Abstract: The invention concerns in particular a mold for injection molding of a flexible tube, said mold comprising as molding tools, a nozzle receptacle, an impression and a core, housed in a stack of plates. The invention is characterized in that said molding tools have pairs of respective conical support surfaces, through which the tools are centered and aligned with one another, each support surface being formed by a portion of tools deprived of transverse mobility.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve operability. Stoppers (74) are detachably mounted in a lower mold (70) of a mold. Nuts (30) are screwed down onto the stoppers (74) while being held upside down. After the mold is closed in this state and molten resin is filled into a cavity (77) and solidified therein, the mold is opened. The stoppers (74) are separated from the lower mold (70) as the mold is opened. When the stoppers (74) are separated from the nuts (30) thereafter, a casing 10 having no pin withdrawal hole can be obtained. Accordingly, it is not necessary to apply potting or the like to close the pin withdrawal hole.

Abstract: An injection mold has first, second and third mold parts. The first mold part defines a void having a front end, a rear end and a central axis. The second mold part includes a plug portion and a protuberant portion. The third mold part has a molding position frontwardly adjacent the first mold part and is frontwardly movable relative to the first mold part to a respective release position. The three mold parts have a molding configuration corresponding to molding positions of the second mold part and the third mold part. The mold parts define a mold cavity for an article having a main body, tubular spout, and annular rim portions. The first, second and third mold parts also have a release configuration corresponding to the release positions of the second and third mold parts, permitting the removal of a molded article from the mold.

Abstract: The configuration is such that there are provided a slide core 21 (21A) disposed to be movable toward and away from a cavity (molding space) 8a and driven at least in the direction toward the cavity 8a according to the closing action of a mold 8, and a guiding member (guiding means) 11 (11A) disposed at least on one mold member 7 of the mold and having a groove-shaped rail part 12a for supporting the slide core 21 in the directions toward and away from the cavity 8a, wherein one member out of the slide core 21 and guiding means 11 is provided with urging means for urging the slide core relative to the guiding member 11 in the direction away from the cavity 8a. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the size and the maintenance cost of the slide core.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessorial ejecting mechanism mounted beneath a male mold section. The accessorial ejecting mechanism includes an accessorial plate, a rail, a slider, and a movable board. The accessorial plate secured to the male mold section has a recess in the top surface thereof. The rail is received in the recess and fixed to the accessorial plate. The slider, connecting a driving device, is slidable along the rail. The slider defines at least a guiding groove whose opposite ends are in different height. The movable board is also received in the recess. At least a guiding post is fixed to a side of the movable board and extends outwardly into the guiding groove. Sliding of the slider makes the movable board move up and down. Pin cores for forming pinholes of a molded article are fixed to the movable board so as to move up and down together with the movable board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molded fluoropolymer sweep elbows with straight ends while minimizing distortion of the fitting. The invention includes a mold for creating the sweep fittings of the invention. The mold includes a mold cavity block and internal coring. The internal coring includes two symmetrical cores that shut off at a 45° miter. Each of the symmetrical cores is divided into two parts, an outside sweep core and an inside sweep core. The outside sweep core and the inside sweep core are divided on a straight plane running the length of the core. The outside sweep core molds half of the straight lumen and the greater curvature at the outside sweep surface of the bend. The inside sweep core molds the other half of the straight bore and the lesser curvature of the inside or undercut portion of the bend.

Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.

Abstract: An ejector assembly for use with a mold for molding plastic parts include a first stationary member, a second stationary member and an ejector plate moveable between the first and second stationary members. A core blade lifter is provided that includes a lifter foot assembly that is moveable with the ejector plate. The core blade lifter includes a lifter rod pivotally mounted to the lifter foot assembly and moveable laterally and longitudinally in response to movement of the ejector plate. A stationary helper pin is provided generally parallel to the lifter rod. The core blade lifter includes a helper carrier pivotally mounted to the lifter foot assembly and moveable along the helper pin.

Abstract: A mold assembly wherein a cavity for molding is defined by primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements and a supplemental core element, the primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements are carried by first and second mating mold components and the supplemental core element is carried by a slide moveable transversely relative to the direction of motion of the mating mold components. The slide is supported by the first mating mold component and has an opening therein for engaging an actuating pin supported by the second mating mold component at an angle oblique to the parting line face of the second mating mold component. The actuating pin is removably retained in a support opening in the parting line face of the second mating mold component by means accessible from the second mating mold component parting line face.

Abstract: Mold tooling for molding plastic parts having cavities therethrough includes mold halves together with core pins to define passageways through the molded part. The core pins are locked together to rigidify these connections, and one of the core pins includes a rib to contact an adjacent pair of ribs to rigidify a column of ribs.

Abstract: A mold, a molding machine and a method of molding a plastics material in a mold cavity is described which relies primarily on movement of a part of the mold to provide the pressure necessary to force the plastics material melt to fill all the parts of the mold cavity. The method comprises the steps of applying a light pressure to close the mold, injecting a predetermined quantity of molten plastics material into the mold cavity at a pressure which is such that the injection of the plastics material can cause the cavity to expand in volume against the resistance of the light closing pressure, and applying a high pressure to close the mold fully after completion of the injection step.

Abstract: An injection molding machine and method of injection molding is provided, in which an upper platen, a moving platen, and a cavity-carrying platen are used. A removable member (cylinder) is provided to limit travel of the moving platen towards the cavity-carrying platen and to support the moving platen.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an actuating drive in form of an electromotive spindle drive and an energy storage device associated with the spindle drive. The energy storage device stores kinetic energy and can include two counteracting compression spring assemblies. The energy storage device is hereby loaded, as the spindle drive moves to a first end position, and unloaded, as the spindle drive moves in opposite direction to a second end position, wherein unloading of the energy storage device is accompanied by a power boost of the electric motor, and wherein the first force is equal to the second force at an equilibrium location distal from the end positions of the spindle drive.

Abstract: A guide block assembly for aligning and retaining fiber bore forming pins and guide pin bore forming pins in precise relation to each other during the molding of a multi-fiber ferrule includes a unitary member defining at least one fiber bore and at least one guide pin bore. Each fiber bore, and optionally each guide pin bore, is formed by creating a starter hole using a first electric discharge machining (EDM) wire and enlarging the starter hole using a second EDM wire. Each fiber bore has a length to diameter ratio of between approximately 3:1 to 10:1, more preferably between approximately 4:1 to 8:1, and most preferably approximately 6:1. The guide block assembly may further include a cavity behind the fiber bore and a front face that forms a non-rectilinear surface on the face of the ferrule. The unitary block assembly contains fewer parts and is less expensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.

Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.

Abstract: An injection-molding tool for a golf club grip includes a base member and a detachable molding member attached thereto. The base member is provided with a screw rod extended therefrom for screw connection. The detachable molding member includes a screw hole for receiving the screw rod of the base member, and a plurality of molding plugs extended therefrom and disposed around the screw hole. Each of the molding plugs has a cross-sectional configuration to thereby form a desired type of a structural elastic buffer of the golf club grip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a row of encapsulated interconnected vials with the mold. The method includes forming a plurality of cavity profiles linked together by arms, and inserting a plurality of core pins into the cavity profiles. The method includes injecting a plastic fluid about the core pins to form a row of interconnected vials. The method includes removing the row of interconnected vials and positioning the row into a holding tray. The method further includes placing the liquid into the row of interconnected vials with an injection device. An open end of the row of interconnected vials is heat-sealed. The step of heat-sealing may include applying heat, measuring the temperature, and measuring the time heat is applied.

Abstract: An assembly disposed within a mold for forming openings in a plastic part includes a punch pin and a backing pin having faces disposed flush with a surface of a mold cavity. The backing pin is disposed opposite the punch pin. The punch pin is driven into the completed plastic part removing material to form an opening. The waste material is driven into a bore housing the backing pin. The backing pin recedes into the bore to accept the waste material. Upon ejection of the plastic part the waste material ejects from the mold cavity as the backing pin moves back to a position flush with the surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A fixing device for moulds for plastic articles, where a pair of half-moulds (3, 4) in which a force plug (11) can be inserted, comprises at least one tie rod (6) for keeping the two half-moulds in a closed position, the said tie rod being hinged, at one end, to the mobile half-mould and having a second end of a hammer-headed shape which hooks to two gripping jaws (60, 61). The tie rod (6) is hinged to a connecting rod which rotates on a pivot fixed to the resting base (14), which, in the movement of rotation, sets the tie rod (6) along the line corresponding to the centroid of the pressure forces produced during the moulding operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a right angle connector onto a tube end portion. The tube end portion is positioned in a mold cavity; an axially extending core is positioned in the mold cavity with the axis of the core at a right angle to the axis of the tube end portion and with an inboard end of the core positioned proximate the open end of the tube end portion; a molten plastic material is injected into the mold cavity in surrounding relation to the core and the tube end portion; and the core is removed to form a connector fixedly secured to the tube end portion and having a central axial bore communicating with the open end of the tube, extending at a right angle to the central axis of the tube end portion, and conforming to the configuration of the core.

Abstract: The mold opening speed is increase by upward moving a movable plate of a vertical clamping device for an injection blow molding machine by hydraulic cylinders at the both sides instead of a booster ram. The following are used: a lower base plate with an injection cavity mold set on its upper surface, a cylinder block for clamping connected to upper ends of tie bars vertically disposed at both sides of the lower base plate, an upper base plate vertically movably set above the lower base plate guided by the tie bars to rotatably hold a turntable of a neck mold below the upper base plate, a movable plate vertically movably set on the upper base plate guided by the tie bars and connected with a clamping ram at the center of the upper surface, and an injection core inserted into a cavity of an injection cavity mold through the upper base plate, turntable, and neck mold and attached to the under face of the movable plate.

Abstract: A process for the production by a moulding process of a micro-cellular or non-cellular elastomeric polyurethane skin layer or, more generally, to a process for the production of a composite comprising a first layer shaped part, which is made by a moulding process from a polyurethane reaction mixture, and a second layer shaped part which is adhered to the first part to form the composite. In order to avoid the use of release agents on the back side of the first layer shaped part, and thus the negative effect on the adhesion of the second layer shaped part, and the penetration of reaction mixture on this back side between the slides (9–10) of the mould, the mould surface (4) is covered on the back side of the moulding with a removable flexible covering (12), with a removable rigid pre-shaped covering or with a permanent non-stick coating layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite coil spring includes the following steps: preparing a mold, winding a coil former around a mandrel of the mold, winding composite material pre-preg, compressing and heating, opening the mold and detaching the mandrel and the coiled coil former.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting relative positions of different machine components includes first and second eccentric rings. The first eccentric ring has a first edge disposed in slideable contact with a first component of a given machine, such as an adjustable base section of a cavity mold part. The second eccentric ring has a first edge disposed in slideable contact with a second component of the given machine, such as a stationary side section of the cavity mold part, and has a second edge disposed in slideable contact with a second edge of the first eccentric ring. The contact portions of each said edge are circumscribed by a respective circle. By rotating both eccentric rings the relative positions of the first and second machine components can be adjusted in accordance with desired two-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: An insert is held in a cavity within a die set by a movable hold member. Molten resin is injected into the cavity when the insert is held by the hold member. The hold member is separated from the insert at a given timing. A surface of the hold member is heated to a temperature higher than a temperature of an inner surface of the die set. The hold-member surface contacts the molten resin. The die-set inner surface is exposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A clip (10) for fastening a panel (50) to a support structure (52) is provided. The clip (10) has a plate (12) and a stem (14) extending from the plate. The stem 14 has a base (22) and a body section (24). The base (22) has a width greater than a width of the body section (24). A pair of tangs (16) extend from a distal end of the stem (14) toward the plate (12). A sealing flange (18) extends from the base (22). The sealing flange (18) is first molded from a material having a first durometer and then the plate (12), stem (14) and tangs (16) are molded from a material having a second durometer greater than the first durometer.

Abstract: A processing mold is suitable for preparing a tire support. One processing mold that is particularly advantageous includes a processing mold having a first mold body opposing a second mold body, and the first and second mold bodies are aligned through a mandrel. In one embodiment, a first mold body includes a locking member suitable for locking the mandrel to the first body. In this embodiment, the mandrel is movable between the first and second mold bodies such that when a processing mold is opened, the first mold body and the mandrel can separate from the second mold body. A method of using a processing mold by aligning a first mold body and a second mold body through a mandrel and a method of releasing a tire support from a processing mold by locking a mandrel to a first mold body and separating the first and second mold bodies are also particularly advantageous.

Abstract: Post-mold cooling of injection molded plastic articles such as preforms is achieved by transferring the articles directly from the mold cavities onto cooling cores carried by a take-out plate. The molded articles are supported on the cooling cores until they become sufficiently frozen that they can be stripped from the cores.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for venting trapped air and gasses in a mold. The mold and method comprise or use at least one pin formed from multiple pin sections. When assembled, the pin sections provide space on the interior of the pin through which trapped air and gasses can escape from the mold. The present invention may also be used to assist in ejecting an object from the mold. The pins can have circular or non-circular cross-sections and also may have dimple-forming projections to conform to a golf ball dimple pattern.

Abstract: An improved molding apparatus and method includes an adjustable mold component and a fixed mold component for molding precision articles; a bias force mechanism for applying a bias force to the adjustable mold component; and an adjustable mold component fine position adjustment mechanism operable exteriorly of the mold for applying a position adjustment force to the adjustable mold component to overcome the bias force and thereby adjust position of the adjustable mold component relative to a fixed mold component to reduce positional offset in a range of ±ten microns, or less, in at least one adjustment dimension. In one aspect, a plurality of bias force mechanisms and adjustment mechanisms provide positional adjustment in a plurality of adjustment dimensions. In another aspect, a feedback control loop responsive to optically sensed positional error automatically reduces positional offset.

Abstract: The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

Abstract: A molding apparatus have a cavity plate with cavity components thereon spaced significantly apart from one another wherein the cavity components are adapted to translate on the cavity plate to compensate for any misalignment with their corresponding core components. The core plate side has core components thereon spaced significantly apart from one another wherein the core components are adapted to translate on the core plate side to compensate for any misalignment with their corresponding cavity components.

Abstract: An inventive mold is adapted to adhere skin materials having a boundary portion and a resin to each other, and is provided with a resin blocking member which is so embedded as to extend substantially along the boundary portion of the skin materials placed in the mold, and a movable member for projecting the resin blocking member from a molding surface. If such a mold is used, a flow of the resin supplied into the mold can be controlled by projecting the resin blocking member to thereby control an arrival timing of the resin at the boundary portion. Thus, displacement of the boundary portion and wrinkling can be securely prevented from occurring.

Abstract: An adjustable core pin for molding vials for use in levels and those vials molded using the adjustable core pin are disclose. The core pin includes an elongate rod with a crest at its cross section with the greatest diameter and a rod retainer with a cavity which receives the rod such that the distal end of the rod projects from a rod retainer distal opening, the rod being adjustable in relation to the rod retainer so that the crest can be adjustably placed at a preferred position in a molding cavity for vial molding.

Abstract: During injection molding of a plastic product having a base wall and a sidewall, alignment of the mold parts that shape the mold cavity is maintained by conducting injected plastic material through a sequence of variable-opening throttles in a base-wall-section flow guide of the mold cavity. The openings of the throttles vary in response to variations in the thickness of a region of the sidewall section into which injected plastic material is conducted from the base-wall-section flow guide so that upon an increase in the thickness of such region the openings of the throttles in the base-wall-section flow guide decrease and so that upon a decrease in the thickness of such region the openings of the throttles in the base-wall-section flow guide increase.

Abstract: A control module is attached to a machine platen of an injection molding machine. The control module is coupled to at least one sensor that reports a value of a processing condition associated with an injection mold and is disposed within the injection mold. The control module is also coupled to at least one controllable device that varies the processing condition of the injection mold and is disposed within the injection mold. The control module collects and processes sensor output, and provides a control signal to at least one controllable device. A display interface module is linked to the control module. The display interface module accepts user-entered data set-points, provides the user-entered data set-points to the control module, and collects the processed sensor output from the control module for display to a user.

Abstract: The configuration is such that there are provided a slide core 21 (21A) disposed to be movable toward and away from a cavity (molding space) 8a and driven at least in the direction toward the cavity 8a according to the closing action of a mold 8, and a guiding member (guiding means) 11 (11A) disposed at least on one mold member 7 of the mold and having a groove-shaped rail part 12a for supporting the slide core 21 in the directions toward and away from the cavity 8a, wherein one member out of the slide core 21 and guiding means 11 is provided with urging means for urging the slide core relative to the guiding member 11 in the direction away from the cavity 8a. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the size and the maintenance cost of the slide core.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for making multi-component products includes (i) a rotatable turret with a plurality of product connector pairs attached to opposite sides of the turret, (ii) a first mold disposed proximate to the turret and (iii) a second mold disposed on the opposite side of the turret. The first mold has a plurality of cavities for molding a first molded layer of the multi-component product, and the second mold has a plurality of cavities for molding a second layer onto the first molded layer. Each product connector is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to allow the mold apparatus to make multi-component products having first molded layers and second molded layers with indentations and/or protuberances disposed in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: An improved golf ball injection mold is characterized by upper and lower support plates each containing corresponding hemispherical cavities which define spherical mold cavities when the plates are brought together. A plurality of retractable core pins are arranged in each cavity for supporting a core of a golf ball. Fluid thermoplastic material is supplied to each cavity to form the cover layer on the golf ball core. A valve pin is arranged in a gate in the upper plate in the center of the upper hemispherical cavity adjacent to a pole of the golf ball being formed in the cavity. The valve pin is operable between extended and retracted positions relative to the gate to deliver the thermoplastic material to the cavity and a closed position intermediate of the extended and retracted positions to stop the flow of thermoplastic material during curing of the cover layer.

Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The molding equipment provides one or more selectively positionable knock-out pins along the surface of the molding chamber. These pins are specially tailored such that after their retraction subsequent to molding, the resulting voids are deep dimples. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A retractable pin reaction injection molding device and method for forming a layer on an object are disclosed and claimed. The device includes mold plates that cooperate to form a cavity. Retractable pins hold the object within the cavity. Material is inserted into the cavity under pressure to form a layer on the object. The pins are retracted and material fills the voids left by the retracted pins. A system prevents the material from flowing into the clearance between the pins and the mold plates. The system provides a counter pressure of a non-reacting gas to resist the material insertion pressure. The counter pressure may also be used to balance and control the material injection into the mold. Suitable materials for use with the apparatus and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of injection molding a part having an undercut region and a method of assembling a jointed structure from several parts. A two-part mold has a common cavity with part of the cavity in each mold part. A combined pin-in-a-sleeve extends into the cavity in one of the mold parts in order to form a bore in a part to be molded in that cavity. The pin provides a portion shaped to form a first undercut region in the bore. A second pin extends into the cavity in the other of the two mold parts. The two pins are aligned to form a single bore in the molded part while in the cavity. The second pin also has a portion shaped to form a second undercut region in the bore. After an injection molded part is made, the mold opens a limited and discrete distance to allow the molded part to be released from the hold of the mold cavity. Then, the mold opens fully for the continuation of a multi-step operation to pull the pins out of the undercut regions.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for producing a needle of plastic, as well as a needle of plastic, in particular a needle for medical purposes. The method produces a needle having at least the outer diameter of one end being less than 0.50 mm using a moulding system having an assembly comprising a feed system and a mould cavity. The method includes introducing a melt of plastic into the feed system, increasing the melt pressure gradually during melt passage through the feed system, passing the melt into the mould cavity whereby the melt substantially fills the mould cavity, cooling the melt in the mould cavity whereby the melt solidifies to a needle, and removing the needle from the mould cavity.

Abstract: Injection molding techniques to form a microfluidic structure or substrate having at least one flash-free aperture. A method comprises injecting a polymeric material into a cavity of a mold. The mold includes at least one pin extending a length into the cavity wherein the length is greater than a depth of the cavity such that the pin is compressed when the mold is closed. Material injected into the cavity is shut off from the space occupied by the pin and consequently, undesirable flash is avoided. The mold is opened and the substrate is removed from the mold. The pin may be integral with the mold, discrete, or be comprised of individual components which can be combined together when the mold is closed to form a solid body. Preferably, the length of the pin is at least about 60 microns greater than the depth of the cavity.

Abstract: An injection molding system for molding a hollow plastic article employs a hollow mold core having a longitudinal axis and a core runner cavity that has a uniform cross section throughout and which extends to the open end of the mold core. The mold core includes at least one core ejection gate and at least one core inlet gate leading from the outer surface of the core wall to the core runner cavity. When molding is performed in stages, there is it least one core ejection gate for each stage of molding. The core is clamped in between separate sets of molding blocks for each stage of molding. A core end closure cap having a core extension cavity aligned with the core runner cavity is used to close the open end of the mold core. A molten plastic is injected into the outer molding blocks and is confined to travel through the core inlet gate of the core without entering the mold cavity directly so that the molten plastic is forced to pass through the core runner cavity in order to reach the core ejection gates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing the spotting of one or more movable cores to mating portions of a mold. The present invention provides for the placement of a mold on a support structure and the releasable connection of each movable core to a force exerting device. The force exerting device allows for controlled and repeatable movement of the movable core or cores to which the force exerting device is attached. The present invention preferably also allows each movable core being spotted to be set to, and retracted from the mold, to a position where adjustments may be made to the movable core and/or the mating portion of the mold without removing the movable core therefrom. The present invention, therefore, provides for a higher quality and more efficient spotting of movable mold cores than is currently possible.

Abstract: A plastic injection mold assembly is disclosed in which an electric servo motor very precisely controls rotational speeds and amounts of torque applied to cores which extend into the mold cavities as the cores are withdrawn from plastic components being molded and simultaneously directs the linear distances which the cores travel during such withdrawal. A method of accomplishing the molding of plastic components in this manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and molding method are provided for molding of small objects from a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus includes a heated transfer plate assembly, an insulation plate assembly adjacent the transfer plate assembly and a cooled cavity plate assembly. The transfer plate assembly is heated sufficiently to maintain a thermoplastic elastomer in a molten state. The cavity plate assembly is cooled sufficiently to solidify a thermoplastic elastomer injected into cavities of the cavity plate assembly.

Abstract: A guide block assembly for aligning and retaining fiber bore forming pins and guide pin bore fanning pins in precise relation to each other during the molding of a multi-fiber ferrule includes a unitary member defining at least one fiber bore and at least one guide pin bore. Each fiber bore, and optionally each guide pin bore, is formed by creating a starter hole using a first electric discharge machining (EDM) wire and enlarging the starter hale using a second EDM wire. Each fiber bore has a length to diameter ratio of between approximately 3::1 to 10::1, more preferably between approximately 4::1 to 8::1, and most preferably approximately 6::1. The guide block assembly may further include a cavity behind the fiber bore and a front face that forms a non-rectilinear surface on the face of the female. The unitary block assembly contains fewer parts and is less expensive to manufacture.