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Plastic Troubleshooter
On-Line Solutions To Injection Molding Problems
MACHINE

Inadequate Residence Time

Explanation: Residence time is the amount of time a material must spend being exposed to heat in the barrel. The time is determined by the ability of the specific resin to absorb heat enough to be properly processed. Inadequate residence time will result in under-heated material, which causes the material to be stiff. It will cool off before the mold is packed and individual molecules will be unconstrained while they solidify. Molecules that are not constrained during cooling will shrink at differing rates throughout the part and warpage will occur.

Solution: Increase the residence time by adding time to the cooling portion of the cycle. While increased cycle time may add cost to the final product, each material requires a specific minimum amount of time to absorb heat in the barrel, and if the time is not long enough warped parts will occur.

Excessive Stress Buildup

Explanation: The injection molding process tends to build up physical stress in a molded part due to the stretching and squeezing action that takes place on the individual plastic molecules as they are heated, expanded, cooled and contracted. They must be allowed to relax and recover in a constrained position before they solidify or the stress will be locked in. It will then be released as the part cools after being ejected from the mold and warpage will occur.

Solution: Increase the barrel temperature and decrease injection pressure until the stress is minimized. It can never be eliminated but lower pressure will result in lower stress. And, higher barrel temperatures allow the use of lower injection pressures.

MOLD

Uneven Mold Temperatures

Explanation: The plastic molecules must cool and shrink evenly to resist warpage. If the mold is not cooling the plastic in a uniform manner the molecules will have varying cooling and shrinking characteristics and this will cause warpage.

Solution: Check the surfaces of the mold that are in contact with the molten plastic. Use a fast-acting pyrometer to determine if there is more than a 10 degree F difference between any two points, even between the two mold halves. A difference greater than 10 degrees F will cause too great a difference in shrink rates and warpage will occur.

Non-Uniform Ejection

Explanation: It is possible that either the ejection system of the mold or the press will not be operating properly. If the part is warm enough and the ejection force is not even and exactly perpendicular to the part, stresses will be set up in the part as it tries to resist the ejection activity. These stresses will cause warpage of the part as it cools after being ejected.

Solution: Inspect and adjust the ejection system(s) as required. Make sure all adjusting devices are locked down to eliminate slipping, and that all components are properly lubricated. It may be necessary to use a guided ejection system that utilizes leader pins and bushings to keep the system in line and even.

MATERIAL

Improper Flow Rate

Explanation: Resin manufacturers supply specific formulations in a range of standard flow rates. Thin-walled products may require an easy flow material while thick-walled products can use a material that is stiffer. It is better to use as stiff a flow as possible because that improves physical properties of the molded part. But the stiff material will be more difficult to push and this may result in the material solidifying before full packing takes place. The molecules will be left to shrink at different rates and warpage will occur.

Solution: Utilize a material that has the stiffest flow possible without causing warpage. Contact the material supplier for help in deciding which flow rate should be used for a specific application.

OPERATOR

Inconsistent Process Cycle

Explanation: The machine operator may be opening the gate too soon, thereby effectively shortening the overall cycle time. This would cause the part to be ejected before the skin has formed properly and excessive, uncontrolled shrinkage may occur. The varying shrinkage rates will cause warpage.

Solution: If possible, run the machine on the automatic cycle, using the operator only to interrupt the cycle if an emergency occurs. Use a robot if an ``operator'' is necessary. In addition, instruct all employees on the importance of maintaining consistent cycles.

WARPAGE


 

Warpage can be defined as a dimensional distortion in a molded product after it is ejected from the mold at the end of the injection molding process. Warpage is sometimes called ``potato-chipping'' because the part tends to appear wavy.

 

Some common causes and solutions are listed below.

 

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NOTE: For more detailed information on the causes and solutions of this defect, you can find it in our BOOK, or ONLINE SEMINAR.