a temperature sensor. The two-wire controller thus determines temperature of the layered heater using the resistance of the resistive layer and controls heater temperature through a power source.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting relative positions of multiple injection nozzles of an injection apparatus. The mechanism includes a guide section serving as a rail horizontally extending in a predetermined direction; a first injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail, whereby the first injection section is guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail; and a second injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail. The second injection section is spaced from the first injection section by a distance and guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail. The second injection section is further vertically movable within a predetermined range of height along Y-axis normal to X-axis.

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 mold system (1000) includes a gate control system (150) that selectively deforms a deformable member (140) to selectively close one or more injection gates (127, 227) and/or vent gates (128, 228) in a mold platen (160, 260). The injection gates (127, 227) are selectively opened and closed by engaging the deformable member (140) with the injection gates (127, 227). The deformable member (140) is located between the gate control system (150) and the curing fluid, and curing fluid entering the mold platen (160, 260) therefore does not contact the gate control system (150).

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a heated inlet body and an unheated distribution branch. A melt channel of the inlet body receives a melt stream of moldable material and delivers the melt stream to a melt channel of the distribution branch. The distribution branch has a first end, which is coupled to the inlet body, and a second end, which is coupled to a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle channel for receiving the melt stream from the distribution melt channel. The distribution branch is formed of a tube surrounded by a conductive sleeve. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel and receives the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus (10) comprises at least one manifold and at least one injection molding nozzle (30), each nozzle (30) being affixable by means of a fastener (40) to the manifold (20). To allow rapid assembly and durable sealing of all nozzles at the manifold, the fastener (40) is fitted with at least one centering and/or fixating element (50) which is supported in longitudinally displaceable manner and which in its final-assembly position is engageable to the manifold (20) in a manner that said manifold and the nozzle (30) are secured into their relative position. The fastener (40) comprises at least one recess (41) receiving the nozzle (30) and at least one further recess (42) to receive the fixating element (50) which is supported in longitudinally displaceable manner in said further recess (42). Preferably the fixating element (50) is a fastening element for the fastener (40), in particular it is a part of a bolt connection (14).

Abstract: An apparatus includes an injection molding machine, a hot runner apparatus attached to the molding machine, and a mold defining a part cavity. The mold is attached to the molding machine and operably engages the hot runner apparatus. The hot runner apparatus has secondary nozzles that engage respective sprue assemblies on the mold for communicating melted plastic material to the mold cavity. Each sprue assembly includes a movably mounted sprue and a stress-reducing mechanism with spring washers that support the sprue to provide sufficient force to eliminate leaking at abutting contact surfaces against the secondary nozzles, but that allow limited movement of the sprue to reduce excessive stress focused on the respective sprues. Since the stress-reducing mechanism is located in the mold, each stress-reducing mechanism can be tailored to the particular needs of that particular mold and the particular melted material being processed.

Abstract: Disclosed is (i) a molding system, including a viscous-drag sensor interactable with a molding material flowable along a melt pathway and/or (ii) a method of a molding-system, amongst other things.

Abstract: A hot-runner assembly for injection molding equipment. The hot-runner assembly includes a front plate and a backing plate spaced from one another so as to define an inter-plate volume. The inter-plate volume contains one or more manifolds for conducting flowable material to a plurality of injection nozzles. The inter-plate volume also contains inter-plate support distributed between a first inter-plate support zone located immediately adjacent the manifold(s) and a second inter-plate support zone that makes up the balance of the inter-plate volume so that the first inter-plate support zone has a inter-plate support footprint density that is greater than the inter-plate support footprint density in the second inter-plate support zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spraying-on of especially plastic mouldings, wherein at least one mould cavity to be filled, constructed in a tool is arranged laterally next to a central nozzle body, with at least one nozzle tip arranged in and/or on the nozzle body which projects outwards over the circumferential surface of the nozzle body and forms an injection channel for the mould cavity in a recess of the tool and/or the nozzle body, wherein at least one further recess is arranged in the area of the bottom of the nozzle body, wherein this recess is provided with at least one through opening which connects the recess to the circumferential surface of the nozzle body and wherein the nozzle tip can be inserted through the recess into the opening and detachably affixed there.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting relative positions of multiple injection nozzles of an injection apparatus. The mechanism includes a guide section serving as a rail horizontally extending in a predetermined direction; a first injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail, whereby the first injection section is guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail; and a second injection section having at least one injection nozzle and slidably disposed on the rail. The second injection section is spaced from the first injection section by a distance and guidable by the rail to horizontally move along X-axis defined by the rail. The second injection section is further vertically movable within a predetermined range of height along Y-axis normal to X-axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injection molding of molded products including a first cavity chamber for forming a seal liner, with the first cavity chamber having an outer edge, and a second cavity chamber for forming a shell, with the second cavity chamber having a center and being adjacent to the first cavity chamber. The injection molding apparatus and method also includes a first nozzle for a seal liner material positioned near the outer edge of, and in communication with, the first cavity chamber, and a second nozzle for a shell material positioned near the center of, and in communication with, the second cavity chamber. The injection molding apparatus and method further includes a mold core capable of being positioned in and moved between the first and second cavity chambers.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a manifold and a valve gated hot runner nozzle. The gating mechanism includes an actuated valve pin, where the mold gate orifice is open when the valve pin is in a first position to allow melt to flow there through. The mold gate orifice is closed when the valve pin is in a second position to prevent melt from flowing there though. A flow control pin is disposed within the melt stream, either coaxially with the valve pin within the melt channel of the nozzle or within the manifold melt channel. The flow control pin has a head with a complementary geometry with that of the melt channel at a flow control surface. The flow control pin is raised and lowered by an actuation mechanism to constrict or release the flow of the melt stream independent from the movement of the valve pin.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a manifold and a plurality of first and second adjustable manifold blocks. The second manifold blocks are in fluid communication and are directly connected to a hot runner nozzle. The second manifold blocks are coupled to the first manifold blocks via connector devices. These connector devices contain a melt channel and allow the second manifold blocks and therefore the hot runner nozzles to be rotated relative to the first manifold blocks around at least two axes. This allows the nozzles to be positioned in front of mold gates that are located at variable elevations with respect to the manifold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for sealing interfaces within an injection mold having a first surface and a second surface includes an active material actuator configured to be disposed in a manner suitable for generating a force between the first surface and the second surface. The active material actuator is configured to generate a force in response to sense signals from a transmission structure. Methods and apparatus are also provided for centering a nozzle tip within a gate opening, and adjusting tip height of a nozzle tip with respect to a gate opening, also using active material inserts.

Abstract: An injection molding machine having two injection units retained in parallel on one heating cylinder retention member, so that nozzles of the two injection units can touch fixed-side molds by advance of the heating cylinder retention member toward the molds. Two nozzle touch rods having their one ends fixed to a fixed die plate mounted with the molds are disposed symmetrically outside the two injection units respectively. Nut pieces screwed down to ball screw shaft portions of the nozzle touch rods respectively are attached to the heating cylinder retention member rotatably. Two servo motors for driving and rotating the two nut pieces respectively and individually are mounted on the heating cylinder retention member.

Abstract: A method for producing powders that consist of substantially spherical particles from a material such as glass, ceramics or plastic that produces a highly viscous melt that solidifies at a glass transition temperature Tg or at a solidification temperature Ts. The inventive method comprises the following steps: (a) producing a melt of a viscosity ? in the range of from 0.1 to 100 Ns/m2; (b) atomizing the melt using a first gas, the first gas having a temperature TA?Tg or ?0.5Ts at the outlet of the nozzle and (c) cooling off the particles produced by atomization in a cooling section downstream of the nozzle using a coolant, the temperature of the coolant being smaller than Ts or Tg.

Abstract: A stack injection molding apparatus has first and second arrays of valve gate injection nozzles and separate mechanisms for independently actuating the nozzles of each array. A separate reciprocating yoke plate engages the valve pins of each nozzle array, and is actuated by either one centrally located actuator or a pair of symmetrically located actuators.