Improvements in ultrasonic injection moulding
AssigneeMatrix Moulding Systems Limited
InventorAndrew MILES
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus (10) for improving the flow properties of injection moulding material has a flow chamber (18) that is formed in an injection moulding assembly. The flow chamber includes an ultrasonic vibration device (22), and an outlet (20) through which injection moulding material can pass from the flow chamber towards a mould tool (14, 16). The ultrasonic vibration device is arranged in the flow chamber such that injection moulding material flows along an outer wall (41) of the ultrasonic vibration device, in use.
Claims26
An apparatus for improving the flow properties of injection moulding material, the apparatus having a flow chamber that is formed in an injection moulding assembly and includes:
- an ultrasonic vibration device comprising a sonotrode, and
- an outlet through which injection moulding material can pass from the flow chamber towards a mould tool cavity;
- and wherein
- the sonotrode is at least partially arranged in the flow chamber such that injection moulding material flows along an outer wall of the sonotrode, in use.
5-7. (canceled)
10-11. (canceled)
(canceled)
15-16. (canceled)
19-23. (canceled)
An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the ultrasonic vibration device has a cap that is arranged to cover the end portion of the ultrasonic vibration device.
An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the sonotrode tip is engaged in a wall of the flow chamber.
A method of injection moulding according to claim 37 comprising the steps of:
- using the injection moulding assembly initiate a flow of molten injection moulding material through the flow chamber;
- simultaneously with flow initiation, or after the flow has been initiated, activating the ultrasonic vibration device to expose the molten injection moulding material to ultrasonic vibration.
32-35. (canceled)
A method of injection moulding comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus having a flow chamber that is formed in an injection moulding assembly and includes:
- an ultrasonic vibration device comprising a sonotrode, and
- an outlet through which injection moulding material can pass from the flow chamber towards a mould tool cavity;
- and wherein
- the sonotrode is at least partially arranged in the flow chamber;
- using the injection moulding assembly to injection mould a part, such that injection moulding material flows along an outer wall of the sonotrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.