Multi-Material Injection Molding Apparatus and Method

A multi-material injection molding machine, comprising:

• a frame;
• a stationary platen connected to the frame and holding cores;
• a moving platen slidably connected to the frame and holding cores, the moving platen slidable towards and away from the stationary platen;
• a first injection unit for delivering first molding material;
• a second injection unit for delivering second molding material;
• a rotational distribution unit disposed between the stationary platen and the moving platen and defining first cavities on one side and second cavities on an opposite side, the first cavities for mating with cores to define first mold cavities and the second cavities for mating with cores to define second mold cavities;
• a rotational actuator supporting the rotational distribution unit for rotating the rotational distribution unit, the rotational actuator connected to the frame and slidable towards and away from the stationary platen;
• and
• a molding material delivery apparatus connected between the stationary platen and the rotational distribution unit for delivering one or more of the first molding material to the first cavities and the second molding material to the second cavities.

A method of injection molding comprising:

• providing a rotational distribution unit defining first cavities and second cavities;
• mating the first cavities with cores to define first mold cavities;
• injecting a first molding material into the first mold cavities;
• removing the first cavities from the cores, the injected first molding material remaining on the cores as intermediate products;
• rotating the rotational distribution unit;
• mating the second cavities with the cores having the intermediate products to define second mold cavities;
• injecting a second molding material into the second mold cavities to form a finished product;
• removing the second cavities from the cores;
• and
• ejecting the finished products.