Rationalizing Gas-Assist Injection Molding Processing Conditions

Gas-assist injection molding is a relatively new process. It is an extension of conventional injection molding and allows molders to make larger parts having projected areas or cross sectional geometries not previously possible using existing equipment. However, controlling the injection of the gas has been a concern. The plastics industry is attempting to establish logical techniques to set up and rationalize processing conditions for the method. Although gas injection equipment permits a number of adjustments, an optimum processing window must be established to provide control and repeatability of the process to mold consistent, acceptable parts.

This paper describes a strategy and equipment for rationalizing and accurately controlling gas injection processing conditions that are applicable regardless of the type of molding machine or processing license a molder is using. The technique allows input processing conditions to be limited to the subset of actual changes that affect the part. The discussions will be generic in nature and incorporate recent developments in gas-assist equipment that offer the same level of control for gas injection molding that is currently available for conventional injection molding.