Small format reaction injection molding machines and components for use therein

A reaction injection molding machine comprising:

• a. a housing comprising an interior portion and an exterior portion;
• b. at least one reactant materials tank engagement station in operational engagement with a first reactant material tank comprising part A of an injection molding process and a second reactant material tank comprising part B of the injection molding process, wherein the first and second reactant material tanks are each, independently, configured to sealingly engage with a corresponding engagement port in operational communication with the at least one reactant materials tank engagement station, thereby providing a first reactant material fluid stream and a second reactant material fluid stream, wherein the first and second reactant material tanks are sized to fit substantially within at least some of the housing of the reaction injection molding machine, and a spring loaded latch mechanism securely engages the first or second reactant material tank with the corresponding engagement port, wherein the at least one reactant materials tank engagement station comprises a key-way for each corresponding engagement port, the key-way comprising features configured to align with corresponding features of either the first or second reactant material tank containing the appropriate first or second reactant material for that corresponding engagement port;
• c. a molding support framework comprising a first mold support plate and a second mold support plate, wherein:
• i. the first and second mold support plates are in respective operational engagement with first and second mold engagement plates;
• and
• ii. the first mold engagement plate is configured to securably engage with a first mold part, and the second mold engagement plate is configured to securably engage with a second mold part to provide an assembled mold suitable for injection molding when the first and second mold parts are sealingly engaged;
• d. an injection molding manifold in operational engagement with each of the first and second reactant material fluid streams;
• and
• e. an injection molding nozzle engagement station configurable for operational engagement of a proximal end of a mixing nozzle with the injection molding manifold and a distal end of the mixing nozzle with the assembled mold.