Hot Runner Melt Pre-Compression

The injection molding method according to claim 2, wherein:

• the valve structure includes:
• a first valve structure configured to control a flow of the molding material through to a first injection nozzle;
• a second valve structure configured to control a flow of the molding material through to a second injection nozzle;
• wherein the injection molding method further comprises:
• positioning the first and second valve structures in one of:
• the first blocking configuration;
• the second blocking configuration;
• or
• a first portion in the first blocking configuration and a second portion in the second blocking configuration;
• during pre-pressurizing of the melt distribution network;
• positioning the first and second valve structures from the first blocking configuration to the second blocking configuration;
• positioning the first and second valve structures in the open configuration to permit flow of the pre-pressurized molding material through the first and second injection nozzles and convert a portion of the potential energy into kinetic energy;
• injecting the molding material to fill molding cavities associated with a respective one of the first and the second injection nozzle;
• positioning the first and second valve structures into the blocking configuration.

An injection molding runner system to fluidly connect an injection mold to a source of molding material, the runner system comprising:

• a melt distribution means for fluidly connecting an injection mold to a source of molding material;
• and
• a melt pre-compression means for pre-compressing the molding material within the melt distribution means;
• the melt pre-compression means including a valve means for controlling a flow of the molding material to the injection mold;
• the valve means disposed between the injection mold and the melt distribution means;
• the valve means configurable between a first blocking configuration that prevents a flow of the molding material to the injection mold, a second blocking configuration that prevents a flow of the molding material to the injection mold and provides for a pre-heating of the valve means, at least in part, and an open configuration that permits a flow of the molding material to the injection mold.

An injection molding runner system, comprising:

• a means for fluidly connecting an injection mold to a source of molding material;
• a means for pre-compressing, in use, the molding material within said means for fluidly connecting;
• the means for pre-compressing including:
• means for implementing a first blocking configuration within the means for fluidly connecting;
• means for implementing a second blocking configuration within the means for fluidly connecting;
• means for implementing an open configuration within the means for fluidly connecting.