Injection Molding Machine: Difference between revisions

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{{NotAtMN}}
An injection molding machine (also spelled as injection moulding machine in British English), also known as an injection press, is a machine for manufacturing plastic products by the injection molding process. It consists of two main parts, an injection unit and a clamping unit. See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injection_molding_machine Injection Molding Machine] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby_injection_molding Hobby  Injection Molding] on Wikipedia.
An injection molding machine (also spelled as injection moulding machine in British English), also known as an injection press, is a machine for manufacturing plastic products by the injection molding process. It consists of two main parts, an injection unit and a clamping unit. See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injection_molding_machine Injection Molding Machine] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby_injection_molding Hobby  Injection Molding] on Wikipedia.


==Our Machine==
==Our Machine==
Maker Nexus has a [https://www.minijector.com/mini-jector-model-55p/ Mini-Jector Model 55P] injection molding machine. It is <<insert dimensions here>> and weighs <<insert approximate weight here>>. It is able to provide <<insert clamping force here>> of clamping force for aluminum molds and can produce <<insert number of pulls per hour>> "pulls" per hour. It can mold parts up to 54x146x24mm.
Maker Nexus has a [https://www.minijector.com/mini-jector-model-55p/ Mini-Jector Model 55P] injection molding machine. It is <<insert dimensions here>> and weighs <<insert approximate weight here>>. It can mold parts up to 54x146x24mm.


[[File:Mini-Jector-Model-55P.png]]
[[File:Mini-Jector-Model-55P.png]]


* Heating System
* Heating System
Line 39: Line 42:
:* Provision for cooling feed throat
:* Provision for cooling feed throat


===Maintenance===
==Molds==
 
The machine uses 2-part molds made from two 6" x 2 3/18" x 3/4" aluminum blocks with a 3/8" round fillet at the corners.  The mold is placed in the machine jaws, which clamp the 2 parts together for each injection. Currently Maker Nexus does not have a CNC mill for producing aluminum molds, so we are working on some alternatives:
 
:* We are working on an aluminum frame that can be used to make a silicone mold and hold it in place in the machine.
:* Once our resin 3D printer is online, we will be able to print molds entirely in resin.
 
===Mold Design Resources===
:* Basilius' [https://www.basilius.com/designing-for-injection-molding/ Injection Molding Quick Guide]
:* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78bM615koOo Demo of creating a silicone mold in a frame] from TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin
 
==Maintenance==
====Greasing Grease Fittings====
====Greasing Grease Fittings====
For your convenience, here's what it says about greasing the grease fittings: "The machine requires very little in the way of lubrication, as the injection plate and thrust housing bushings are a composite semi-greaseless type that require lubrication once every 6 months to a year. The thrust housing has two linear bushings; one accessible from the front, one from the rear. The injection cylinder plate also has two bushings with staggered access. Use a lithium-based grease and inject only enough grease to force the old grease out. This removes any dirt accumulated in the bushings. Wipe the old grease off of the guide rods."
For your convenience, here's what it says about greasing the grease fittings: "The machine requires very little in the way of lubrication, as the injection plate and thrust housing bushings are a composite semi-greaseless type that require lubrication once every 6 months to a year. The thrust housing has two linear bushings; one accessible from the front, one from the rear. The injection cylinder plate also has two bushings with staggered access. Use a lithium-based grease and inject only enough grease to force the old grease out. This removes any dirt accumulated in the bushings. Wipe the old grease off of the guide rods."


=== Training ===
== Training ==
( add link to our BOSS class document )
( add link to our BOSS class document )


=== Tips and Tricks ===
== Tips and Tricks ==
# (things you'd want to know)
# (things you'd want to know)


=== Reference Materials ===
== Reference Materials ==
Members can access all of the manufacturer's reference materials on the MN Members Drive [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lx9Q5_JGb9sH6hzRsRFH29vnsa5FQG-s?usp=sharing here.]
Members can access all of the manufacturer's reference materials on the MN Members Drive [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lx9Q5_JGb9sH6hzRsRFH29vnsa5FQG-s?usp=sharing here.]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 20:25, 14 December 2022

This tool is not currently in Maker Nexus maker space.

An injection molding machine (also spelled as injection moulding machine in British English), also known as an injection press, is a machine for manufacturing plastic products by the injection molding process. It consists of two main parts, an injection unit and a clamping unit. See Injection Molding Machine and Hobby Injection Molding on Wikipedia.

Our Machine

Maker Nexus has a Mini-Jector Model 55P injection molding machine. It is <<insert dimensions here>> and weighs <<insert approximate weight here>>. It can mold parts up to 54x146x24mm.

Mini-Jector-Model-55P.png


  • Heating System
  • One nozzle heater
  • Two barrel heaters
  • Hydraulic System
  • Twin injection cylinders
  • One carriage cylinder
  • Self contained hydraulic power unit features:
  • 5.4 gallon reservoir
  • 1725 RPM motor with 2 HP
  • 2.0 GPM gear pump immersed in the reservoir
  • Control System
  • Siemens PLC/HMI
  • Recipes
  • Packing Mode
  • Purge Cycle
  • Directional and control valves with plug-in connectors that control:
  • Screw speed
  • Injection speed
  • Screw back pressure read on oil filled gage
  • Manual and semi-automatic modes
  • Motor starter with thermal overloads and emergency stop button
  • Selectable de-compression feature
  • Carriage speed
  • Additional Features
  • Aluminum material hopper with shut off and dump tube
  • Moving parts covered by safety shroud
  • Heat shield on barrel
  • Greaseless bushings used in screw unit mechanism
  • Provision for cooling feed throat

Molds

The machine uses 2-part molds made from two 6" x 2 3/18" x 3/4" aluminum blocks with a 3/8" round fillet at the corners. The mold is placed in the machine jaws, which clamp the 2 parts together for each injection. Currently Maker Nexus does not have a CNC mill for producing aluminum molds, so we are working on some alternatives:

  • We are working on an aluminum frame that can be used to make a silicone mold and hold it in place in the machine.
  • Once our resin 3D printer is online, we will be able to print molds entirely in resin.

Mold Design Resources

Maintenance

Greasing Grease Fittings

For your convenience, here's what it says about greasing the grease fittings: "The machine requires very little in the way of lubrication, as the injection plate and thrust housing bushings are a composite semi-greaseless type that require lubrication once every 6 months to a year. The thrust housing has two linear bushings; one accessible from the front, one from the rear. The injection cylinder plate also has two bushings with staggered access. Use a lithium-based grease and inject only enough grease to force the old grease out. This removes any dirt accumulated in the bushings. Wipe the old grease off of the guide rods."

Training

( add link to our BOSS class document )

Tips and Tricks

  1. (things you'd want to know)

Reference Materials

Members can access all of the manufacturer's reference materials on the MN Members Drive here.