Modified injection molding unit and method of delivering cooled molding material

Abstract

Injection molding units and methods of delivering a cooled molding material to portions of an injection molding unit are disclosed. An injection molding unit can comprise a barrel having a feed zone, a feeding portion configured for dispensing a molding material into the feed zone, and a cooling apparatus configured for cooling at least one of the feed zone or the feeding portion to a temperature that is selected to avoid or reduce bridging or obstruction of the molding material. The cooling apparatus can include a jacket configured to cover at least a portion of the feed zone or the feeding portion. The injection molding unit can further comprise an insulation shield. A method can comprise feeding the molding material into the feed zone and cooling the molding material prior to dispensing it into the feed zone or while it is in the feed zone.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.